On Thursday, March 20 2024, the fourth and final round of SEL workshops for 2024-25, was conducted by the SEL Team across different year groups and sections. The sessions focussed on understanding and strengthening different aspects of communication between teachers, on professional growth through self-awareness and positive workplace relationships.
Years 1 – 3: Strengthening Workplace Relationships
Building on the reflections from the previous SEL CPD, teachers shared whether the session had influenced their professional growth. While some found open reflection challenging, others expressed that they are working on the given feedback. This led to a discussion on the importance of collaboration and open communication within teams to enhance productivity and excellence.
Teachers identified key factors essential for effective teamwork and most were able to candidly share the challenges they face when working together. These challenges were then explored to uncover underlying causes. The discussion highlighted how diverse perspectives contribute to team dynamics and how different ideas can be acknowledged, discussed, and integrated. A significant insight emerged on the dynamics between senior and new teachers. It was interesting to see how experienced educators perceive fresh perspectives and how newcomers navigate their roles with both support and challenges from their colleagues. This exchange fostered an open and accepting environment for all voices.
A key takeaway from the session was the importance of healthy discussions and managing disagreements professionally. Teachers reflected on their tendency to react to situations, rather than respond to it, which is what generally happens owing to past emotional triggers. To deepen this understanding, we watched and listened to Dr. Chandler’s 5-minute video which was about the difference between reaction and response and how to move towards responding. His message reinforced the value of thoughtful communication, which we hope will positively impact interactions between teachers in the future.
Years 4 and 5: From Weakness to Strength – A Growth Mindset 2
This session was a valuable continuation of the previous session held in February 2025. It gave us the opportunity to dive deeper into understanding ourselves, decision making and personal growth.
The session commenced with an emotional check-in, where teachers used specific objects such as: a rock, a feather, a clock, a compass to express and connect with their emotions. This activity fostered a deeper understanding of our feelings and its impact on professional and personal lives.
We then revisited the Johari Window Model, reinforcing the importance of self-reflection, open communication, and recognizing blind spots in our personal and professional development. A key component of the session focused on leveraging strengths and addressing weaknesses in decision-making. Teachers engaged in thought-provoking discussions and real-life scenarios, emphasizing the role of self-awareness in making informed choices.
The final segment introduced the SMART goal framework – a strategic approach to overcoming weaknesses by setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. A collaborative group activity further deepened our understanding, as we worked together to identify personal and professional weaknesses and develop actionable SMART goals for improvement.
The workshop concluded with a follow-up commitment, where each participant identified one area for growth and pledged to work towards overcoming it. Teachers will work on one of their weaknesses using the SMART goal framework and submit their progress by April 14th.
By embracing self-awareness and intentional goal-setting, we continue to create an environment that nurtures both educators and students alike. We look forward to witnessing the positive transformations that emerges from this session and the continued journey toward personal and professional excellence.
Years 6 -10: Empowering Educators: Building Social Connections & Overcoming Obstacles
We understand that teaching is more than just a job – it’s a passion, a commitment, and at times, a challenging balancing act. Between lesson planning, last-minute requests, grading, and personal responsibilities, educators often find themselves stretched thin. To support our teachers in managing these challenges, our fourth SEL Workshop focused on building social connections, overcoming obstacles, and reducing stress.
As always, the workshop was designed as an interactive experience; educators explored strategies to manage stress, set boundaries, and handle all tasks with ease, through role-playing, self-reflection, and group discussions. Some of the activities we used were:
What’s in Our Control? This thought-provoking activity helped teachers identify and differentiate between areas in their personal and professional lives that are within our control and those beyond our control. By redirecting their energy towards positive change, they discovered ways to make a real impact while letting go of unnecessary worries.
The Johari Window – A Path to Self-Awareness. Through this powerful tool for self-reflection and personal growth, teachers gained valuable insights into their strengths, blind spots, and interpersonal relationships, fostering a more positive perspective on their roles.
Looking Back to Move Forward. Teachers shared personal anecdotes of overcoming obstacles, discussing how past challenges shaped their resilience, problem-solving skills, and professional growth. These shared experiences highlighted the importance of perseverance and learning from setbacks.
The main takeaways for teachers was a fresh perspective on teaching & life in general,
it equipped our educators with practical strategies for long-term success, such as: managing their workload effectively to avoid burnout, setting clear boundaries while maintaining professionalism, turning last-minute stress into an opportunity for creative problem-solving and focusing energy on what truly makes a difference in their work and personal lives.
At PECHS Girls’ School, we believe that a happy, balanced teacher creates an inspiring classroom. This SEL workshop was a valuable step in our ongoing commitment to supporting educators in leading fulfilling, stress-free professional lives.
