Susan Purcell-Orleck

Susan Purcell-Orleck is the SEL (Social & Emotional Learning) Facilitator at Meigs Academic Magnet Middle School, a part of Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tennessee. Susan has spent the last two years implementing a formal SEL program for the students and teachers at her school.

Born and raised in Nebraska, Susan earned degrees from Wayne State College, University of Wisconsin, Trevecca University, and University of Tennessee. She has worked with students at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Susan taught Spanish (Grades 1-12 in Nebraska and Grades 5-8 in Tennessee), self-contained fourth grade (Tennessee) and Computer Studies (Grades 5-12 in Tennessee).

In her spare time, Susan enjoys yoga, reading, scrapbooking and learning more about mindfulness.

Susan believes that, “Life’s greatest gift is the opportunity to throw oneself into a job that puts meaning and hope into the lives of other people. Seizing this opportunity is the surest way to put meaning and hope into one’s own life.” (Martin Haberman)

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]