An Agenda for Emotional Intelligence in Language Teacher Education

In this perspective article, I advocate for integrating emotional intelligence (EI) into language teacher education, addressing the complex, interconnected challenges of the modern educational landscape. The rapid pace of technological advancements and global uncertainties necessitates educators who are simultaneously cognitively adept, as well as skilled in emotional regulation and interpersonal dynamics. I begin the article by defining EI and clarify common misconceptions, highlighting its pivotal role in enhancing teacher well-being, classroom dynamics, and student success. I propose an agenda for embedding EI into language teacher education through pre-service training, ongoing professional development, and culturally responsive practices. By aligning EI with broader educational trends and advocating for policy support, I underscore the importance of EI in fostering resilient, empathetic educators capable of navigating and mitigating the emotional complexities of multicultural and multilingual classrooms. I end the manuscript with a call to action, emphasizing the transformative potential of EI in reshaping educational practices to produce well-rounded, emotionally intelligent individuals.