Ep. 23 - Building Better Schools and Beyond: David Adams on SEL, Equity, and the Future of Public Education

In this episode of the CivilTalk Podcast, we welcomes David Adams, a national leader in education reform, social-emotional learning (SEL), and equity initiatives in public schools.

David currently serves as CEO of The Urban Assembly, a nonprofit organization that creates and supports public schools designed around innovative approaches to student growth, particularly through the integration of SEL into everyday classroom culture. His work has helped transform how schools embed emotional development into academics, creating better outcomes for students across New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and beyond.

David’s leadership journey includes developing the Resilient Scholars Program, co-authoring The Educator’s Practical Guide to Emotional Intelligence, and serving on the board of CASEL — the leading national organization advancing SEL.

In this conversation, we explore:
✔️ How SEL can be deeply integrated into school systems — not treated as a side program
✔️ Why emotional development is critical to academic success and student well-being
✔️ Strategies for embedding equity into the core of education reform
✔️ How public schools can innovate despite systemic challenges like underfunding
✔️ Why supporting the emotional growth of both students and educators is crucial for long-term change
✔️ What the future of public education looks like in a world of increasing technology, AI, and remote learning

David also shares real-world examples, success stories, and actionable advice for educators, school leaders, and anyone passionate about shaping a more just and emotionally supportive education system.

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