Incorporating the Development of Social-Emotional Skills into the Ethos of Teachers and Schools – Practical and Theoretical Aspects

School ethos refers to observed practices and interactions of school members, both formal and informal, that reflect the fundamental cultural norms, assumptions, beliefs, aims and goals of the school in its entirety. The twenty-first century has brought a growing realization of the need to equip students with a wide range of skills to cope with the era’s changes and consequent challenges. In particular, emotional and social skills have been noted as essential for success and well- being. Schools and teachers are critical for developing those skills, and thus, rather than being introduced in isolated and limited efforts, they should become part of teachers’ and schools’ ethos. This chapter will look into the concept of emotional intelligence, the social-emotional skills included in it and their contribution to students, teachers and schools. It will describe the ways it is currently applied in education systems and will argue for the need for a more holistic view which integrates social-emotional development in teachers and schools’ ethos. The chapter will conclude by practical ways in which this integration can take place.