The Harmony Curriculum Summer Implementation Guide is your map for implementing the three main elements of Harmony Curriculum Everyday Practices—Harmony Goals, Meet Up, and Buddy Up—as well as the mini lessons. 

The turnkey lessons provide step-by-step instructions and scripting to easily incorporate healthy learning into your summer school curriculum, allowing you to build harmonious relationships and an inclusive classroom community.

Why Use Harmony This Summer?

• Foster Belonging: Build community with students from day one using relationship-focused practices.
• Promote Collaboration: Help students work better together through structured, engaging peer interactions.
• Support Educator Wellness: Join our June and July live online training sessions for teacher self-care and well-being.

Explore the Free Lessons Here: 

Contact Harmony@nu.edu with any questions.

While there is great thought and effort dedicated to developing impactful Social, Emotional, and Academic Development (SEAD) programs for schools and classrooms, implementation deserves the same level of attention. On this engaging webinar hosted by the U.S. Department of Education, join researchers at Harmony, CASEL, and Circle Up as they explore the new research that shows systemic SEAD implementation positively impacts multiple aspects of students’ school experiences. Hear examples of how schools across multiple districts are deepening their SEAD integration in academics with the support of the Education and Innovation Research Grants and national leaders. 

Viewers will come away with: 

• A clear and in-depth understanding of the nature of systemizing SEAD implementation in schools and districts 
• School district examples where they have achieved deeper implementation while working with Harmony and the EIR grant 

Featured on the webinar:

Dr. Nick Yoder
Associate Vice President, Harmony Academy at National University 

Dr. Ally Skoog-Hoffman
Senior Director of Research and Learning, CASEL 

Dr. Jess Gropen
Project Director, Circle Up

Clark County School District reduced chronic absenteeism by an impressive 9% in just one year. Using the Harmony Curriculum, they’ve fostered belonging and built life skills among students. Harmony Educator and Leader Certificate Programs are empowering thousands of CCSD educators. And district family engagement centers, enriched with Harmony at Home resources, link families to students’ learning. Together, Harmony Academy and CCSD are creating a culture of connection and success. Explore how they’re making it happen!

We invite you to download our white paper today with the latest research about chronic absenteeism shared by Dr. Fisher, Dr. Yoder, Dr. Milliron, and Denise Diaz.

Fostering Harmony and Belonging as a Solution to Chronic Absenteeism 
co-authored by Dr. Fisher, Dr. Milliron, Dr. Yoder and Denise Diaz

We invite school and district leaders to hear strategies from leading researchers and practitioners on increasing a sense of belonging and supporting thriving, healthy classrooms as a solution to address chronic absenteeism. Join us in celebrating the success of Clark County School District, where they have helped reduce chronic absenteeism in their district by focusing on building connections with families, students, and educators. School and district leaders will leave this webinar with practical strategies they can implement tomorrow!

During the on-demand webinar, viewers will:

• Explore the research around the key factors that increase student sense of belonging in schools and help reduce chronic absenteeism.

• Discover key strategies that have supported Clark County School District that build engagement and connection. 

• Get a sneak peek of Harmony Plus where these new resources are supporting teachers as they develop the skillset needed to continue to build healthy relationships, while inspiring the joy of learning in classrooms.

Watch On-Demand

Meet Our Contributors:

Dr. Douglas Fisher, Education Researcher & Award-winning Author

Dr. Fisher is a professor of educational leadership at San Diego State University. He is also a teacher leader at Health Sciences High & Middle College (HSHMC), an award-winning, open-enrollment public school in San Diego which he co-founded in 2007. Dr. Fisher’s areas of interest include instructional design, curriculum development, and professional learning. He has published over 250 books, chapters, and articles focused on school improvement and entered the Reading Hall of Fame in 2022.

Ms. Denise Diaz, Executive Director, Engagement Unit, Clark County School District

With a remarkable 26-year tenure serving CCSD families, Ms. Diaz has a rich background in education, dedicating 16 years to the classroom. Over the course of her career, her deep-seated passion for engaging families became increasingly apparent.  Ms. Diaz is committed to equipping schools with research-based practices and programs aimed at engaging families and making a positive impact on student achievement.

Dr. Mark D. Milliron, President & CEO, National University

Dr. Milliron, an award-winning leader, author, speaker, and consultant, serves as the President & CEO of National University, one of the largest private, nonprofit universities in the United States. Dr. Milliron helps catalyze positive change in education through his service on the boards and advisory councils of leading-edge education organizations. 

