Emotional Intelligence in the Classroom

What is Emotional Intelligence (EQ)?

Our definition of emotional intelligence is the degree to which you can direct the flow, energy, and intention of your emotional machinery at will, regardless of the circumstances. This is not an easy task. In fact, it may take the rest of your life to develop these skills. Nonetheless, it can always be your intention and purpose.

Our work in teacher development has taught us that powerful teachers are good at giving and receiving critical feedback, have a compelling personal presence that others enjoy being around, have a strong ability to concentrate and be attuned to the matter at hand, and have a high degree of emotional expression. We have learned, "If it is not happening in the teacher, it is not happening in the student."

The EQ program looks deeply at these and other behavioral patterns you have learned that are linked to leadership and teaching outcomes. Our work is deeply focused on teaching you how you can begin to alter the neurological patterns that are part of your leadership today. We believe strongly that emotional intelligence is the cornerstone of powerful, dynamic leadership.

Can EQ Be Developed?

You bet it can. But it is not enough just to read about it or attend a sit-down seminar that discusses the many facets of EQ and how they can help you improve your professional life. It takes practice. That is the focus of this program.

You will take an assessment to help you gauge, understand, and improve your current EQ situation. We have designed an experiential and interactive approach, focusing on those elements of EQ that are indispensable to the development of your leadership capacity and effectiveness.

What Can I Expect in the Workshop?

First and foremost, you can expect individual attention in order to provide significant feedback and individual processes. We are not interested in conducting a “canned-ham” program. We are interested in helping you make history at your school.

You can also expect to receive expert guidance and facilitation of the program. From the individual and group activities and the assessment results, you will be provided the opportunity to address your situation and prepare strategies that address the outcomes you truly desire and ones that your classroom requires. This "hands-on" program is intended to confront you in a healthy and appropriate manner about your emotional intelligence so that, without exception, you will leave here as a better leader, a better teacher, and a better person.

Objectives:

As you move through our program you will learn how to:

• Express your emotions appropriately and shift undesirable emotional states to more productive ones.
• Increase your ability to give and receive critical feedback in a positive manner.
• Understand the link between emotions, thoughts and actions.
• Access emotional states that will support reaching your goals.
• Read, be sensitive to, and influence your students’ emotions.
• Attract and sustain rewarding interpersonal relationships both in and outside the classroom.