FAQs
Harmony SEL and Inspire Merge
Why are Harmony SEL and Inspire now Harmony Academy?
Now backed by National University’s Whole Human Education, Harmony’s existing user base of teachers and educators have increased access to gain new skills without the commitment of extended degree courses, and instead choose self-paced, on-demand professional modules designed to equip learners for the changing demands of the modern workforce.
What is the difference between Harmony SEL and Harmony Academy?
We’re still the same Harmony you know and love, just enhanced. Harmony Academy has two branches of product offerings:
- Harmony Curriculum provides the Whole Educator with on-demand, comprehensive classroom resources that support healthy relationships. Resources are designed to equip educators and encourage young minds to become enthusiastic, engaged learners and peers, supporting whole-child development..
- Harmony Professional Learning develops inspirational leaders and supports the Whole Educator to build instructional practices and healthy relationships in the classroom. Our portal provides access to no-cost educator professional learning modules. We also present monthly webinars led by inspirational educators and thought leaders who share social emotional learning strategies (SEL) and effective practices that can be brought to life in schools and organizations around the world.
Is there a charge to be a part of Harmony Academy?
Harmony Academy which now includes the Harmony curriculum and Inspire modules will continue to be available at no cost! You are automatically part of the Academy and the digital resources we provide with your current Harmony or Inspire credentials.
Do I need to be a student at National University to access Harmony Academy content or do I need to attend a NU course to continue to use Harmony Academy content?
No, there are no requirements to be a National University student and there are no required courses. In the future, there will be exciting new pathways to other National University programs. More to come in 2024.
How do I access the HarmonySEL content I used before?
You will log in with the same login credentials as you have always done at HarmonySEL.org and you will be able to access the same great Harmony content. Bookmarks and links to our old homepage will redirect to our new page, but please update your saved bookmarks.
How do I access the Inspire modules I used before?
You will log in with the same login credentials as you have always done at InspireSEL.org and you will be able to access the same great Inspire content. Bookmarks and links to our old homepage will redirect to our new page, but please update your saved bookmarks.
Do I need to re-register or sign up as a new user to be a part of Harmony Academy?
As a current Harmony or Inspire user, you are now a part of Harmony Academy and no additional steps are needed.
If you are a new user, you can sign up for a free account at Harmony-Academy.org.
How do I update my email or reset my password?
Please reach out to Harmony@nu.edu and we will be happy to assist with these requests or any other questions you may have!
General
Is Harmony really offered at no cost?
All of our digital resources are available at no-cost to educators, after-school programs, youth organizations, or participating university collaboratives.
Does the entire school need to implement Harmony?
While it is advantageous to use Harmony strategies, lessons, and activities schoolwide, you may wish to implement by one or two grade levels first, and then roll out the program to other grades later.
I have a large class and my day is already full. How do I find the time to use Harmony in my classroom?
You can implement Harmony strategies, lessons, and activities in as little as 10-20 minutes a day. Our Account Executives can help you develop strategies for integrating Harmony into your schedule and current classroom curriculum.
Is Harmony an anti-bullying program?
Harmony is designed to build healthy relationships among students by engaging them in lessons and activities that promote empathy, understanding, and respect. These effective practices build supportive relationships that ultimately help prevent bullying.
The school year is halfway over—can I still start Harmony in my classroom?
Yes! Our live and on-demand training options can be used to implement Harmony at any time during the school year.
Does Harmony training count towards my professional development credit?
Each school district and youth organization has different requirements for professional development credits. Be sure to consult your district or organization for further information.
How do I ensure that our parents and families understand why we have chosen to implement Harmony?
The Harmony Online Learning Portal provides ready-to-share communications for your families. There is a welcome letter on the dashboard that explains the program in full. In every unit, the Home-School Connections section includes a family letter describing what students will be learning in class, as well as a Home Activities document with ideas families can use to extend the learning outside school.
How do teachers and staff become trained to implement Harmony?
There are several avenues to training. Some teachers get started by signing up for our live training webinars, while others prefer our on-demand video modules. In addition, some schools leverage live online group training sessions to onboard teachers.
How can we get started with Harmony right away?
Contact Harmony@nu.edu today! Our Account Executives will then set up a call to discuss next steps for your district or organization to become a partner!
Is Harmony appropriate for after-school programs?
Yes! Many schools and organizations have chosen Harmony for youth and after-school programs, as it’s a fun and engaging way to build teamwork, friendships, and positive communication outside of the regular school day.
How can I use Harmony with my special education students?
There are a variety of ways to implement the lessons and activities that match student needs. The Meet Up and Buddy Up strategies, as well as the lessons and activities, are wonderful for building inclusive classroom relationships and can be adapted for use with all students.
My 6th grade students have no previous experience with Harmony. Is it too late to introduce the program to my classroom?
Not at all. While the ideal situation would be to start at Pre-K or kindergarten, Harmony is designed so that students can quickly grasp the concepts and benefit from the lessons and activities at every grade level.
Is the Harmony program appropriate for Head Start programs?
Harmony has been implemented in numerous Head Start classrooms across the country. Harmony uses stories, games, songs, and a variety of appropriate lessons to foster an environment of acceptance and inclusion that celebrates strengths and differences. Activities help students develop self-confidence, control, and respect for the feelings and rights of others.
We’re interested in introducing our students to Restorative Practices. How does Harmony support this?
Educators applaud Harmony as an excellent entry to restorative practices, as both share the common goal of supporting the safety, well-being, and success of all students by developing, building, and maintaining healthy relationships.
Does Harmony align with CASEL?
Yes. The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)—the clearinghouse for advancing social-emotional learning—has recognized Harmony as a CASEL SELect program for excellence in supporting SEL in schools and districts nationwide.
Can I access the Harmony Online Learning Portal from both computer and phone?
Yes. The Harmony Online Learning Portal provides support whether you are on the go or in the classroom. It is available for your computer and works on iOS and Android phones and tablets.