Dr. Nick Yoder, AVP, Center for Whole Human Education & Research, Harmony Academy

Dr. Yoder leads and manages the team that supports four core areas: research, policy, content, and professional learning—each with an equity lens. With a career in education spanning two decades, Dr. Yoder’s expertise in integrating social, emotional, and academic development into educational policy and practice has been pivotal.  Prior to Harmony, Dr. Yoder was the Director of Policy and Practice at the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL).

Ready to Level Up with Harmony Plus & Bring New Resources to Your District?

We invite district administrators, school leaders, and educators to tap into new administrator tools and classroom resources that support healthy learning environments and promote a culture of belonging in your schools.

Back to School is such an exciting time of year! We know you’re preparing to greet and welcome your students in new learning environments, and our Harmony Educator Advisory Group has some advice and words of encouragement to support you along the way. From classroom prep to must-use Harmony resources, these tips will help you build strong, healthy relationships that last throughout the school year. 

Aimee Gallant

1st Grade Teacher
Hopewell, VA

My Best Educator Tip for Back to School

My Best Educator Tip for Back to School Prior to school starting, I send my students a postcard introducing myself. It is my goal to start the year by making my students feel at home and loved.

Prepare Your Classroom

Spend setting up your classroom for your students. It is essential to have a classroom that is inviting and welcoming to both students and parents. Preparing your classroom includes taking the time that you need to organize materials and your classroom in a way that is most helpful for you and your students.

Build Relationships

During the first week of school, get to know your students. You can use the Harmony Get to Know Me Cards to help facilitate this activity. Send out a Home-to-School Connection letter to help engage with families. Share information about the Harmony program with parents in your Back-to-School Night presentation.

Establish Procedures

It is important to establish procedures, routines, and expectations from the first day of school. Harmony Professional Learning provides a great series of modules that educators can watch on-demand about setting up and establishing procedures in their classroom. I will spend the first 20 days reviewing procedures daily. Practice, practice, practice!

You can build successful relationships in your classroom this school year using Harmony.  

Meet Aimee

Melissa Mule

5th Grade Teacher
Lyndhurst, New Jersey

My Best Educator Tip for Back to School

Before school starts, I send out a welcome email to parents and students. Since my students are in Google Classroom, I also send invites 2–3 weeks before school starts. I often send a message via Google classroom to greet them.

Get Your Classroom Harmony Ready

• Create a Welcoming and Organized Classroom Environment: I label all items and materials. This helps me to develop a routine for my students. Once they have the routine, they are free to pick up materials around the room.  
• Visual Aides: Posters and charts are displayed throughout my room to reinforce concepts like empathy, teamwork, and problem solving.  
• Develop A Daily Routine Plan: I create an action plan for Meet Up and Buddy Up activities into my daily routine. I infuse these into our Language Arts lesson after the first full week of school.   

Key Focus Areas for the Start of the Year

• Clearly communicate your expectations for behavior and participation
• Get to know your students and build healthy relationships
• Develop consistent routines
• Spark student involvement and student interest
• Use positive reinforcement
• Make activities interactive
• Give time to reflect
• Celebrate success!

Meet Melissa

Anderson Manuel

1st Grade Teacher
Sudbury, Massachusetts

My Best Educator Tip for Back to School

The first week of school is a whirlwind of emotions and expectations. It’s crucial to set the stage for a positive, nurturing learning environment.

Here’s how to make it unforgettable:

Prepare Your Space

A welcoming classroom is essential. Spend a few days before school starts to transform your room into a vibrant and inviting space. Create engaging bulletin boards that preview your upcoming units. Organize materials efficiently to maximize your time.

Overplan and Prepare

Teaching is an art, not a science. Overplan your lessons to ensure you have backup activities. Practice your routines and transitions. The more prepared you are, the smoother the first week will flow.

Build Strong Connections

Harmony’s Building Community Pre-Unit is a fantastic starting point. Use Quick Connection Cards to initiate meaningful conversations and to foster a sense of belonging. Remember, relationships are the foundation of effective teaching.

Welcome Your Students

Send a personalized welcome video and letter that introduces yourself and your classroom. Share your excitement about the upcoming year and highlight how Harmony will enrich their learning experience. A handwritten welcome note on each student’s desk adds a personal touch.

