The purpose of this mixed model study was to examine middle school teachers and counselors' perceptions and beliefs about the benefits of social and emotional learning in middle school. It also looked at how middle school teachers and counselors perceived their level of competence when it comes to social emotional learning practices. Efforts to educate the whole child through social and emotional learning (SEL) have proven critical to improving students' physical and mental health and academic achievement (Durlak et al., 2011). This study will allow stakeholders to hear the actual voices of teachers and counselors at the middle school level regarding social and emotional learning. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]