Training #Emotional intelligent and #Acceptant #Mindsets for #Inclusion

"<< Background >>The T.E.A.M.I. project stemmed from the urgent needs outlined in the European Commission's Action Plan on Integration and Inclusion 2021-2027 and the Annual Sustainable Growth Strategy 2021. These documents stress empowering individuals facing disadvantages, fostering unity, and promoting resilience amid challenges like COVID-19. T.E.A.M.I., involving institutions from seven countries, aims to equip educators and students with socio- emotional skills. With heightened awareness of emotions, especially amid the pandemic, the project addresses critical needs in educational institutions. Prior experiences in coaching-based Erasmus+ projects highlight the effectiveness of emotion-based approaches in education. By training teachers as SEL coaches, the project directly impacts educators and students, with broader benefits for the education system.<< Objectives >>In response to the emotional challenges faced by both teachers and students during the pandemic, the partnership aimed to achieve specific objectives:1) Provide 70 teachers with coaching and SEL competencies through a blended train-the-trainer course followed by training 140 SEL team coaches. 2) Implement structured SEL interventions to help students identify and manage emotions, foster inclusive behaviors, strengthen attachment to school, and mitigate antisocial actions, especially among disadvantaged students. 3) Deliver relevant resources and tools for remote learning, utilizing online platforms for teacher-student interaction, material collection, showcasing results, and promoting apps like Moodmeter by Yale University. 4) Train educators and students in stress management through mindfulness practices, including exercises to maintain focus, quiet the mind, promote inclusion, patience, and reduce negative perceptions of others.<< Implementation >>The implementation of T.E.A.M.I. activities focused on key phases and ongoing processes throughout the project's 24-month duration. Activities were structured around preparation, delivery, monitoring, and evaluation. Significant actions targeted direct groups of teachers and students. A five-day Learning, Teaching, Training Activity (LTTA) in Lithuania delivered the 'T.E.A.M.I Train the trainer Continuing Professional Development Programme' to 70 teachers selected from each participating country. These teachers became 'SEL team coach trainers' and subsequently transferred socio-emotional competences to 20 SEL team coaches. This initial phase of SEL awareness among educators preceded student-focused activities. Teachers guided students, including vulnerable learners, in managing emotions and promoting interaction and inclusion. Transversal activities throughout the project included managing transnational meetings, quality assurance through continuous monitoring, and data collection for impact reporting. Additionally, sharing and promotion efforts engaged stakeholders, particularly policy and decision makers, culminating in a multiplier event and final conference in Rome, Italy.<< Results >>The project delivered five tangible outcomes, including:1)""T.E.A.M.I. online launch networking event"": This event served as a platform for sharing existing SEL practices among participating countries and gathering insights from various stakeholders.2)""T.E.A.M.I. Train the trainer Continuing Professional Development Programme"" and the ""SEL Train the trainer team coaching Guide"": These resources were developed to equip teachers with the necessary skills to address complex student groups. The program consisted of two phases and three modules, for a total of 45 hours of training.3)""Collection of the teams of students' best outcomes"": This initiative showcased the impactful work conducted in schools as a result of the project. The best outcomes were highlighted online and exchanged in a competitive forum.4)""T.E.A.M.I. Policy Recommendations for decision makers"": Through a collaborative approach involving policymakers, the project generated policy recommendations aimed at promoting socio-emotional learning in educational settings. Institutions actively engaged with local, regional, and national authorities to present these recommendations.5)""Impact Report"": An in-depth analysis of the project's interventions and their effects on participating institutions at both local and national levels. This report provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of SEL strategies implemented throughout the project duration.These results are available in all the partnership languages on the project website, http://www.teamierasmus.com/. The English version is available on the European Platform of Results."