Emotional intelligence (often called EI or EQ) is a set of interpersonal skills that can help a teacher in several ways. This article will explore EI in classrooms and how it applies to teaching and learning.

What is emotional intelligence?

Emotional intelligence is the ability to manage one's own emotions and understand other individuals' emotions. Kelly Burlison, associate professor in the College of Education at Lynn University, says EI is also about self-regulation. “By effectively managing our own emotions and teaching students to do the same, we create a positive classroom environment where everyone feels safe, respected and supported,” Burlison says.

There are five key elements of emotional intelligence:

  • Self-awareness: Recognizing and understanding one's emotions
  • Self-regulation: Managing one's emotions and subsequent behaviors
  • Motivation: Having an internal drive or incentive to accomplish things
  • Empathy: Understanding, awareness of and sensitivity to the emotions, thoughts and experiences of others
  • Social skills: Learned abilities that enable somebody to interact competently and appropriately in a given social context

The role of emotional intelligence in teaching

Numerous experts have identified the value of emotional intelligence skills for educators.

Why is emotional intelligence important for teachers?

Emotionally intelligent teachers can build stronger connections with their students and better manage classroom dynamics. Students, especially children, may not always be attentive. By building positive relationships with students and understanding how to help them focus, teachers can guide their classes through lessons more effectively.

A teacher’s emotional intelligence skills can help transform students’ educational experiences. These skills can foster trust and understanding, making students feel safe to ask questions and explore ideas.

How does emotional intelligence in teaching impact students’ development?

Burlison ties the importance of EI to a teacher’s position as a role model. "Our students are watching, and they need to see good behaviors and hear good conversations," she says. Being self-aware and regulating one’s emotions can help teachers model aspirational behavior for their students.

Burlison adds that by encouraging their students to develop similar skills, teachers can support improved student learning, behavior and well-being. She also notes that empathy and positivity can help teachers create an encouraging classroom environment in which students are motivated to reach their potential.

Learning social-emotional skills enables children to develop healthy identities, set goals, express empathy, build relationships and make decisions. Teaching and practicing these skills is called social-emotional learning (SEL). SEL has many potential benefits for students, including building healthier friendships and supporting academic success.

Examples of emotional intelligence skills in teaching

  • Active listening: By actively listening, teachers give students their full attention, minimize distractions and reflect back what students share to show they understand. A classroom full of children can be a hectic and noisy environment, with many students speaking simultaneously, so actively listening can be valuable for effective teaching.
  • Employing empathy in conflict resolution: Approaching conflicts with empathy is a key emotional skill in teaching, as conflicts often occur in educational settings. Educators with high EI can approach conflicts by considering multiple perspectives, helping them better understand all sides involved. This can help teachers find solutions that respect everyone’s emotions and needs.
  • Inspiring and motivating students: The ability to inspire and motivate students is a sign of strong emotional intelligence. With their strong aptitude for emotional regulation, emotionally intelligent teachers can inspire confidence among staff and students, even in challenging times.
  • Using “I” statements: Teachers can use “I” statements to express frustration or concern without blaming students. This communication strategy helps keep the focus on feelings, needs and solutions, making it less likely that students will become defensive.
  • Communicating with parents: Emotional intelligence can help teachers outside the classroom as well. Burlison underscores this by stating that teachers with high EI have better communication with parents and guardians.

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