Peace Learning Circles
Peace Learning Center’s Social Emotional Learning Framework
The foundation of our framework was first built nearly five decades ago by a woman named Jeanne Gibbs. Essential elements of Jeanne’s work- a focus on inclusion, belonging, and collaborative learning- have survived the test of time. In many ways, what she built redefines the role of social emotional learning for all who engage with it. Instead of rigid, scripted lessons, the PLC process acts as a catalyst for systemic change. Its holistic, responsive nature is exactly why so many hundreds of people have enthusiastically adopted the process over the years.
From the moment that Peace Learning Center became the new home for Jeanne’s work, our team knew that we wanted to build from those strong foundations. We wanted to keep the heart of the process true while reimaging other aspects to meet the needs of 21st-century learners, educators, and community members. One of the earliest changes to the process came in February 2021, when Tribes became Peace Learning Circles. However, the name change was only a preview of many other important changes to come.
This revitalized framework more intentionally centers equity and inclusion, provides greater implementation guidance for educators and administrators, and offers multiple opportunities for people of all ages to gain greater social emotional competency.
