Emotional Intelligence in Teaching: Why It Matters Right Now

How EQ helps teachers reduce stress, connect better, and teach smarter

By SELINclub | 21 Jul 2025, 02:19 AM

Have you ever been irate with your students' actions despite having a flawless lesson plan?
Most teachers have. Teaching is difficult, and it's even more difficult today. Students have a lot to contend with. They have multiple backgrounds. They battle their emotions or mental well-being. The pandemic amplified everything.
Emotional intelligence—or EQ—is more crucial than ever, therefore.
EQ enables you to understand your own emotions. It enables you to understand your students' emotions, too. That allows you to relate better, handle your class, and reduce your stress.

Here is what you will be learning:

• What is emotional intelligence
   
• Why is it crucial today as a teacher
   
• How to determine if you have high or low EQ
   
• Tips on how to increase your EQ
   
• A true classroom story
   
• Valuable tools and resources
   

What is Emotional Intelligence?

Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is the ability to know and control your own emotions. It is also being empathetic to other individuals' emotions. This makes you react appropriately, rather than reacting blindly.
Daniel Goleman, the expert on the subject, divides EQ into five components. There is sensitivity to self, first of all. That is, you become aware that you are feeling something and how it influences what you do. For instance, if you're angry, you recognise it before you speak in a way that you will regret.
And then there is self-regulation. What that means is being able to manage your emotions. Rather than acting without thinking, you take time out to think before acting. It avoids things getting out of hand, particularly in times of trouble.
And then there's motivation. That is that you continue even when issues are coming your way. You don't easily quit.
Empathy is also vital. That is when you can understand how other individuals feel and really care about them. It helps you connect more with people.
Finally, social skills are all about being able to function well with other people. It is the ability to resolve problems in a peaceful way and coexist even when there is disagreement.
All of these skills are utilised every day by teachers to provide a safe and welcoming classroom where learners like learning.

How to Build Your Emotional Intelligence by Kevin Kruse on Vimeo

Reflect On Your Day

Set aside a couple of minutes each day to think about how you were feeling and how you reacted to things. Self-reflection makes you smarter.

• Consider thinking about what you wondered about what was going on emotionally.
   
• Consider thinking about whether you stayed calm or freaked out.
   
• Consider thinking about what you can work on tomorrow.
   
• Write down your thoughts so you can follow up on them.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is seeing the current moment without judgment. It calms the mind and simplifies the handling of emotions.

• Puff gently for 3–5 minutes.
   
• Utilise apps such as Headspace or Calm to meditate with a guide.
   
• Watch your breath or body feelings.
   
• Attempt to catch yourself when your mind drifts and softly bring it back.

Ask for Feedback

Genuine feedback helps you understand how others view your behaviour and emotional reaction. It offers chances to improve.

• Choose a person whom you believe can offer you feedback.
   
• Ask them specifically about behaviour or a certain situation.
   
• Listen to them without excusing yourself.
   
• Show appreciation for being honest and take their suggestions into account.

Learn Conflict Resolution

To be aware of how to resolve conflicts in a constructive way is most important with emotional intelligence. It maintains healthy relationships and prevents drama.

• Seek conflict management training or workshops.
   
• Practice being calm if an argument arises.
   
• Employ "I" statements to express to the other person how you feel without accusing them.
   
• Find creative solutions that empower rather than dismantle all parties involved.

Listen Actively

Active listening is offering the speaker your full attention and showing that you are paying attention. It establishes trust and open communication.

• Stay focused and avoid distractions.
   
• Nod and make comments intermittently to show you are listening.
   
• Paraphrase or reflect back what was said.
   
• Request clarification if you are unsure.

Track Your Emotions

Monitoring your moods enables you to recognise patterns and triggers. Knowing in advance gives you more control of your feelings.

• Use a daily application like Mood Meter or Daylio.
   
• Record what triggered your feelings, negative or positive.
   
• Review your records and look for patterns of frequent causes.
   
• Adjust your response to what you discover.

Read Books and Courses

Books and courses give you more detailed information regarding emotional intelligence and advice on how to apply it daily.

• Read Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence.
   
• Skim Bruna Martinuzzi's The Emotionally Intelligent Teacher.
   
• Investigate low-cost or no-cost online classes.
   
• Try out what you've learned in your daily routine.
   

Think About Coaching

Coaching provides you with one-on-one assistance to grow your emotional intelligence quickly. It is best when you need more support.

• Find an approved emotional intelligence coach.
   
• Be clear about what you want to change.
   
• Practice in between sessions.
   
• Use feedback from your coach to continue to improve.
   

Why Is Emotional Intelligence Important in Teaching?

Helps with Classroom Management

Students bring all kinds of feelings to class. When teachers have EQ, they notice these feelings early. They stay calm and handle problems without yelling. This helps keep the classroom peaceful.

Makes Students More Interested in Learning

When students feel cared for, they want to join in. They listen more and work harder. EQ helps you build that connection.

Keeps Teachers from Getting Burned Out

Teaching is tough and can be stressful. EQ helps teachers notice when they feel stressed. Then they can take breaks and care for themselves. This lowers the chance of burnout.

Improves Communication with Parents and Staff

Good communication needs an understanding of emotions. Teachers with EQ can talk with parents and coworkers in a kind and clear way. This makes teamwork better.

Supports Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

SEL teaches students how to handle their emotions and get along with others. Teachers with EQ show students how to do this by example.

Helps with Challenges After the Pandemic

The pandemic changed how schools work. Many students feel anxious or lonely. Teachers with EQ can support students through these hard times.

Signs of High and Low Emotional Intelligence in Teachers

High EQ Looks Like This:

• Staying calm when things get tough
   
• Listening carefully to students and others
   
• Showing kindness and understanding
   
• Using gentle ways to correct students
   
• Thinking about how you feel and act
   

Low EQ Looks Like This:

• Getting angry quickly
   
• Ignoring students’ feelings
   
• Misunderstanding what students need
   
• Avoiding problems or blaming others
   
• Reacting without thinking

If you notice some low EQ signs, don’t worry. You can learn and improve.

Real Story from the Classroom

Ms. Patel noticed one of her students, Marcus, looked upset one morning. Instead of sending him out of class, she asked if he wanted to talk. Marcus said his family lost their home.
Ms. Patel listened carefully and showed she cared. She connected Marcus with the school counsellor. Marcus was calmer and ready to work after that.
This is emotional intelligence in action. Ms. Patel stayed calm, showed empathy, and helped Marcus feel safe.

Tools and Resources

Type	Examples
Books	Emotional Intelligence, The Emotionally Intelligent Teacher
Apps	Headspace, Calm, Mood Meter, Daylio
Online Courses	Coursera, Udemy, EdX
Certifications	Emotional intelligence coaching certification
Tests	TalentSmart EQ test, Six Seconds EQ
PD Workshops	SEL and conflict resolution training

Try one or two resources at a time to build your skills steadily.

Emotional Intelligence and Personalised Learning

Emotional intelligence helps you pay attention to the way students feel. If a student looks upset or confused, you can adjust the way you teach immediately. Perhaps you talk more slowly or provide additional support. When students feel that you hear them, they concentrate better and work harder.

Do the following:

• Pay attention to their body language and listen to their tone
   
• Ask them how they are feeling occasionally
   
• Assist further if a student is stuck or distressed
   
• Acknowledge small victories to empower them

Learning is not merely about facts. As you treat students as human beings, learning takes place naturally.

Emotional Intelligence in Leadership and Collaboration

Good emotional intelligence makes people easy to work with. Whether other teachers, parents, or workers, knowing emotions keeps people in conversation. When things are difficult, you don't get angry or defensive. You listen and answer truthfully. That makes the team effort successful.

EQ enables you to:

• Speak clearly without misunderstanding
   
• Resolve conflicts without violence
   
• Establish trust with your team and parents
   
• Remain patient, even when things become chaotic

Being able to read people and keep your cool is a lifesaver at school.
 

Emotional Intelligence Quizzes and Self-Tests

You can't become mindful of your emotional abilities unless you have a sense of where you're at. Quick EQ tests on the web provide you with a snapshot. Be honest with yourself.

Here's where to begin:

• Take a free EQ test online and check how you're doing
   
• Journal about your mood and reaction
   
• Observe yourself when you stay calm or get angry
   
• Utilise apps like Mood Meter to track your mental state daily

These small habits make you better at controlling your emotions. That makes your classroom a better place.
 

Emotional Intelligence and Teacher Wellbeing

By taking care of yourself, you stay patient and focused. It's really important as a teacher. Taking care of yourself makes sure that you get to keep going in the long term.

This is what you can do:

• Take a break every time you feel overwhelmed
   
• Do some basic breathing or mindfulness for a couple of minutes
   
• Set boundaries so work doesn't enter your home
   
• Ask for help when you feel like you're at your limit

Taking care of your own emotions gives you a little more energy to apply to teaching. It prevents burnout.
 

Conclusion

Emotional intelligence facilitates classroom management, motivation of students, and stress reduction. It is an essential skill for our day and age.
Begin with daily reflection, mindfulness, feedback, and reading on EQ. Practice consistently, and your classroom becomes a safer and more compassionate community.
Experiment with one new EQ strategy in your next class. Pay attention to the difference it makes for you and your students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is social emotional learning (SEL)?
SEL informs students about learning, regulating their emotions, forming relationships, and making positive decisions.

How does emotional intelligence assist in classroom management?
It assists the teacher in remaining calm, recognising students' feelings, and responding in a manner that minimises issues.

Can teachers improve their emotional intelligence?
Yes. EQ is a skill that can be acquired and developed through practice.

How does emotional intelligence minimise teacher burnout?
By identifying and coping with stress, teachers can continue to enjoy their emotional well-being and prevent burnout.

Is there testing to test for emotional intelligence?
Yes. Tools like TalentSmart EQ test measure your EQ and help you improve.

Is emotional intelligence useful only for teachers?
No. EQ helps in leadership, business, and daily life by improving communication and emotional health.