Emotional intelligence

María José Sánchez has 4 years of experience as a teacher in different schools where she has worked as an interim teacher and as a substitute teacher. She is currently working as a fifth-grade teacher at the Grazalema School and is working as a substitute for another teacher.

The interviewee tells us that it was necessary to change the way of doing things because we moved from face-to-face teaching to distance learning and using new technologies. Her main motivation was to develop her ability as a teacher to teach in a virtual environment, and also to develop the students’ ability to learn in virtual environments. María José tells us that this whole situation has helped her to take more care of herself emotionally, she used to worry more about other personal aspects and she has learned that the emotional aspect is fundamental, that emotional health is as important as physical health.

María José highlighted as a positive aspect that, with the state of alarm, teachers had to put into practice transversal competences such as autonomy, responsibility, initiative and creativity, among others, in order to adapt to the new situation that had arisen in teaching. It was necessary to rethink the subjects and establish new educational methods.  She told us that after what they have experienced, they are more prepared for a mixed and more flexible pedagogical model. 

Another aspect that stands out is that they have realised that the screen, although it has helped us to see ourselves, cannot do everything, and the classroom is an excellent place for a lot of learning to take place that cannot happen with digital media.

Another piece of advice given by María José is the importance of Emotional Intelligence, that teachers need support to address not only the academic needs of students, but also their mental health, social and emotional needs.

Another positive aspect according to María José has been that parents have become more involved in their children’s education.

We must always look on the bright side of things and that everything happens for a reason.

Date: 12.09. 2022
Organisation: GRAZALEMA SCHOOL. Puerto de Santa María-Cádiz