Last week, we talked about Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), what it is, and how this strategy of learning will be integral in shaping a generation. In part two of three blog posts, we’ll discuss the benefits of how parents and teachers can integrate SEL in their own lives, so they can be direct examples for their children and scholars.

Social-Emotional Learning, at its core, is emotional intelligence in practice. Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence uses research and science-based approaches to “…further [their] mission to use the power of emotions to create a healthier, and more equitable, innovative, and compassionate society, today and for future generations.” In short, emotions matter. The sooner schools emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence and implement the necessary training, the better chance scholars have of feeling prepared to face an emotionally-challenging world. The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence uses the RULER model, an acronym for the five skills of emotional intelligence: recognizing, understanding, labeling, expressing, and regulating. According to Yale, research shows that the RULER model fosters a range of behaviors in a school climate that are essential to positive youth development. Specific outcomes of this model may include:

  • Improvements in academic performance and classroom climate
  • Development of emotional skills
  • Fewer attention and learning problems
  • Greater social and leadership skills
  • Less anxiety and depression
  • Less stress and burnout
  • Better performance in school

At GIA, teachers understand the importance of treating each scholar as a whole person, and directly affect the development of each one. GIA teachers are put through an extensive emotional intelligence (EQ) program by educator and life coach, Tabatha Marden. Teachers are coached in essential EQ strategies, insights and foundations to create an “Emotionally Intelligent School Culture.”

Teaching the next generation to be emotionally intelligent might be the most important thing we can accomplish. To learn more about what GIA is doing to prepare their teachers to incorporate EQ into their classrooms, visit Tabatha Marden’s website here, or reach out to [email protected] and someone from GIA will be happy to chat.

This post is not sponsored or endorsed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, or Tabatha Marden.