The Power of Empathy

Contributing Editor: Jazmine Tavenner, Director of Programs

From altered routines to online instruction, educators have had to navigate profound and unexpected challenges this year. As we continue to adjust while trying to remain present and optimistic, it may prove difficult to know exactly how to show up for students. What can we do to ensure that they are fulfilled, supported, and—most importantly—able to learn? Our answer to this question is straightforward: practice empathy. While empathy can’t stop Zoom from freezing or adapt our lessons to meet this year’s demands, it will remind us that we’re all in this together and that we are all facing similar struggles with personal implications. By responding with empathy, we can make space for understanding and forge lasting connections that will help us thrive in these challenging times.

When we learn to empathize with another’s experiences, we can optimize how best to support our students and fellow educators. In this issue, we explore the three different types of empathy—cognitive, emotional, and compassionate—and apply them to everyday situations. From proactively addressing bullying to creating a learning environment that develops understanding and respectful behavior, these articles will offer you insights about the way you show empathy, suggest activities to build students’ empathy, and provide strategies for creating a culture of empathy, regardless of where your learning is taking place.