Strengthening Quality Education Through Social and Emotional Learning in Serbia
In education systems worldwide, quality is increasingly defined not only by what children know but by who they become. Recognizing that nurturing emotional intelligence, empathy, and character is foundational to learning, Childhood Education International (CE International) led the Social and Emotional Character Development in Serbian Primary Schools program—an initiative that strengthened teacher capacity, enhanced classroom quality, and fostered more inclusive school environments.
With the support of the John Templeton Foundation, CE International—through its global expertise in professional learning and quality assurance—enabled the Center for Interactive Pedagogy (CIP) in Belgrade to implement a national model for advancing social and emotional learning (SEL) and character development (SECD). Grounded in evidence-based practice and research, the program helped primary school educators translate SEL principles into daily teaching, culture-building, and student engagement.
The global evidence behind SEL is compelling: a 2023 meta-analysis found that students participating in well-designed SEL programs demonstrated 11 percentile gains in academic achievement, along with measurable improvements in well-being and social cohesion (CASEL, 2023). The OECD’s 2024 report further underscored that social-emotional competencies are key to reducing inequities and supporting inclusive education systems (OECD, 2024).
Program Overview
CE International designed and implemented a training and quality-improvement series across five Serbian primary schools, combining interactive professional learning with evidence-based SEL/SECD frameworks. Educators explored new approaches to embed self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation, relationship-building, and critical thinking into both curriculum and school culture. Through communities of practice and participatory research with the University of Belgrade, teachers refined their strategies, shared lessons, and built a collaborative movement for sustained quality improvement.
Impact and Results
Educators across five schools reported significant growth in confidence and classroom climate. Seventy-four percent of participants reported actively using SECD tools and activities introduced through the program, while 60 percent of those in communities of practice expressed strong interest in continuing their collaboration. The Serbian Ministry of Education accredited three modules from the training series—affirming SEL/SECD as a national priority and enabling more teachers to access accredited professional learning in this area.
131
Participants from 5 schools completed the training series
62
Educators established & joined Communities of Practice
2500
+
Children impacted by the program
[The trainers] helped us see ourselves and our children more realistically… I am convinced that the skills acquired here can really change people for the better.
The knowledge and skills I've gained over the past two years have allowed me to implement these concepts effectively in all the classes and seminars I have attended. The feedback from the children after each workshop has been positive and helpful, motivating me to continue working and learning... For me, the greatest experience was the workshops with parents in my class, which were highly engaging. Communication and relationships with them became closer, more understanding, and more respectful. My plan is to continue implementing SEL in all future school activities.
Mirjana, Program Participant
A Model for Quality and Inclusion
Through this initiative, CE International demonstrated how professional learning and quality assurance frameworks can elevate teaching practice and student well-being. By empowering educators to cultivate the emotional and ethical dimensions of learning, CE International is helping systems worldwide redefine what quality education means—ensuring every classroom becomes a space of belonging, resilience, and possibility.
Access Resources Developed During the Program
Three modules from the training series have been accredited by the Serbia Ministry of Education, which has identified SECD in schools as an issue of national importance. This designation will help more educators access SECD professional development resources, building capacity to provide social-emotional learning in more schools in Serbia.
A set of Guidelines for SECD/SEL in Schools and a Resource Compendium of SECD/SEL resources and information were also developed during the program. To access these materials in Serbian and English, click below.
