✨Behind the Curtain at the SEL Powerhouse✨

Welcome to Secondary SEL Powerhouse!

Hi, I’m Marcella DeBoer, a passionate educator with over 20 years in the classroom and a commitment to creating student-centered resources that are both engaging and practical.

I specialize in integrating Social Emotional Learning (SEL) into teaching to foster both emotional growth and academic success for high school students.

✨About Me✨

My Mission

As an educator, I understand how tough it is to balance academic demands with Social Emotional Learning (SEL). That’s why I’ve made it my mission to simplify the process for teachers and students alike.

  • Expertise You Can Trust:
    As a National Board Certified Teacher and curriculum designer, I specialize in creating rigorous, standards-aligned lessons that naturally incorporate SEL.

  • Supporting New Educators:
    I’ve mentored countless new teachers, guiding them through the induction process and helping them earn their clear teaching credentials with confidence.

  • Empowering Classrooms:
    My goal is to provide practical, no-prep, and low-prep comprehensive resources that make it easy to integrate SEL into high school classrooms—ensuring academic success while fostering strong, empathetic connections.

✨Together, we can help students and teachers thrive.✨

My Journey

My teaching journey began in higher education, where I earned my Master’s degree in English and spent seven years as a college professor guiding students through the world of English composition and literature.

Afterward, I transitioned into high school teaching, where I’ve specialized in:

  • English Language Arts (9-12 ELA)
  • Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

For the past 17 years, I’ve also worked within a school community deeply committed to social justice, helping to create inclusive learning spaces where every student feels valued and supported.

This work has further shaped my passion for building equitable and empowering classrooms.

Resilience Test

In September 2021, my life was forever altered by a near-death experience. What began as a routine surgery spiraled into a life-threatening medical accident that nearly cost me my life. Only an emergency surgery saved me.

This harrowing ordeal pushed me to my limits—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Yet, it also revealed the profound strength and resilience we all carry within us. It’s the same resilience I see every day in classrooms, in both students and teachers.

Having faced my own battles, I know how overwhelming life can be. That’s why I’m deeply committed to supporting dedicated educators like you. My mission is to help you focus on what truly matters: teaching with passion, purpose, and heart.

Recognition

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive several meaningful honors:

  • Los Angeles Unified School District Teacher of the Year
  • Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year (2016-17)
  • Finalist for California Teacher of the Year (2017)

These accolades highlight my commitment to student success, not only in academics but also in their emotional well-being. They reflect my dedication to creating environments where both students and teachers can thrive.

My Approach

I believe in designing “all meat, no filler” lessons that are:

  • Purposeful: Aligned with meaningful learning goals.
  • Engaging: Capturing students’ attention and fostering participation.
  • Immediately Useful: Ready to implement in any classroom.

Every resource in my store includes:

  • Complete teacher instructions and step-by-step guides.
  • Versatile formats for both printable and digital tools.

Built with Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, my lessons ensure equitable access for all students while helping you meet Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and Career Ready Practices Standards (CRPS).

Above all, these resources are designed to help you build meaningful connections with your students—because great teaching starts with relationships.

Personal Note

When I’m not designing curriculum or brainstorming my next SEL lesson, you’ll find me spending time with my dog, Finn—my ultimate co-worker and a constant source of calm and inspiration.

Just as our students need support, I believe educators need to prioritize their own well-being too. That’s why my resources not only empower classrooms but also emphasize the importance of teacher self-care and balance.