"Good to Great: Implementing Tier 1 Practices to Ensure Every Student is Known Every Day"
July 17, 2025 at James Lawson High School
The 2024 Music City SEL Conference, a cornerstone event for educators and professionals in the field of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), took place on July 18, 2024, at James Lawson High School. This year’s conference was a resounding success, drawing more than 400 attendees from Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) personnel and contractors.
The event featured an inspiring keynote address from Patrick Briggs, a distinguished representative from AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Briggs’s speech, filled with insights and actionable strategies, resonated deeply with the audience. His emphasis on the crucial role of SEL in fostering student success and resilience set an empowering tone for the day’s sessions.
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the 2024 SEL Awards. These awards recognized outstanding contributions to SEL within the MNPS community. The award winners, celebrated for their dedication and innovative practices, include:
Level Up Award Community Partner winner = Dollar General Pencil Box
Level Up Award Department winner = Pre-K Department
Level Up Award High School winner = Whites Creek High School
Level Up Award Middle School winner = John Early Middle School
Level Up Award Elementary School winner = Gower Elementary School
Level Up Award Non-Traditional School winner = Nashville School of the Arts
Navigator Award High School winner = Antioch High School
Navigator Award Middle School winner = Wright Middle School
Navigator Award Elementary School winner = John B. Whitsitt Elementary
Navigator Award Non-Traditional School winner = MNPS Virtual School
Throughout the day, attendees participated in a variety of workshops and breakout sessions, all aimed at enhancing SEL implementation across the district. The diverse range of topics ensured that there was something valuable for everyone, from teachers and administrators to counselors and support staff.
The 2024 Music City SEL Conference not only celebrated the achievements of the past year but also paved the way for continued growth and collaboration in the realm of social and emotional learning. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by all participants underscored the importance of SEL in creating nurturing and effective educational environments.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the time and talent of expert session presenters from both MNPS and the community, generous sponsors and exhibitors, and all of the dedicated volunteers from MNPS SEL Department, MNPS Support Hub and multiple community partners. Sponsors for the 2024 Music City SEL Conference include:
As we look ahead, the insights and connections made at this year’s conference will undoubtedly drive positive change and support the holistic development of our students. Thank you to all who attended and contributed to making this event a remarkable success.