Pub. 2 2012-2013 Issue 2
8 manage emotions appropriately. One of the best predictors of success in life is being able to recognize and effectively deal with others’ emotions...” “SEI has helped the students emotionally, physically, and mentally.” “SEI has impacted everything from everyday social interactions to classroom instruction. I have seen tremendous growth within the culture of our class that I attribute to their SEI learning. The students have gone so far as to thank me for giving them the opportunity to work this way. They have a deeper understanding of themselves as well as the classmates that they interact with. SEI learning is a new opportunity for growth. Emotional navigation and skills are essential predictors of lifelong success and well-being.” “The presence of SEI in the classroom automatically promotes accountability, choice, and natural consequences. I have been witness to children taking a stand for themselves because they were able to get in touch with and express in healthy ways what they were feeling. It is powerful! I love teaching at a school where SEI is one of the main pillars.” “I love teaching and learning about Emotional Intelligence. I believe it is abso- lutely important in an educational setting. I have formed relationships with my students that contribute to a safe learning environ- ment and enable them to take educational risks that they might not take otherwise.” Final feelings and thoughts If the essence of education is relationship building, it is incumbent upon all educators to build their repertoire of techniques, strategies, and skills toward that end. In the same way as experience and use of good pedagogy enhances instruction and outcomes for students academically, increas- ing emotional literacy, social functionality, and knowledge of regulating these domains dramatically affects the disposition and behavior of educators. In turn, the mode by which educators transmit their expectations are felt and understood more readily by stu- dents when the “message” is coming from a feeling place. SEI provides a vehicle for all students, staff and faculty to communi- cate in genuine ways to elevate the workplace to the “calling” of education as opposed to the “job” it can become. Ed Woodd is the Director of Valley Academy Charter School in Hurricane, UT. His doctoral research is in Emotional Intelligence. Dr. Killeen is the Vice Principal of Valley Academy Charter School. His doctorate is in educational psychology and gifted education. continued from page 7 If the essence of education is relationship building, it is incumbent upon all educators to build their repertoire of techniques, strategies, and skills toward that end.
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