Of Note: Bounce Back

Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators by Elena Aguilar
Jossey-Bass, May 8, 2018

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Social Emotional Learning (SEL) has become a cornerstone of the independent school student’s experience. In classes, co-curriculars, and advisories across our schools, teachers, coaches, and support staff help students become more aware of who they are, what they feel, and how they interact with others. SEL helps schools striving to teach the whole child. Less attention, however, is given to the social and emotional growth and development of those adults who make such learning possible. In Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators, Elena Aguilar addresses this gap. Building on her writing and experience as an instructional and leadership coach, Aguilar focuses on the resilience educators need to "bounce back" from the stressful and emotional work of "being in a helping profession and serving young people in complex organizations [like schools]." In addition to addressing the needs of teachers, her text also pays special attention to school leaders - those working to develop and maintain positive faculty cultures as well as to mentor and evaluate teachers. Ultimately, coupling healthy doses of research and anecdotal evidence with reflective questions and self-assessments, Aguilar presents clear and practical ways for administrators and faculty alike to develop the tools that they need to be their most effective and empowered selves.