This dissertation presents a phenomenological qualitative study that examines the lived experiences of six Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Directors representing county, urban, and suburban school districts. The study aims to explore the perspectives, challenges, and strategies of SEL Directors in implementing SEL programs district-wide. The study gathered rich data from the six SEL Directors through in-depth qualitative interviews, enabling a comprehensive examination of their experiences. The findings of this research contribute to the generalizability of the study for the field of SEL. They underscore the complex nature of the SEL Director role, revealing commonalities and unique challenges across different school districts. Participants demonstrated unwavering dedication and passion for fostering social and emotional skill development among students and staff. However, they also faced common obstacles, such as limited resources, SEL and Academic integration, resistance to change, and the need to balance competing priorities. Additionally, the study uncovers the significant role of SEL Directors in planning for district-wide coherence and alignment of SEL implementation. By amplifying the voices of SEL Directors, this research provides valuable insights and contributes to the ongoing discourse on SEL implementation. It seeks to support the continuous improvement of SEL programs and enhance adults' and students' social and emotional skills across diverse educational settings. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
