ABSTRACT
This chapter advocates using mindfulness in the classroom as a method to increase overall teacher effectiveness, student achievement, and the joy of teaching and learning. It considers pre-assessing our feelings, attitudes, and prior knowledge about mindfulness. A special teacher is someone who sees the potential in others. These kinds of teachers recognize the gifts rather than the flaws in their students. These special teachers refuse to compromise their values for what the “system” demands. Inspiring students tends to have a much more positive affect than the alternative and traditional motivation method of manipulation. Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) includes the human knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors that enable us to find success and happiness at home and in the workplace. SEL focuses on developing humans who are socially aware. Students with self-awareness can recognize their own strengths and areas of need.
