All posts by Tahira Yasmeen

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

The subconscious brain is powerful beyond measure. We like people unknowingly and we hate them with equal not-knowingness.

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

SEL is my driving force, my cosmic fuel. It energises me to offer . When I come from a place of non judgement and deep unconditional love, I see synergies building up in the room. I see familis drop their ego battles and merge as one. This is my super power.

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

Content – Delivery

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

The limitless expanse of knowledge sharing and the global reach.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

Social media has opened an unexpected alternate world. While allowing us to connect with family, friends, and people from all over the world, it has also provided a space for us to say unfiltered things that we “feel” based off a an emotion that was triggered, all with little to no real-world implications. As a result, we don’t have to look far on social media to see a glimpse of what a world without EQ and SEL might look like. I believe now more than ever it is imperative that we build these foundations of self-awareness, empathy, emotional health, and acceptance within our society.

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

A few days after my grandmother had passed in 2017, I found myself at an early morning donut adventure; I had been preparing for her funeral that evening and hadn’t slept well. As I walked in, the young lady working behind the counter appeared nervous and disheveled. She took my order and started preparing the box for the donuts. I asked her if everything was alright. It was then that she explained that the police had just left. A few hours before, an older man that she hadn’t seen before had just walked in. He sat down, ordered a drink, and proceeded to watch her in a way that made her uncomfortable. After a while, she decided to text her father who lived a few blocks away to ask him if he’d come over to her work because she wasn’t comfortable with this man and the comments he had been making. When she picked up her phone, the man told her to put it down. She did, now frightened for what might happen. It was then that another customer walked in. This customer must have seen the signs that something was bothering the employee, so they called the police. The police came and apprehended the man after they found out that he had a warrant for his arrest. As she finished telling me the story, I let her know that my grandmother had just passed and one of my grandma’s gifts was always knowing when someone needed a hug. I barely got the work “hug” out of my mouth as the employee came out from behind the counter for a short but healing embrace.

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

The complexities of the social, emotional, and academic needs of the students. There is a challenge for a single educator to address the varying needs of many students.

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

I think that the land of opportunity is wide open as we are learning more and more about how to best help children achieve despite the many different family, socioeconomic, and learning needs.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

An emphasis on SEL and EQ is what drives learning and creates systems for students to meet the challenges of each day. Now, more than ever, adults have a responsibility to build foundational connections and to teach our youth to self-regulate in times of adversity.

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

In working with refugee students and students with high numbers of adverse childhood experiences, I found myself stuck in a pattern of vicarious trauma. I suffered significant physical and emotional symptoms. It was in training of trauma informed practices and applied educational neuroscience that I was able to balance effective self-care with service to others. Now I speak to audiences about the science and practice of Trauma Informed Care, but 70% starts with one’s own regulation.

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

Schools throughout the nation are experiences a shortage – not just of teachers – but of all human resources. This is leaving many in the field to be exhausted and emotionally battered. The more tired adults are, the less tolerant they are. Meanwhile, students are trying desperately to communicate through behaviors. Dysregulated adults cannot help dysregulated children.

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

Problems are opportunities. The advancements and findings in applied education neuroscience are changing the way that we approach learning by changing the lens by which we view discipline. The challenges of today will force caregivers, including teachers, to attend to the SEL and EQ needs of each child first. In meeting children where they are in their brains and in their nervous systems, we are better able to give them the skills to navigate through the world.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

SEL and EQ impact everything we do in our schools. The educational practices of the past, coupled with the pandemic, have created a dynamic where we must finally focus on addressing trauma and the well-being of all those entering our schools.

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

As humans, we are constantly looking to make connections and improve ourselves. Trauma from Adverse Child Experiences (ACE) impacts how we see and interact with the world. By owning my own story of trauma, I’ve been better able to help others through training and speaking engagements.

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

The factory model of education continues despite the growing challenges our students, families and staff face. We must move from a model of compliance to a model when we learn about ourselves, how our brain works and trauma’s impact on learning and connecting.

