In this podcast you’ll hear stories, information and actionable ideas from positive education and wellbeing experts, school wellbeing coordinators, teachers and sports coaches. The purpose of the podcast is that you takeaway ideas that you can execute in your classroom, across your school, at your sports club and in your organisation, plus tips and tricks that you can apply in your own life.
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In this podcast you’ll hear stories, information and actionable ideas from positive education and wellbeing experts, school wellbeing coordinators, teachers and sports coaches. The purpose of the podcast is that you takeaway ideas that you can execute in your classroom, across your school, at your sports club and in your organisation, plus tips and tricks that you can apply in your own life.
Episode #52 | Ali Casiano – How educators Can Model Emotional Intelligence and Create Stronger Connections
The Positive Education Podcast With Ash Manuel
35 minutes 14 seconds
5 months ago
Episode #52 | Ali Casiano – How educators Can Model Emotional Intelligence and Create Stronger Connections
In this episode with Ali Casiano, we dive into how educators can build emotionally intelligent, connected, and future-ready classrooms—using practical tools from both schools and the tech world.
Here are 6 powerful takeaways you won’t want to miss:
EQ isn’t a one-time lesson—it’s a life skillAli explains why emotional intelligence should be part of everyday classroom routines like journaling, breathing exercises, group sharing, and “good things” check-ins.
Model it before you teach itOne of the most impactful things a teacher can do is show students how they manage their own emotions and challenges. That modelling builds deep trust and connection.
Connection leads to performanceStudents thrive when they feel seen and heard. Simple moments of reflection and conversation can boost empathy, engagement, and classroom culture.
Big tech EQ strategies work in schools tooAli shares how strategies from her work at Amazon—like daily reflection prompts and chatbot check-ins—can be adapted for schools using tools as simple as whiteboards or Google Forms.
AI can help—but the teacher is still the heartAI should support self-awareness and reflection, not replace human connection. It’s a powerful assistant, not a replacement for real conversations.
Kids need space to practise real-life skillsConflict resolution, empathy, and emotional awareness don’t happen by accident. Alinnette explains how role-play and storytelling can help kids develop these essential life skills early.
More About Ali
Ali is an educator, EQ Champion, Bestselling author, Organisational Leadership Strategist, and UX researcher at AWS with 15+ years of experience blending emotional intelligence, agile leadership, and system thinking. Founder of Growing Your EQ, helping brands and teams scale with purpose and people-first innovation. Bilingual, doctoral candidate, and advocate for inclusive, high-impact leadership.
Email: acasiano@growingyoureq.comWebsite: https://www.beyondiqnewsletter.comLinkedin: Alinnette Casiano
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The Positive Education Podcast With Ash Manuel
In this podcast you’ll hear stories, information and actionable ideas from positive education and wellbeing experts, school wellbeing coordinators, teachers and sports coaches. The purpose of the podcast is that you takeaway ideas that you can execute in your classroom, across your school, at your sports club and in your organisation, plus tips and tricks that you can apply in your own life.
