All posts by Tahira Yasmeen

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

Jon suffered bullying and a poor self esteem due to his years in k-12, and now as a teacher, he’s spent the last two and a half decades creating classroom techniques that result in positive classroom cultures that also maximize student performance at the same time. Early in his career, Roni struggled with the high stresses and demands of teaching even losing touch with why he wanted to be a teacher in the first place. It was so painful that he finally discovered the power of integrating mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and positive psychology in his own life as well as in his classroom and felt called to share this new approach with the world.

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

I love to keep this quote top on mind: Until the teacher and student are of one mind, the teacher is hammering cold iron. Teachers are not simply content deliverers, ideally teachers should be leaders of young minds – more like a youth group leader. When the teacher is truly engaged with the student, not just at a surface level – there’s a greater chance for empathy on both sides. And that understanding and empathy is critical to do really creative, insightful and challenging academic work. One begets the other.

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

Poor pedagogy, what Hattie and Fullan call the “tell and practice model”, combined with a simplistic view of the unique qualities and jagged creative talents of students in our classrooms. We are underserving our students academically and emotionally.

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

We have a huge untapped opportunity to “rescue” kids from poor classroom practice and systems which are failing to deliver the SEL support our students need. With just a few changes, our outcomes to be dramatically better!

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

Research shows that our emotional skills are 80% of our success or failures in life. We must learn how to master our emotions skillfully. People feel empowered and confident when they can be resilient to setbacks and strong emotions. Emotions drive all human behavior and we must make this the foundation of all life skills.

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

At 28 I became the youngest woman publisher in the country. At the time I didn’t know it was my emotional maturity and EI that helped me succeed at such a young age. Now that EI is a critical part of my offerings, I now realize that my confidence, authenticity and personal drive are what helped me be successful in an “older man’s world.” I also used my social intelligence to think about the world in grays versus black and white. I still need to work on my impulse control and empathy skills! Emotional Intelligence continues to be my most popular and life changing programs I offer at The Culture Coaches.

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

Education can be too structured and a one size fits all. We are all so unique and learn in different ways. Also the traditional classroom space is not conducive for learning, connecting and creativity.

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

We also must learn to help students manage our collective anxiety as a society through confidence building and increase in resiliency through emotional and social skills. I see adults in the working world who just never learned good coping or relationships skills.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

Our internal and external connectedness are vital to overall well being. The more social and emotional skills we have and the greater our emotional intelligence, the healthier individuals and society will be.

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

In working with young children and their families around social and emotional challenges, I have had a great deal of success when I partner with parents and together we wrap around the child to create a strong net to teach missing skills or acquire additional supports.

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

In the ongoing pandemic, I believe teacher mental health and well being is the most important thing. If teachers are well cared for at this time of chronic stress, students and their educations will also be.

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

Transforming the way all institutions prioritize school-wide wellness/social and emotional learning

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

In order for students to achieve greatness in school and in life and be fulfilled and well-adjusted children and adults, they need to be able to have strong foundations in Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Responsible Decision Making, Relationship Skills & Social Awareness. The EQ is such an important part of life success.

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

As a life-time athlete, so much of who I am has been the result of learning to create goals, work together as a team, understand my role and create value utilizing my strengths, dealing with adversity, continuous improvement, connecting with others and so much more. These skills learned and honed have helped me as a teacher and school administrator. As a life-time educator and principal, I have had success, in large part, due to my ability to listen empathically to others, connect with others and show that i genuinely care and lead and model the qualities that I know help children have positive experiences in school and futures!

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

The first challenge is the immediate need to develop resiliency in students. We can all see how anxiety and depression can derail students of all ages in being happy, fulfilled and successful. The second challenge, is ensuring that school is meaningful for all students through creating relevant & deeper learning experiences. We need students to see their strengths and interests and how they can utilize these to create promising futures!

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

The biggest opportunity right now in education is the opportunity to create learning environments where students are excited about their learning! Gone are the days when students have to ask, “Why am I learning this?” Students should be able to see the real-world application of their learning and be able to apply their talents and strengths in creating projects that offer voice and choice. Students should be the producers of knowledge, rather than simply the consumer of knowledge as in days past. Additionally, with the use of technology and data, we can really zone in on students’ areas of need and personalize education in ways that maximize their learning.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

I believe that both teachers and students are empowered when the learning environment is safe and engaging. It is important that feelings and emotions are prioritized and explicitly taught throughout all content areas.

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

Fortunately for me, I have been implementing and researching SEL strategies for two decades and gradually incorporating them into my teaching tool box. In more recent years, I was relieved to find that much more researchers and advocacy groups provided me with even more resources and training to aid in my journey.

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

One of the biggest and unique challenges facing our education system today is the need for mental health services and the unexpected resistance and politicizing of those needs.

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

The biggest opportunities today in K-8 is to build adult competencies in behavioral and emotional needs for both themselves and their students. There is a need to see the interconnection between the two.

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.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

SEL and EQ are fundamental to learning readiness. They enable students and teachers to better understand themselves and to connect with each other, which is critically important in creating the space that allows academic learning to occur.

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

SEL/EQ has enabled me to understand myself and my students more deeply, to make connections, and to establish healthy boundaries that allow me to do my best, most authentic work.

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

Teacher burnout is a huge challenge that is as symptom of several other challenges in education: large class sizes, lack of respect, low pay. The current cultural climate of shutting down (banning books, for instance) rather than opening up conversation is also a challenge.

