Module 1.5 Self-Awareness, Emotional Resilience and Equity

Let’s watch and discuss an interview with author and coach, Elena Aguilar, who reflects on educator resilience, the relationship between emotions and equity work, and the importance of these two words: “and” and “maybe.”

Emotions and Equity

Review the following video resources in this conversation between Elena Aguilar and Amy L. Eva, PhD, Associate Education Director, Greater Good Science Center:

Equity, Self-Awareness, and Emotional Resilience

Responding to Stress, Exhaustion, and Burnout: A New Vision for Education

Learning to Tell “Maybe” Stories

Practices for Emotional Resilience

Reflection

• When you think about the importance of educational equity and the role you play in creating a more equitable district, school, or classroom, what kinds of emotions arise for you?
• How would you describe your role when it comes to creating a more equitable district, school, or classroom?

Elena Aguilar says, “There’s just no way that we can do the work around equity without attending to our emotions and without cultivating the emotions that will help us to navigate the discomfort—because we are going to feel really uncomfortable.”

• How do you navigate uncomfortable emotions (others and your own) when you engage in important conversations about race and equity in schools? In what ways might those uncomfortable feelings inhibit you from speaking up about social injustice and racism?
• What are the ways oppressive, white-dominant social norms, patriarchal, and/or capitalist patterns and language influence our work as educators as it relates to the importance of emotions to learning, self-care, and advocating for our own well-being?
• In what ways might the words “control, manage, and regulate” (frequently used in our work around emotions and behavior) be contributing to oppressive practices? With the goals of agency and liberation in mind, what language could be used instead?
• What “and” and “maybe” stories can we tell about this moment in time as educators?

1.5 Take It Deeper: Self-Awareness, Emotional Resilience, and Equity

How can we create a culture of equity, self-awareness, and emotional resilience in our schools? Let’s start by visualizing it. Here is a downloadable guide to help you.

Before facilitating groups, spend time in individual exploration in order to experience and embody the learning. And if you haven’t yet explored our introduction to SEL in California, make sure you explore those resources.