Paper Title: Cultivating Socio-Emotional Competencies in Teachers: A Prerequisite for Student Wellbeing and 21st Century Readiness in West Bengal
Author:
Abstract:
The rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century demands an education system that prioritizes not only academic rigor but also holistic student development, encompassing wellbeing and essential life skills. This article posits that cultivating robust Socio-Emotional Competencies (SECs) in teachers is a fundamental prerequisite for achieving these goals within West Bengal's educational framework. Recognizing the profound influence teachers exert on classroom climate and student development, the article examines the critical link between teacher SECssuch as self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-makingand enhanced student wellbeing, including improved mental health, resilience, and prosocial behaviour. Furthermore, it argues that teachers equipped with strong SECs are uniquely positioned to model and explicitly teach the very competencies students need for 21st-century readiness: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and empathy. Analysing the current state of teacher education and professional development in West Bengal, the article identifies significant gaps in systematically integrating SEC training into pre-service and in-service programs. Challenges such as curriculum overload, limited resources, traditional pedagogical focus, and assessment difficulties are explored. Drawing upon global best practices and contextual realities, the article proposes concrete, actionable strategies for West Bengal. These include revising teacher education curricula to embed SEC modules, implementing sustained, experiential professional development, fostering supportive school environments, developing contextually relevant resources, and establishing supportive policy frameworks. The conclusion underscores that investing in teachers' socio-emotional growth is not merely an add-on but a strategic imperative, directly contributing to nurturing well-adjusted, resilient, and future-ready citizens of West Bengal, ultimately strengthening the state's human capital and social fabric.
Keywords:Teacher Socio-Emotional Competencies, Student Wellbeing, 21st Century Skills, Teacher Education Reform, West Bengal Education, Classroom Climate
DOI Link – https://doi.org/10.63431/AIJITR/2.IV.2025.69-74
Review By – Dr. Chandan Adhikary and Dr. Amrita Dutta