A Conversation With Kathy Magnusson
Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?
SEL and EQ skills are so crucial in being a successful human being. Much of our success is built upon community and relationships. SEL and EQ skills can support youth and adults in increasing their self-awareness, building positive relationships, and better equipping us to deal with the stressors in our lives.
Do you have any personal anecdotes about how SEL/EQ has brought you success in your
personal life/career?
I grew up in a small farming community in southern Minnesota, where we talked more about self-sacrifice than self-awareness. I started learning SEL skills when I changed positions to be an SEL Specialist. I didn’t even know what an “I” Message was, and I was to teach these skills to children! I was very fortunate to have a close relationship with the Elementary school social worker that mentored me in SEL skills. I am convinced that I teach what I need to learn the most; these are skills I needed as a parent, teacher, and partner for my life!
What do you believe to be one or two of the main challenges in education (K-8) today?
Challenges in K-8 education are coping with stress and navigating how to be together in a healthy way. Over the pandemic, children have forgotten how to be together and interact. There are multiple stressors on both the children and the adults, both experiencing a cycle of dysregulation (not having a calm brain and body). This causes unease and lack of safety in the home and school environment. When children do not feel safe and connected, learning can not occur, and they can not tap into what is best about themselves.
Conversely, what do you believe to be one or two of the biggest opportunities in education (K-8) today?
As adults, we have the opportunity to learn how to calm our nervous systems so we can help students calm their bodies and brains. The joy in this strategy is that it is easy to learn and implement in a classroom or home. Children can feel safe when the adults are calm, connected, and competent in the learning environment. We can all learn these skills! When we feel safe and secure, we can start looking at what is right with a child.