As Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) expands the 7 Mindsets social-emotional learning (SEL) program district-wide, senior leaders are reflecting on lessons learned from the 15 pilot schools that began implementing the program in September 2025. Designed to support students’ confidence, self-awareness, and relationships alongside academic learning, the program was tested across elementary, middle, and high school campuses. Now, as MSCS moves toward full implementation, educators from those pilot schools say early signs of impact are already visible: students are more engaged, more confident, and more willing to share their voices.
At Hanley Elementary, counselor Leatryce J. Edwards-Stanley said the program was introduced to staff during weekly meetings and later integrated into the school’s routine through “Magnificent Mindset Fridays” during the social-emotional learning block. “The students really enjoy the lessons and are always actively participating in the activities,” Edwards-Stanley said. She noted changes in how students interact with peers and engage during instruction. “Some students’ levels of confidence have increased simply from being heard,” she said. “When students understand themselves, they make better choices.”
“Students are saying that they can’t wait until the next lesson,” said Cassandra Broome, a teacher at Craigmont Middle School, describing the response to the 7 Mindsets lessons implemented every Friday. Broome said teachers have also been moved by student reflections and discussions. She pointed to one of the most encouraging shifts: increased classroom contributions from students who are typically quiet. “Students that never voluntarily participate were actively engaged and volunteered to respond,” she said. Broome credited strong staff support for helping the program take root and said she is excited to see students “blossoming and gaining confidence” as the initiative continues.
Rather than starting from scratch, Raleigh-Egypt High School built on existing social-emotional learning (SEL) structures to introduce 7 Mindsets. Vice Principal Kevin S. Conley supported teachers by sharing weekly topics, creating tutorial resources, and conducting classroom drop-ins. While implementation hasn’t been perfect, Conley said progress has been steady. “Engagement has risen with teachers being held accountable for implementation, and student conversations have been positive and vulnerable in the classroom,” he said, adding that early planning and collaboration with the school’s SEL team helped build momentum.
Across elementary, middle, and high school classrooms, educators say the 7 Mindsets program is helping balance academic priorities with students’ social and emotional growth. “There is a constant push related to academics,” Edwards-Stanley said, “but we also need to make sure all scholars are well-equipped and developed socially and emotionally.”
That balance is central to the district’s vision for the program, according to Dr. Lori M. Phillips, Director of Social-Emotional Learning for Memphis-Shelby County Schools, who said the impact of 7 Mindsets extends far beyond individual lessons.
“7 Mindsets is equipping our students with more than academic tools—it is shaping how they respond to challenges, believe in themselves, and persevere long after they leave our classrooms. This approach promotes purpose-driven learning both academically and socially, and its impact is reciprocated across our schools—strengthening teachers, staff, administrators, families, and ultimately our communities. As we lift one another, we deepen our connection and reaffirm the power of learning rooted in purpose,” Phillips said.
As the program goes district-wide, these early reflections underscore the power of intentional SEL instruction and the impact it can have when students feel seen, supported, and inspired to understand themselves in new ways. With lessons learned from the pilot schools guiding the rollout, MSCS is positioned to deepen this work across classrooms, ensuring that SEL remains a meaningful part of every student’s educational experience.