"E" is for Empathy
This post was an obvious decision for me as a teacher, leader, and parent. Empathy is a characteristic that drives us as humans to listen carefully to one another, try to understand another's perspective, and grow together as individuals and within the relationship with others. All people walk into our lives with various experiences (negative and positive); and these experiences impact our judgments, operating with an empathetic lens opens communication, shows kindness, and ultimately builds trust.
As teachers, our students enter our classrooms from a plethora of home situations, parental concerns, and social pressures that impact how they function in our difficult world. Simply greeting our students at the door with a caring smile and a welcoming "Good Morning, Are you ready for a great day of learning?" Can really set the tone for the day. This sounds easy... well empathy is hard and takes time to develop; in fact it is a skill developed through tacit knowledge.
We have to know our students, their facial expressions, their posture, and their overall mood. If one of my students was walking down the hall towards my class, I would "read" them... analyze their steps, their eyes, and compare to what I would categorize as their "normal self." If you feel that something is off, then the chances are that there is something going on. I found directness to be the best approach: "Good morning, Hey you do not look like your self today?! Everything okay?" Students may not open up to this; only because they to not quite understand their own emotions yet, so it may take time, and that is okay! Once our students know that we genuinely care, they tend to open up to us and share themselves in small increments.
Even if you notice a difference and receive no response, remain empathetic to that student during the lesson as it could allow them to work it out in their own minds. Of course, if things persisted during that day, I would call the guidance counselor or social worker to see if there is anything that I should know about, and/or ask them to check on the student later in the day.
I have learned that these acts of care and empathy as a leader also have great dividends. If the people we lead trust us and know that we will listen to their concerns, truly work to understand them, and work through a decision using an empathetic lens then our relationship will continue to grow. I like to say "Teachers are leaders and leaders are teachers," so if we can cultivate a caring relationship with an empathetic lens, then we can have a positive impact on all human with whom we interact. Our words matter, no matter how small or large. Our children are impressionable, and our adults need to feel that someone cares. If we live using these notions, then we will have a life-long impact on children and adults.
Thank you for reading and be well.
As teachers, our students enter our classrooms from a plethora of home situations, parental concerns, and social pressures that impact how they function in our difficult world. Simply greeting our students at the door with a caring smile and a welcoming "Good Morning, Are you ready for a great day of learning?" Can really set the tone for the day. This sounds easy... well empathy is hard and takes time to develop; in fact it is a skill developed through tacit knowledge.
We have to know our students, their facial expressions, their posture, and their overall mood. If one of my students was walking down the hall towards my class, I would "read" them... analyze their steps, their eyes, and compare to what I would categorize as their "normal self." If you feel that something is off, then the chances are that there is something going on. I found directness to be the best approach: "Good morning, Hey you do not look like your self today?! Everything okay?" Students may not open up to this; only because they to not quite understand their own emotions yet, so it may take time, and that is okay! Once our students know that we genuinely care, they tend to open up to us and share themselves in small increments.
Even if you notice a difference and receive no response, remain empathetic to that student during the lesson as it could allow them to work it out in their own minds. Of course, if things persisted during that day, I would call the guidance counselor or social worker to see if there is anything that I should know about, and/or ask them to check on the student later in the day.
I have learned that these acts of care and empathy as a leader also have great dividends. If the people we lead trust us and know that we will listen to their concerns, truly work to understand them, and work through a decision using an empathetic lens then our relationship will continue to grow. I like to say "Teachers are leaders and leaders are teachers," so if we can cultivate a caring relationship with an empathetic lens, then we can have a positive impact on all human with whom we interact. Our words matter, no matter how small or large. Our children are impressionable, and our adults need to feel that someone cares. If we live using these notions, then we will have a life-long impact on children and adults.
Thank you for reading and be well.
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