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

The pandemic has accelerated change in our schools. We have the opportunity to change how we view practices such as grading, curriculum, and discipline with an SEL lens.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

Without any doubt they are the only way humans can change their destiny in a good way for everyone of us and the planet. Technology is fantastic, but unfortunately it is destined to fail, as it’s not tuned with nature. The only question is: have we lost this connection as well or not? SEL and EQ keep and improve this harmonic balance.

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

Emotional Intelligence started my “career”. I had no idea I would have done this job in my life, until I discovered Daniel Goleman’s first book, during my last year at University. Some months later, it happened a very famous Italian Jesuit listened to a private conversation of mine. He was struck by the subject and my passion: even before I got graduated he made me holding my first public conference. Since then, I never stopped.

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

The online lessons and a lack of human relations, often imposed.

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

The ability of integrating SEL in everyday lessons and the possibility of doing virtual tours of museums or distance places, maybe too far away or expensive to reach.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

SEL and EQ are very important because it encompasses an abundance of vital lifeskill individuals need in order to be successful, which can include; conflict resolution, appropriate coping mechanisms, stress management, etc.

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

My son having a horrible performance in tee ball (and wanting to quit after the first game), lead to a motivational speech between him and I. This conversation ultimately became an SEL lesson embedded in the first book of “The Dizz Wizz Series” and is entitled “Dizz Wizz Speaking In Into Existence.”

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

Staffing and adapting to learning in a variety of platforms (in person and virtual learning).

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

The ability to refine your skills through professional development and upward mobility.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

“Every act we perform today must reflect the kind of relationships we are fighting to establish tomorrow.” — David Dellinger

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

In June, I protested against Line 3, in solidarity with my Indigenous comrades. I did this precisely because of my dedication to an SEL with complete integrity. To have taken action in solidarity with the oppressed, and give up my comforts and privileges: there is no greater fulfillment than this. The powerful transformation of being arrested by a State that refuses to acknowledge its violence against nonviolent people defending themselves and their land, is the most humbling thing

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

The greatest challenge, I believe, is overcoming the internalizations of the White Supremacist Hetero Cis Patriarchal Capitalist Imperialist Domination Culture in and all around us, including in our schools, pedagogies, our very own Social Emotional Learning curricula, and even ourselves as teachers and people

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

The biggest opportunity, I believe, is that of acting in solidarity with one another toward a collective liberation. In SEL, we highly value the community, and to expand community to all, toward such a purpose, is the most dear and fulfilling path.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

With the onset of COVID-19, it’s important now more than ever to learn ways to practice self-care. Our mental and emotional well-being will impact how we see the world and whether we see the opportunity or the struggle. SEL and EQ are our gateways to success as it shapes our beliefs and attitudes while inspiring our actions. A strong mindset will lead to new opportunities.

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

As a little girl I was very unsure of my self-worth and my confidence was pretty low. Learning how to transform my beliefs and question those beliefs that were not serving me well prompted me to do the work that I do today. I want to help others take the reins of life and create their own reality understanding that they too are worthy and can do whatever you put your mind to!

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

Of course COVID has changed the way our educators teach and the way students learn. But the main challenge is being open to the changes we see today and focusing on the opportunity rather than the challenge.

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

Training teachers to authentically engage through all platforms and helping students learn through various platforms.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

SEL and EQ are important because they allow us to see people (and ourselves) as whole people. Yes, we are rational/logical beings (IQ), AND we are more. We are emotional and energetic beings who are impacted (sometimes inexplicably) by what we experience. The more that we can recognize and understand our selves and all of our complexities, the more successful we can be. The more we can achieve. As individuals, as educational systems, as societies.

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

My career as a High Performance Coach is all about SEL/EQ. These skills are at the core of why I am able to do what I do, and help the people I help. Without SEL/EQ, I would not be able to see to the heart of what my clients struggle with, empathize with them, and give them actionable/sustainable solutions to transform their lives.

