Social and emotional learning (SEL) refers to the building of skills needed to recognize and manage emotions, make responsible decisions, and establish and maintain positive relationships. The events of 2020 including the abrupt closure of schools, the quarantine due to the pandemic, and racial unrest have caused a myriad of psychological issues educators must begin to address as school reopens. Despite the need to tackle academic gaps caused by the long absence from school, SEL must be considered as a foundation for learning.