Lacking EQ Skills In The Classrom

I recently attended a bi-weekly group sponsored by a prestigious research and teaching university known for its high academic standards. The focus of the University is on building happier, kinder learning centres where everyone feels a sense of belonging, through a growing collection of free practices for educators and in this case, the students. All the attendees were certified elementary school teachers—except for me, the only participant not certified to teach in the school system.

During one session, we broke into groups to role-play how teachers, parents, and friends would respond to a student struggling with math. I was disheartened by the responses from the teachers. None of their answers included emotional support, tools for mindfulness, or simple strategies like relaxed breathing exercises— as HeartMath's Quick Coherence technique. There was also no mention of compassion, motivation to improve, or fostering self-awareness in the student. No one had heard of "I am affirmations" nor Wayne Wyers famous quote"when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change"

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a powerful tool that every teacher, parent, and student should be equipped with or you will get left behind. It helps build better judgment, strengthens self-confidence, enhances decision-making, and provides life skills not only for the classroom but for future careers and personal growth. EQ should be an integral part of the school system, enriching both academic success and emotional well-being. IN the corporate world , EQ has surpassed IQ