All posts by Tahira Yasmeen

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

Through intentional use of emotional intelligence, we are able to perceive, comprehend, express, process, and manage our emotions effectively. This directly impacts those around us. How we “show up” impacts how people feel, and how they feel impacts their performance.

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

As a parent, teacher, and coach, self-awareness has been key. I’ve faced multiple situations where my patience has been tested, but a focus on emotional intelligence has helped me keep my emotions in check, understand the feelings of my students, and respond effectively.

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

The main challenge for educational leaders is fostering employee engagement and helping to reduce burnout. For many, the 2021-22 school year could be compared to a marathon where educators sprinted the first mile as hard as they could . . . and now they are trying to finish the marathon after expending an inordinate amount of energy at the start. Fatigue and burnout are imminent as a staff has had to work through challenges such as consistently subbing for colleagues and/or simultaneously teaching asynchronous and synchronous lessons.

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

Within these stressful challenges are opportunities for innovative leadership. Educational leaders have the chance to positively impact those around them by creatively inspiring performance in both staff and students.

What is the VALUE of an EQ Summit? An array of EQ/ SEL on-demand workshops? and or A summit that brings together parents and educators.?

An EQ Summit offers a diverse range of topics that all essentially involve maximizing potential. The ability to connect with and learn from a global team of experts is amazing.

Why do you believe SEL and EQ are important?

For several years I have served on the board of an organization providing SEL in schools. I have seen student academic performance improve significantly when the students are given tools to navigate their socio-emotional states. We know that students without those tools and without social-emotional support are more likely to disrupt class and more likely to be removed from academic situations. Lest you think I only care about academics, I am one who believes that education necessarily involves the whole student.

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

I think of when I was diagnosed with a chronic disease a few years ago. Most of the physicians I visited to diagnose my chronic gastro-intestinal condition directed me to a specialist clinic at Vanderbilt University Hospital. When I reached Vanderbilt to set up an appointment, they outlined the day: First you will see the physician, then the nutritionist, and then a psychologist. Each time I returned for bi-monthly treatments, I also saw the psychologist. His experience is that some people with my condition start to feel despair and worthlessness. He says, “My only goal for these meetings is to help you not to turn on yourself.” He was highly aware of the holistic nature of health. The chronic condition is now a normal part of my life, and the psychologist’s fears are not.

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

With the ambiguity of the COVID virus, schools have to make difficult decisions about how best to educate their students. Of course, this has always been the case, but quarantine situations have amplified the difficulties. Unfortunately, partisan politics has entered the fray in strange and unhelpful ways so that the decision of educators are being overridden by some people with other agendas. For those remaining in remote learning and those returning from remote learning, SEL is growing more evidently important. We are dealing with new concerns. And for those who must remain remote, access to SEL can be challenging.

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

I think the pandemic has revealed both resilience and innovation. Educators, students and parents have to face unforeseen challenges. But they have also developed new ways of coping and new ways of learning. There is no reason to stop that innovative thinking. There is no reason to stop emphasizing SEL. I also believe that children are the key to a more inclusive society. Our schools have the opportunity to embrace diversity, inclusion and equity, and children will be some of our guides.

What is the VALUE of an EQ Summit? An array of EQ/ SEL on-demand workshops? and or A summit that brings together parents and educators.?

Both of these comments reflect the value of the Summit. The workshops provide important content. When there are opportunities for interaction, parents and educators all benefit.