Our team has created this imagine after thinking about all our administrators holding up schools right now. There are so many elements that go into running a school. Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is the best way to hold all those elements up. Without SEL as a foundation, students can’t learn and staff struggle to teach. Our emotions are the foundation of all we do.
This week, a NM educator shared how she asked her nephew what he liked best about his teacher. He replied, “Her hugs.” “But what about her teaching?” She asked him. “I learned about her great hugs!” he replied. The emotional connection between a teacher and their students is paramount and the most memorable thing students remember about school. Students learn best from teachers they feel connected to. Teachers that help students feel understood and seen have the greatest impact on student lives. Teachers that feel an emotional connection with their students, via laughter, hugs or individualized handshakes, and empathic conversation have a lower rate of burnout and teacher turnover, because they feel more fulfilled.
Young people and those who care for them are more aware and sensitive than we realize or acknowledge. Today we face many crisis: racism, a global pandemic, discrimination, inequality, political divide, depression, anxiety, and climate change. Compassion for our students and ourselves is the most important thing we can do during challenging times. Compassion happens through social emotional connection. Everything else is secondary. When we feel safe, heard, seen, understood, we can learn grown and create a better world.
We are creating an incredible series of trainings for all school staff as they navigate these unprecedented times! Invite us in to learn about your school and how we can help you!