Diane Rodriguez is the principal of West Town Academy.  She is school leader who puts students first.  Recognizing that student voice is pivotal in building a positive school environment, she places an emphasis on building school wide social emotional practices. She has worked to provide direct support to students and helps them develop crucial skills needed to experience not only academic success but also life success.   She applies the same focus to her team by implementing adult SEL practices that are carried into the classroom.  Integrating SEL practices into lessons, providing professional development opportunities and using a trauma sensitive and restorative approach to discipline are all part of the work that the West Town team collectively engages in. She has worked as a dean of students and also as a school leader of West Town Academy where she has served as Assistant Principal and currently as Principal.  Under her tenure as Principal, West Town Academy was recognized as an Exemplary Supportive School by CPS.   Ms. Rodriguez has a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Science and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership.     In this workshop, participants will learn how to implement school wide SEL practices and their importance,  how to incorporate social emotional standards into their instructional practices, the importance of creating school core values, incorporating student voice into their practice and creating warm and supportive environments.