I am currently a PreK- 2nd grade resource teacher (formerly taught K, 1st and 2nd grade) who has spent the last 10 years researching social emotional and 21st century skills. My journey began in my second grade class in 2012, when I started noticing the way I was teaching was not effective for my students. In my quest to "fix" this problem, I stumbled across growth mindset and the 5 C's that make up 21st Century learning goals. I started practicing some of the lessons and teaching these "soft skills" and problem based learning along with my set curriculum. My whole world and my student's learning and engagement changed! I then began a journey to offer these types of lessons as a resource class. I began with my principal, then superintendent and was invited to present my idea to our school board. I spent a year modeling these lessons with the teachers in my school, presenting professional development across the state with the VATOY Network and reading all I can about the importance of preparing students for jobs that we know nothing about. I looked to the business, sports, medical world to find out what skills our students need and hands down all of them said Social Emotional, Team Building skills were paramount for future job seekers. The school board with teacher support decided to give this class a try.  I have been teaching "The Brain Lab" for two years now, incorporating Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Music and Art SOL's into the lessons as they pertain to what we are learning. The proposed SEL SOL's are exactly what I am teaching. My students know about the power they have to grow their brain (they can tell you the main parts of the brain and what they do), self-regulate (they have strategies that are unique to them and can use vocabulary to describe what they are feeling), creatively problem solve (through STEM, STEAM, STREAM lessons), respect learning diversity and how important failure is to their growth. These topics have been and remain missing in most schools. My lessons are not graded EVER. Students are encouraged to make mistakes, share experiences if they want and use this time to practice. It is a safe place for students to challenge themselves and gain knowledge that will help them for the rest of their lives.  I was overjoyed to hear about and read the proposed SEL SOL's. This is a step in the right direction and with proper professional development, modeling and support, I believe they will encourage the growth for stronger students and a better prepared, engaged and creative work force.