Today, soft skills are increasingly recognized as essential in both professional and everyday life. Abilities like emotional intelligence, empathy, teamwork, and managing conflict or stress are just as important in the classroom as they are beyond it. Through a blend of theory and hands-on activities, participants deepened their understanding of these skills and explored practical ways to enhance their communication and interpersonal effectiveness.
 
​The new edition of the course “Soft Skills and Emotional Intelligence for teachers and education staff​” took place in Tenerife from 20/07/2025 to 26/07/2025. The participants came from all across Europe, with Carla Moreira  and Rita Rocha from Escola Profissional de Agricultura e Desenvolvimento Rural de Ponte de Lima  in Portugal,Linda Pleskačová from Vyšší odborná škola a střední průmyslová škola elektrotechnická Františka Křižíka in Czech Republic,Rossana Di Battista and Roberta Manente and  Tommaso Zacchei and  Danilo Cecchini  from IIS di poppa rozzi in Italy,Marijke Jacobs and Burcu Günalan from Hessenwaldschule in Germany,Fabiana Meale and Maria Turrini and Anna Maria Tarozzi from Direzione didattica Fedora Servetti Donati in italy,Laura Galvan from IC Vigolo Vattaro in italy.
The course began with a focus on Emotional Intelligence—the ability to recognize and understand not only our own emotions but also those of others, fostering greater self-awareness and social awareness. Closely linked to this was the topic of empathy, another key skill explored during the session. Through a variety of practical exercises, participants developed their ability to practice empathy, strengthen self-control, boost self-motivation, and build meaningful connections with others.
A good teacher is also a good leader of the classroom because they have to give motivation and guide their students to reach a specific goal. Leadership comes in different forms, but not all of them are effective in every situation. For this reason, participants were asked to think about the main characteristics of the leaders they admire and reflected on the different leadership styles
Effective communication is one of the most vital skills for successful teamwork. Participants explored various communication styles—aggressive, passive, passive-aggressive, and assertive—and reflected on how each impacts group dynamics. Special attention was given to assertiveness, a style that can often be misunderstood. Through discussion and activities, participants came to understand that being assertive isn’t about being rude; it’s about expressing needs and opinions clearly and respectfully.
The final topic of the course focused on conflict and stress management. Working with others can be challenging, and it’s not always clear how to navigate disagreements effectively. Through open discussions and personal reflections, participants recognized that conflict is a common part of collaboration—and that it doesn’t always lead to negative outcomes. In fact, when managed well, conflict can be an opportunity for growth, learning, and stronger relationships.

​This course offered participants the chance to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. Each person brought a unique background, enriching the group’s collective growth and understanding. Beyond the classroom, planned cultural activities also fostered meaningful networking opportunities—reinforcing the idea that valuable learning can happen anywhere, not just within four walls.
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Discover more about this course here.