Sandra Walston

It is good to realize that a focus on our own Emotional Intelligence, as well as other intelligences is important. It has reminded me why I got into education in the first place: To help others discover what they are passionate about and give them the tools to pursue that passion wherever it may take them in life. Giving students (or even other teachers) the tools to really learn and become excited about new things is one of the best feelings in the world. 

Reading about these things makes me want to learn more about Motesorri and Waldorf educational approaches. Especially now that I have two little girls that will soon be entering the public school system. As an educator I also want to learn ways to structure my classroom and projects/activities to give studentsauthentic experiences that teach the whole person.

It is really good to look at motivation in this way. I appreciate the comments that have already been made in that light. I have seen a marked difference in the students that are in school for a reason (have goals, have parent support, etc) and are motivated through that and those students that are really not sure what the point is to any of this. Parental support and involvement makes such a critical difference, and yet in my location there is very VERY little to be had. My question then becomes, how can we help to motivate these students… >>>

Just this year I have started in a new capacity in our school specifically focusing on SEL and the Arts (SEAL). This information so far has really encouraged me and actually started to give me more direction in what I would like to be accomplishing with those students. There is also a lot of carry over in how I would like to talk to the teachers in the building about how they are approaching students. I see a possible PD for the staff being very beneficial!

I really appreciate the fact that cultural competency is a process. Also, the emphasis on trust really struck a cord with me. I live in an area where a lot of teachers come for one year and then leave. Now that I have been here for 8 years, I can understand where the students are coming from, and I know them and their circumstances a lot better. Having that connection with them has made a world of difference in what we can accomplish in class and on a personal level.