Embrace the Journey

The first day of school can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. By prioritizing student well-being, creating a positive classroom environment, and utilizing the power of Harmony, you will lay a strong foundation for a successful school year. Remember, every child deserves a teacher who believes in them. You’ve got this!

Meet Anderson

Jessica Martinez

5th Grade Teacher
El Cajon, California

My Best Educator Tip for Back to School

Remember to take a breath. You’ve got this!

Plan and Prepare

You can never be too prepared. Decide what you want your kids to see when they walk in the room. What environment do you want to create? How do you see yourself teaching in your classroom? Is there flexible seating? Is there relationship building? Kids will see that you are focused on them and their success for the year. Curriculum will come as you assess students, but be sure to focus on creating a safe space in your class routines and environment. Add a bit of academics each week and you will be helping the whole child in your room.

Relationships Relationships Relationships

If you have not heard it enough, the relationships you build with your students the first few weeks of school can continue well past the school year. Harmony is very useful in creating the class culture you would like. As you work through the first section of activities and create your Class Harmony Goals, focus on students’ backgrounds, hopes, dreams, and how they like to learn and interact. You will be on your way to understanding the community you serve. The team and family focus created by Harmony with Quick Connection Cards and using Buddy Up resources will allow students to find a safe space to learn and grow. They won’t know everything right away — neither will you. Be patient and take your time to build the relationship skills that will last a lifetime.

Share Your Success

We all hear about the teacher that “doesn’t smile before Thanksgiving.” Don’t be that teacher! Share your mistakes and your triumphs with your students, and help them to share theirs with each other. Enjoy the amazing accomplishments that happen in the classroom with all students. heer each other on in the Harmony morning circle to help kids understand that we are all going through similar emotions and we show them very differently.

Invite Parents

Please take the time to get to know your parents. They are your students’ first teachers. Bring them in! At a Back-to-School Night, have a quick Harmony Circle and invite the parents to share their hopes and dreams for their kids. They want what is best for them! Parents are a partner in their education, so treat them as such.

Good luck this year and enjoy a job where you get to learn and grow every day!

Meet Jessica

Olivia Leone

5th Grade Teacher
Millburn, New Jersey

My Best Educator Tip for Back to School

When returning to school, it is the time to reflect on the previous year and think back to all the great things you did as an educator. Make a list of what you want to continue doing and think of areas that you can strengthen.

Family Connection

Making time to speak to parents and families in the first month of school is critical! One tip for returning to school is taking the time to call parents for a 1–2 minute phone conversation. Taking the time to build a school-to-home connection will make for a more successful school year. Invite parents for an event, such as Back-to-School Night, and include information about Harmony Academy so they could be aware of how their child is learning how to build healthy relationships. Include the Home Letter from Harmony and modify it for your parents and community.

Every Day, Every Student

Harmony lessons should be incorporated into everyday activities. Creating classroom community and connections is important to focus on in the beginning weeks of school. Use the Harmony Everyday Practices to help drive your classroom routines and procedures. Include the language that the lessons incorporate to keep it consistent for all students. Remember, consistency is key and Harmony has the vocabulary that is imperative for healthy learning! 

Z Makes a Difference!

Z is not just a stuffed animal — Z represents so much more. In addition to the Storybooks where the character Z shares his adventures, Z can be used as an object for “one person talking at a time.” Z represents all of the healthy learning competencies and allows students to relate the stories to real-life situations.

Meet Olivia

George Villarreal

6th–8th Grade Teacher
San Antonio, Texas

My Best Educator Tip for Back to School

Best practices include creating a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable and can develop skill sets to promote both academic and non-academic successes.

Reflect, Prepare, and Deliver!

From novice to veteran teachers, considering what’s best for students is essential.

Reflect

When setting up your classroom, ask yourself:

• How do I want my classroom to feel?
• What type of classroom would I want my son or daughter to be in?

Prepare

Set up this environment by understanding learning differences, cultural differences, and embracing differences to promote positivity within the classroom and beyond.

Deliver

Maintain a positive attitude as you reflect on your delivery. Ask yourself: How can I be different and better at promoting positivity in my classroom?