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

Two of the main challenges in K-8 education today are anxiety and stress. This is true for educators, parents, and students. We are all living in a new reality with COVID-19, virtual learning, and challenges in staffing. At the same time, we have the same demands for performance. The current environment in education has led to burnout for many, and there is no end in sight.

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

We all have an opportunity to transform the landscape. The old paradigms are not working in this new reality. It is time to shift systems, equip ourselves with new tools, and redirect the path so that we can create something new.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

SEL and EQ {and my methodology} allows adults to help students develop emotional intelligence, healthy social connections, an invincible mindset, and an unshakable sense of self. Which can greatly reduce the risk for many problems faced by youth today: violence, prejudice, racism, drug abuse, suicide, low motivation and achievement, and low self-esteem.

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

I was raised with traditional disciplinary methods of yelling, threatening, rewards, and physical punishment mixed with bouts of permissiveness. We were not an emotionally intelligent family. Before I had three children of my own, I made a vow never to replicate that. I was determined not to be that kind of parent. But when I had to face the challenges of parenting for myself, I would start out the day being very calm, but at some point, my child’s challenging emotions and behavior would trigger me and I would lose my cool. Then, I would go to bed feeling I was failing at this whole parenting gig. I realized I struggled to make peaceful and respectful parenting stick because of how my mind had been wired. I inherited parenting fears, bad habits, negative beliefs, and reactive behavioral patterns from my past, especially from my own childhood. These impacted the way I interacted with my children, especially when I was tired, stressed, or triggered. I desperately wanted to break this negative cycle. But the truth was NO parenting advice, tips, tools, tricks, or copious amounts of yoga truly helped until I upgraded my parenting mindset. It was not until I become emotionally equipped, overcome emotional blocks, broke poor parenting habits, and release parenting fears and negative beliefs, that I was then able to make peaceful parenting stick—finally.

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

The biggest challenge in k-8 education is bridging the school/home social and emotional gap. Offering a well-structured parenting education plan that elevates the parents’ emotional intelligence. (Emotionally stable, easy parents make your life easier as a school leader!) Parent ed. is random, disconnected, and shallow -as often schools will bring experts/authors to give their signature talk with no follow-up. Parents create more meaningful change in their family dynamics when they go deeper into strategies, coaching, and implementation. Helping parents effectively handle children’s social, emotional, and behavioral challenges in a healthy way. Communicating confidently and skillfully with children about their social and emotional challenges. And helping families become more emotionally intelligent. (Emotionally intelligent students equal better behavior, smooth classroom management, successful instruction, and more achievement.)

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

1- The entire school community of students, teachers, and parents can receive knowledge and skills to interact with each other in a way that supports and respect one another. Thereby achieving win/win solutions, creating consistency in discipline, and adopting a unified and universal message within the community.
2- I believe in a world in which all children experience healthy, peaceful, and positive childhoods. World peace starts with peace in our homes and classrooms. If we get this right, we can raise the next generation of emotionally equipped humans who can heal humanity.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

