Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teachers-social-emotional-learning
In the ever-evolving landscape of education, the focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) for students has rightfully gained significant traction. However, a crucial element often overlooked is the SEL of the educators themselves. Coursera’s “The Teacher’s Social and Emotional Learning,” taught by Dan Liston and Randy Testa, directly addresses this vital gap, offering a profound exploration of the emotional lives of teachers and their impact on the classroom.
This course, a key component of the “The Teacher and Social Emotional Learning” Specialization, makes a compelling case for prioritizing teacher SEL. The initial module, “Why SEL and the teacher?”, clearly articulates the necessity for educators to cultivate a deeper understanding of their own social and emotional terrain. The guiding premise is powerful: enhanced self-awareness for teachers directly translates into stronger student relationships and unlocks greater transformative potential for both teacher and student. By encouraging reflection on deeply held beliefs and emotional responses, the course empowers teachers to gain new insights into their pedagogical practices.
The subsequent modules delve into the nuanced realities of the teaching profession. “What does teaching do to teachers?” further emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge, particularly concerning emotional responses and ingrained beliefs. The course bravely tackles the more challenging aspects of teaching, dedicating sections to “Sadness and despair in teaching” and “Joy, passion, and enjoyment in teaching.” These modules offer a valuable “granularity” by encouraging teachers to reflect on and examine a spectrum of emotions, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of their professional experience.
Finally, “Grit and wholeness in teaching” provides a thoughtful contrast between these two dispositions, prompting valuable introspection on personal values within the teaching profession. This course is not just informative; it is transformative. It provides the tools and the space for teachers to engage in critical self-reflection, ultimately leading to more authentic, resilient, and impactful teaching.
I highly recommend “The Teacher’s Social and Emotional Learning” to any educator seeking to deepen their self-awareness, enhance their classroom presence, and cultivate a more fulfilling teaching career. It’s an investment in yourself that will undoubtedly ripple outwards to benefit your students.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/teachers-social-emotional-learning