Finally, deliver this plan using Harmony resources, such as, the pre-unit Building Community and the Harmony 6th grade unit Valuing Each Other. Executing this plan should include visiting and revisiting tools to create safe learning environments where students discover skills that enhance their academic and personal lives. 

Be the difference maker for your students, their families, and school community. Wishing you the best of luck this school year!

Meet George

Alejandro Diasgranados of Aiton Elementary School in Washington, D.C. selected from more than 51 state winners as 2020 National University Teacher Award winner  

Today, the National University Teacher Award (NUTA) announced that Alejandro Diasgranados, a fourth and fifth grade teacher at Aiton Elementary School in Washington, D.C., is the nation’s top inspiring teacher for 2020.

Mr. Diasgranados was selected from more than 51 state winners and will receive a check for $50,000 and is eligible for a full scholarship for National University’s Master’s Degree Program in Social and Emotional Learning or a doctoral degree in Education from National University, City University of Seattle, or Northcentral University (All universities in the National University System). The surprise announcement was made today by Dr. Michael Cunningham, Chancellor of the National University System on the nationally syndicated Drew Barrymore Show.

Video of Mr. Diasgranados winning the award on the Drew Barrymore Show can be found here.

During a challenging school year that saw students learning remotely for almost a year, the nation’s teachers — including Mr. Diasgranados — have had to scramble to ensure that their students have remained focused, motivated, and inspired.    

“Inspiring teaching is critical to the well–being and the advancement of students reaching their full potential, especially as we recover from a year of isolation and disruption,” said Dr. Michael R. Cunningham, Chancellor of the San Diego-based, National University System (NUS), which is home to the Sanford College of Education, a top 10 producer of master’s degrees in education nationwide. “Mr. Diasgranados represents everything the award stands for — a passion for teaching and a commitment to do everything they can to help children grow academically, socially, and emotionally.” 

Mr. Diasgranados stays in constant communication with his students, which he found even more important than ever with the shift to remote learning and during a period of social and political unrest in the city.

“My students are like family to me. I have been able to stay connected to my students, even throughout this pandemic,” said Mr. Diasgranados. “It is so important to listen to what students have to say. We want to amplify students’ voices and provide a comfortable environment where they can share whatever emotions they have to share… Their excitement and passion is my inspiration.”

Influenced by an inspirational teacher when he was growing up, Mr. Diasgranados seeks to remove all barriers to his students’ success. Recognizing that students were being bullied or were not coming to school because they did not have clean clothes, he wrote to the Washington Football Team to set up a laundry facility for the community in the school. Recognizing that the school, in the Deanwood neighborhood of D.C., was in a food desert where students did not have healthy food options, he established a partnership with a local nonprofit that provides healthy cooking lessons each month to four grades throughout the school.

As he worked to earn a master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University, Mr. Diasgranados included all of his students in the process, teaching them all about college, its culture, and how to apply. For his graduation day, he and his students raised money to rent a bus to Baltimore so that all 40 students were present as he walked across the stage.

Created by the national, nonprofit National University System, the award recognizes teachers around the country who exemplify what it means to fully engage students, build confidence, create inclusive learning environments, motivate students to succeed, and give students a voice in their classroom.

In June 2020, the awards program selected one teacher from every state and the District of Columbia as National University Teacher Award winners for their states. Each award recipient received a check for $10,000, which they could use in any way they wanted.

Applications for the 2021 National University Teacher Award are available now from NUTeacherAward.org.

Next year, the national award winner will be selected from five regional finalists.

About The National University System

The National University System (NUS) is a network of accredited nonprofit education institutions serving a diverse population of students including pre-K-12 students and working professionals. NUS higher-education institutions serve more than 45,000 students through National University, Northcentral University, and City University of Seattle. NUS education-focused initiatives include Workforce Education Solutions, Harmony SEL, Inspire Teaching & Learning, and Fundraising Academy Cause Selling Education. Learn more at nusystem.org.

About Inspire Teaching and Learning and Harmony SEL

The National University System is a leader in social and emotional learning, leading a national expansion of affiliate programs in the pre-K-12 sector. These programs include Inspire Teaching & Learning, which offers research-based teaching methodologies and on-demand, self-guided modules that are accessible online and at no cost to help teachers create inspiring learning environments and encourage students to succeed. Harmony SEL is a pre-K-6 research-based social and emotional learning program that cultivates strong peer relationships between all students. Harmony SEL has been recognized by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) as a quality program.