Rapport Empowered Education recently presented a break-out session at the National Staff Development Conference in Washington, DC, on December 9, 2008.  The location was the perfect setting for the 40^th annual conference, “Step Up and Speak Out”.” Over 4,000 educators attended the conference from all over the country.

Bridgit Barainca, the President of Rapport Empowered Education, delivered an engaging and insightful presentation to over 90 teachers and administrators about the development of leadership and the power of emotional intelligence.  Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage the emotions of self and of others.   Rapport Empowered Education embraces the importance of developing the emotional intelligence in students and educators through our training to allow students to reach their full potential.

By learning  the history and science of Emotional Intelligence and its connection with neuroscience, and by experiencing hands-on processes, every attendee improved his/her understanding of how to develop emotional intelligence to become a better leader.  Educators were able to recognize the importance of developing their own abilities to understand and control their emotions and how to further the development in their students.

Ms. Barainca’s presentation aligned with the theme of the conference by encouraging educators to heighten their own awareness and better motivate their students; to step up, speak out, and make a difference.