The Mindful teacher

A mindful teacher in the classroom is essential if you want a class which flows naturally without disruptive behaviour and lack of attention.
Humans are not born with completely developed brains and nervous systems. Neuroscience tells us that children as well as teens cannot regulate themselves till they are in their 20s. Their pre frontal cortex complete developing by more or less the age of 21 so their ability to downshift and regulate their emotions is incomplete until their adults.

Current scientific findings are clear that in order to regulate emotions, human beings are dependent on mature brains to initially assist in the microregulation of their physical and emotional world. Ideally, this interactive regulation transitions back and forth over the childhood and adolescence until the person is largely selfregulation. However, at stressful times, it is necessary and appropriate to seek interactive regulation from stable others. - Arlene Montgomery, Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

This is the reason why the role of an adult is so important in youth. The care-giver acts as the ventral vagal (soothing) system until their  nervous system can begin to regulate itself.

So the questions is, when we enter the class, are we present, attuned, and empathic? Or are we feeling sad, stressed out, tired, dissociated or anxious? what are we unconsciously transmitting to our students? Pupils  literally respond to the state of our system.

• Emotions are constantly being transmitted to each other. The teacher's internal state is going to be a determinate factor on weather students will be able to learn or not. 
• Mirror neurons: Human beings imitate other people's behaviours as a way to communicate with one another. 

The following characteristics of a mindful teacher will help educators get the best from their students.

• PRESENCE; A mindful teacher is totally enganged in what is happening at the moment. Children and teenagers notice unconsciously when the teacher is not in the "here and now".
• STABILITY AND SOLIDITY is this idea that the adult is transparent, empty, stable and grounded. Be soft and flexible but at the same time unshakable. You can show these qualities through your gestures and posture. The weight of your body ground completely through the feet while having the head and spine naturally lengthening upward. Take the class as your spacial territory and imagine your awareness covering the entire room inviting students to join your class. Embody solidity and show it. 
• SPEECH. Pay attention to the quality of your voice. Intonation , rhythm and stress change as you become more present. Speaking with awareness creates a relaxed power. 
• AUTHENTICITY: Being authentic is finding your own style and voice. Don't try to be somebody else, humans can easily sense when you are lying , just be you!

Taking these aspects into account will help you cope with a disregulated class and catch your students' attention. The role of the teacher, as I mentioned before,  becomes fundamental as it is mainly a model for self regulation and self control.