 21st Century Education , awareness of one world These thoughts are based on the brilliant report on “Educating for Global Competence: Preparing Our Youth to Engage the World” by Veronica Boix Mansilla & Anthony Jackson, affiliated with the Council of Chief State School Officers. In spite of recent political trends, our home planet is one world and cross-cultural influences will continue to grow. Whether with respect to pollution, wealth distribution, health, or politics, each country will contribute to modifying the world. Compared to the rest of the nation, my state, New Hampshire, is on the cutting edge of innovation, transitioning from time spent in the classroom as the criteria for graduation to competencies-based education. It also is current with an SEL curriculum called ‘Just Choose Love” created by Scarlette Lewis, the mother of a Sandy Hook victim. Most educators understand and successfully provide enough information and skill instruction to give students access to employment, but at the current rate of knowledge expansion and technological advances, if we went to sleep for five years and then suddenly woke up, our day would be a challenge. Technologies, sciences, and social trends are mutating so rapidly that what we know how to do now will become obsolete at a progressively more accelerated rate. These factors, plus the effects of Covid, War, Climate Change, and Economic instability are making demands of our nervous system that push average people towards a mental health crisis, However, the mind-body setup, our character, and our social-emotional skills will continue to serve us well. Skills that will sustain students, families and nations have more to do with our character than facts. The skills required to thrive in the 21st Century are detailed in a brilliant report titled “Educating for Global Competence: Preparing Our Youth to Engage the World” (2011) by Veronica Boix Mansilla & Anthony Jackson, affiliated with the Council of Chief State School Officers. This is a summary: 1. We must understand our psychological makeup to monitor and make life choices that will bring us health and happiness. 2. We need to become lifelong learners, flexible thinkers and open to new ideas. 3. We need to be culturally sensitive to other races, geographic influence, religions, economic and educational levels. 4. We need to become wise stewards of earth resources. 5. We need a moral compass for just social practices in business, as individuals and communities. Good teachers always endeavor to bring positive ethics into the classroom, but as an experienced advocate of social emotional learning, I would suggest that Social Emotional Learning become a co-curricular activity or be woven into all courses as a best practice. Curriculum and training for teachers to understand and use collaborative, thought-provoking, emotionally profound lessons to deeply engage their charges is essential for them to become 21st-century thinkers.

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

The biggest influence in my life has been the study of Advaita Vedanta with the Advaita Vedanta Meditation Group in Waltham Mass

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

Self Regulation – acceptance of Diversity

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

Global Community Communication–Emphasis on Well Being

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

I believe SEL and EQ are important components toward each of us becoming well-rounded beings. The ability to understand ourselves and also navigate the ever evolving environments we find ourselves in can be tricky. Having a sound understanding (and practice) of SEL and EQ skills simply makes being in the “present” a little more palatable.

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

I wouldn’t even know where to start with answering this question. I grew up in public housing with 10 siblings in the 80’s-90’s. I could write books on how SEL/EQ helped me to evolve into the woman I am today. What I will say is that self-efficacy was, and still is, a huge factor in how I navigate challenges. I believe thoughts (or beliefs) become reality. I always imagined that “I could” and therefore it became my reality.

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

One of the main challenges in education is the disconnect between school and home/community, especially in low-income communities. Children can’t learn if they are afraid, hungry and tired. At the beginning of each school day, student’s should be met by a welcoming, nurturing and empathetic staff. All classes should encompass approximately 1-2 minutes of mindful breathing and perhaps journaling or open conversation (if appropriate). There should also be a weekly/monthly Newsletter (and/or meetings) whereby families are educated on SEL/EQ for themselves as well as practicing these skills as a family. Families should also be provided with information to reliable local resources: food, shelter, mental-health, healthcare, childcare, etc. on a consistent basis.

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

There is a huge opportunity in K-8 education to shape the next generation of beings who care about humanity and the planet we share.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

WE follow model of collective intelligence which are sum of 4-5 intelligence , Physical or body intelligence, cognitive intelligence or IQ , emotional intelligence or EQ , RQ as relational intelligence and finally SQ, spiritual intelligence.

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

Yes, as a certified EQ coach, the EQ skills have been enlightening for my life and work .

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

Peer pressure through social media, Understanding emotions and introduction of spirituality as human potential purpose.

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

Advance Technology , Early age exposure and learning

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.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

As a psychotherapist and business leader, I believe SEL and EQ are essential life skills to cultivate self-awareness and conscious, compassionate communication to succeed both personally and professionally. Children need to be provided with tools to communicate, effectively resolve conflict and collaborate successfully.

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

My emotional intelligence is the primary skill I use as a psychotherapist, public speaker, professor and parent. I provide SEL and promote EQ in my presentations, articles and recent book. EQ helped me to succeed as an entrepreneur and to effectively manage my team as well as to effectively serve in leadership roles on state and regional professional counseling boards.

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

Parent/educator/student burnout as a normal response to the stressors of the pandemic and related mental health and family stress/conflict.

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

Promoting mental health awareness and providing tools for positive mental health and resilience.