Teachers with high emotional intelligence can guide students in a better possible ways by understanding students’ behavioural and mental well being. Developing children of tomorrow with a positive and constructive attitude towards life is every teacher’s responsibility. As a teacher one must possess a strong self-awareness that facilitates identifying feelings by managing own emotions.

The term ‘emotional intelligence’ was popularised in the mid 90s by the famous journalist Daniel Goleman’s book, ‘Emotional Intelligence : Why It Can Matter More Than IQ’

There is clear evidence that emotional intelligence adds great value to the performance. Emotional intelligence includes self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and relationship management. By enhancing these qualitis teachers can definitely create a great learning environment to children.

Emotional intelligence is a popular construct associated with education. An individual who has control over emotions will be able to understand other’s perspective, which leads to acceptance of differences. These capabilities are essential in an increasingly pluralistic democratic world. This can lead to community wherein people live together with mutual respect and peace for each other.

Emotional Intelligence is relevant for teachers as teachers also as learners.

When teachers play a role of MENTORS, they open the ways for children to enjoy learning. We all have memories of our teachers and wecertainly remember those who have left  impact on us. We remember teachers encouragement, support, their positive attitude or friendly nature. Teachers love to be remembered and they can make it possible by making us  feel valued.

Teachers with great emotional intelligence can also be more sensitive towards their students ‘disruptive behaviors, academic performance and relationship management. They can handle and deal with various issues children are facing in a better way.

Self-awareness

Being aware of the situation around you and thinking beyond is one of the beautiful characteristics to have. Teachers who wish to performance better must be self-aware. Self-awareness is being aware of oneself.
Teachers should have a control on their emotions. Self awareness can be developed through self-analysis by identifying strengths and limitations. Taking feedbacks positively helps to develop self-awareness. Also, sharing the feedback needs to be well filtered always. 

Teachers should be aware own performance levels and the impact of this on students. 

Self-regulation

The ability to self-regulate is a necessary charecteristic for any leader. It is the ability to manage unpleasant situations. Effective self-regulation is well balanced body and mind. There are many occasions that require teachers to regulate their emotions. Examples include evaluating the answer scripts, preparing for classes, teaching and learning etc.
  Each time you feel negative, attempt to remember the positive times as this will help re-energise your thinking and mindset. Develop strategies that provide opportunities to regulate your emotions through self-reflection. Find a quiet corner and examine yourself.

Motivation

Motivation is a factor that keeps an inner desire to achieve objectives that are set out, alive. As a teacher keeping yourself and students motivated is instrumental. Therefore, Identify to do list early in the academic year. Work on motivations to be maintained and enhanced. Understand the needs and modify targets accordingly time to time.

Empathy

Teachers high in emotional intelligence will understand students and themselves. Building empathy is crucial to make each student feel part of the group is important. Identify each student and understand what makes them the way they are through appraisal and identifying individual needs.

Relationship management

It is essential introducing relationship management with the use of various bonding exercises. A teacher can support and influence colleagues and children through responsible relationship management. Plan activities and events to increase harmony among students. Introduce activities that promote effective relationships between students.Each characteristic of emotional intelligence is flexible and therefore can be used interchangeably.
Taken together, It is essential to develop teachers with great emotionally intelligence for the growth and development of both students and schools. The need of the hour is to not only create teacher training modules on emotional intelligence but also impart the right kind of training. The influence of a good teacher can never be erased from our heart and brain. An emotionally intelligent teacher can so positively leave ever lasting IMPACT.