A Conversation With Dr. Brandon Beck

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

Brain researchers use the term neuro associations to refer to how humans connect thoughts to feelings. To put it simply, if a student wakes up in the morning and says, “I hate going to school” then their brain will associate the idea of going to school with pain instead of pleasure. That is the story they are telling their brain. Your stories create your feelings. Educators need to understand the stories of all of the students they see on a daily basis. LEARN TO UNDERSTAND THEIR STORIES AND YOU WILL DISCOVER THE SWEET SPOT. SEL and EQ are the gateways to unlocking unlimited potential in all whom we serve.

Do you have any personal anecdotes about how SEL/EQ has brought you success in your
personal life/career?

YES! The Power of Positive Affirmations Many of these stories are in my Book Overcoming a Life/Death situation as a High School Student

What do you believe to be one or two of the main challenges in education (K-8) today?

It took a pandemic for Education in America to realize the importance of SEL and mental health education in our schools. Student Agency is declining as we are more concerned with everyone “being on the same page” so we lose great teachers who want to innovate.

Conversely, what do you believe to be one or two of the biggest opportunities in education (K-8) today?

COVID has offered us opportunities to be better connected with our families. IF students can endure COVID-19 Pandemic then they can change the future ahead of education making it a place that brings about curiosity and promotes innovation.