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

The openness of many teachers, schools and school districts to developing SEL/EQ programming is exciting.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

The mind is the key to realizing one’s purpose and potential. The mind is like an engine that must be consistently provided with fuel that will enable and empower one to become the person created to be. What you feed your mind is what you will believe and be the source that will help you to become.

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

I have realized that the power of thinking is the source of my strength. It enables me to keep moving forward consistently in the pursuit of my purpose. It empowers me to become better, not settling for what life dishes out but instead making my life what I want and desire it to be. Struggles and storms will occur because this is a part of life. I must make the decision on how I will respond and the actions that I will take. My response will impact my direction and my path. I am the author of my story.

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

Incorporating creating and building habits to support health and the mind. Habits are formed based on values and beliefs. Forming and developing healthy habits early will provide a basis for helping a child to be successful.

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

Explaining and exercising the power of independent thought. Thoughts leads to developing their own ideas so they can identify their purpose and not be fearful of expressing their thoughts. Their thoughts are their power.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

Every problem we face in our society is a result of not properly managing our emotions. From political divide, crime, addiction, conflict, to misbehavior, teacher stress, and the inability to overcome setbacks, the inability to regulate our emotions takes a toll on us and on society. Emotions impact everything in our lives from our decision-making ability, relationships, memory, learning, creativity, performance, and physical and mental health. The ability to manage our emotions begins with self-awareness, knowing who we truly are and being able to manage our thoughts and interactions with others effectively.

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

I suffered from depression for most of my life. My depression ended when I read Tony Robbins’ book, Awaken the Giant Within. The notion that I could control my emotions with my thoughts was an empowering idea that changed my life. I was no longer a slave to circumstance, other people’s actions, and my own thoughts and emotions. I could just change them and transform my state. I read other books and attended many seminars and realized that SEL instruction needed to be brought into classrooms, especially to teachers who are operating in a high stress environment.

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

1. Adult SEL has not been addressed effectively yet. We focus on curriculum and SEL implementation but educators create the culture for learning and thriving with SEL. Adult SEL has been so focused on stress management techniques and self-care, but doesn’t address the thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs that cause us to pile the stress on ourselves in the first place.
2. SEL instruction is difficult for teachers to implement. They don’t have enough time, aren’t trained, don’t have enough staff PD to plan or debrief SEL instruction, and they don’t see how it can improve student academics directly. This leads to many teachers ditching SEL instruction altogether in favor of teaching their content since that is what they are held accountable for.

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

1. Adult SEL that can be integrated in staff meetings.
2. SEL instruction that is seamlessly integrated into academic instruction.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

They help educators manage their learners emotional state

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

It enabled me to adjust as per the demand of the situation and helped me in achieving different targets as an educator, innovator and speaker.

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

Sustaining the teaching workforce
Accessibility in underserved community

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

The place of technology in bridging the gap.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

Emotional intelligence is extremely important because we can use it to enhance how we connect, communicate, and collaborate. EQ holds all the skills that demonstrate how well we take in, understand, show, reason with, and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others.

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

During my years as a head football coach, my coaching staff understood how to value and trust our players. Many playcalls were actually theirs and not ours. This awareness of their strengths, and the trust we had in each other, led to multiple state championships.

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

Right now, educators are exhausted from the pandemic. With proper EQ, however, we can learn how to help ourselves and each other work through this challenge.

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

A large opportunity today is to use these current challenges as a learning experience. How we work through theses tough times can be a map of how people can flourish during difficulties in the future.

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.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

SEL and EQ is the basis of how a person becomes aware of who they want to be, how they respond to life experiences, how they connect with other and make the best decisions for themselves. When one struggles with these skills it often hard to navigate daily lives and reach one’s full potential.

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

My dissertation was on students’ perspective of social emotional learning in a school setting. I wrote on this topic because it was through SEL skills that I have been able to progress in my personal, professional, and educational journeys, as well as manage my response to trauma.

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

The lack of equitable resources and on-going skills building for professionals and parents on the importance of SEL and EQ in the school, home, and community environments. Gaining a better understanding of the needs of a community and implementing the most effectives services and supports.

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

There is great opportunity for collaboration with parents, student and community-based organizations to address the needs of a school community and the use of data to drive informed decisions.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

We all have a Mind-Body connection. SEL teaches us tools to connect the two by using awareness, relationships, decision-making and regulation to better our personal and society’s wellbeing.

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

Self-awareness, mindfulness, breath, and movement helped me through breast cancer. It can lessen stress and control fear. through hope and faith.

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

Retaining and recruiting teachers. We face losing half of our teachers at the end of this year. Allowing time for reflection, relaxation, and relationships is vital for our school staff.

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

Creating a holistic wellness school culture.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

Social Emotional Learning and Emotional Intelligence are so important in this extremely emotional world. Being a creature of emotion myself, I remember my struggles as a student. I strive to provide a better relational experience in order to help empower student learning.

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

Always “keep it real” when dialoguing with students, especially in the middle level school grades. Students can spot an insincere person from a mile away. And truly, all you need is love (plus content, of course).

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

There are several challenges in this day-and-age, but two stand out to me. I believe with economical challenges come parents, like myself, struggling to make a living for their families, affecting the balance at home. I also believe that our children suffer from overstimulation in today’s electronic age. Navigating through instant gratification can prove difficult.

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

I believe we have a real ability to affect future generations positively by interpersonal communication, high standards, differentiation, and love.