An experienced educator and school administrator, Suzana Ustabecir operates as an instructional effectiveness specialist for Chicago Public Schools. Suzana Ustabecir came to this role after serving in the same district for seven years as a principal, in which capacity she oversaw grant funding and the introduction of the Second Step program.
Second Step is a social and emotional learning (SEL) program with options for children in pre-kindergarten through middle school. The middle school program uses research into the developmental stages of middle school-aged children and is based on field-testing with middle schoolers across the country that helped make the program as relevant as possible.
The resultant fully redesigned curriculum inspires discussion and presents possible solutions for situations that today’s middle schoolers face on and off campus. The information is presented through interactive media to engage students and includes videos of real middle school students who discuss issues to which their peers can relate.
Each Second Step lesson is approximately 25 minutes in length and fits into one of four units. These include Mindsets and Goals, Values and Friendships, Serious Peer Conflicts, and Thoughts, Emotions, and Decisions. The content of each unit is specific to sixth, seventh, or eighth grade and includes topics that range from dealing with strong emotions and maintaining a calm demeanor to navigating changing relationships and strengthening friendships.
