S3:E1 - Build Academic Growth with Emotional Intelligence w/ Dr. Brian Dinkins
S3 #1

S3:E1 - Build Academic Growth with Emotional Intelligence w/ Dr. Brian Dinkins

In this season three premiere episode, Will and Jordan sit down with Dr. Brian Dinkins to explore why emotional intelligence is foundational to learning, leadership, and school culture. Drawing from his experience as an educator, principal, and leadership coach, Brian explains how emotions shape behavior, relationships, and academic success—and why regulation must start with adults before it can reach students. This conversation blends research, real stories, and practical strategies educators can use immediately.

🔑 Key Takeaways
✔️ Emotional intelligence is a skill set, not a personality trait.
✔️ Dysregulated adults cannot regulate dysregulated students.
✔️ Learning cannot happen without emotional safety.
✔️ Self-awareness is the starting point for all effective instruction.
✔️ School culture improves when emotional regulation becomes a shared commitment.


💬 Memorable Quotes
🗣️ “You can’t teach a dysregulated brain.”
🗣️ “Emotions aren’t good or bad—they’re information.”
🗣️ “I’ve never seen a dysregulated adult regulate a dysregulated child.”
🗣️ “Kids remember how you made them feel long after the lesson is gone.”


🧠 Strategies You’ll Learn
  • Daily emotional self-checks for educators
  • Building emotional vocabulary beyond “fine” or “good.”
  • Helping students identify and regulate emotions
  • Using body language and cues to read student readiness
  • Creating emotional deposits before making behavioral withdrawals


👁️‍🗨️ Additional Practices
  • Greet students with nonverbal emotional check-ins
  • Use color or visuals to help students name emotions
  • Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and self-care for staff
  • Establish shared emotional commitments schoolwide
  • Coach adults in real time—not after breakdowns

📚 Resources and Links

🔗 Dr. Brian Dinkins Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbdinkins/?hl=en
🔗 Want Dr. Brian Dinkins to come to your school?

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💡 Innovative Schools Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovativeschoolspodcast/