A Conversation With Jamie Johnson

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

In a profession that requires things like empathy and kindness, we must be fluent in our own SEL and emotional intelligence skills. These are skills that can not be taught if they are not practiced by the teacher. They are important because EQ has been proven to improve decision making skills and lead to happier more successful lives which is what we are all striving to see for our students and for ourselves as educators. Leaders with high EQ create happier workplaces and communities and it is contagious. So the more adept we are at processing and managing our emotions, both internally and socially, the more our entire society benefits; whether that society be as small as a home or classroom or a whole nation.

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

I now coach SEL and EQ skills and the current CEO I am working with has said that “this is the most proactive team we’ve ever had” after working with me on her EQ for just 18 months. The turn over rate has dropped to almost 0 at a time people are fleeing the service industry. As an educator, I have personally witnessed how my shift to focusing on the relationships in my classroom lead to 3 months academic growth without adding anything extra to my curriculum!

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

I conducted a survey of 500 educators asking this very question and the overwhelming response wad that Parents were the most painful part of teaching today. I believe that in teaching we need a team not just of educators but of the whole community. Having the most significant adults in our students lives put up obstacles for learning is completely demoralizing and exhausting for educators today.

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

The shift toward SEL focus and away from rigid one size fits all structures is the biggest opportunity to get involved in a movement that will lead to much happier communities and schools. This opportunity to put our relationships first, before assessments and the piles on our desks, is a chance to love our work and feel deeply fulfilled as educators. We will finally get to feel and SEE the difference we are making in lives.