Teaching and Leading with Emotional Intelligence

Book excerpt: In this much-needed text, the author provides dilemma-based teaching cases that teachers and early childhood leaders can analyze and discuss to build problem-solving and decision-making skills. Readers will reflect on challenges they are likely to experience in practice, addressing issues such as linguistically and culturally isolated children, children refusing to share with others, high-energy children struggling to develop self-regulation and executive function, and children experiencing trauma. They will also examine issues related to inadequate resources and teacher compensation. Each case portrays early childhood practitioners as they transform challenging scenarios into opportunities for the growth of social and emotional skills. This one-of-a-kind resource can be used for professional development, for courses that address the emotional and social development of young children, and with students beginning their supervised field experience to help bridge their research and practice. “This excellent book . . . demonstrates the growth of the whole child, using well-written, research-based portrayals of teachers and leaders displaying emotional intelligence and fostering its growth in children, teachers, and leaders.” —From the Foreword by Edward F. Zigler, The Edward Zigler Center in Child Development and Social Policy “This important book emphasizes that the first thing children need is to know they are loved, the second is to learn self-regulation, and the third is to know how to get along with others. Peggy Pizzo’s book shows teachers how they can help children learn these things and thrive.” —T. Berry Brazelton, professor emeritus, Harvard Medical School and founder of Brazelton Touchpoints Center “As a long-time admirer of Peggy Pizzo and her seminal work, I am delighted that she is bringing an innovative approach—using teaching cases—to early childhood professional development in ways designed to help children learn and grow.” —Ellen Galinsky, president, Families and Work Institute