Module Introduction
All humans benefit from cultivating empathy, but as educators, we have so many extra human hearts to care for – that growing our own empathy becomes an utmost priority.
Empathy is the quality of being in tune with the emotions of others. Sometimes the term empathy refers to the ability to imagine and understand how other people might be thinking or feeling (what researchers call cognitive empathy or perspective-taking); other times it indicates the capacity to sense others’ emotions and experience feelings that mirror theirs (referred to as emotional or affective empathy).
Empathy is what enables us to extend beyond our own point of view and truly care for each other. Though empathy alone does not guarantee positive behavior—in fact, if other social-emotional skills are lacking, empathy can be overwhelming and counterproductive. At the same time, it is often considered a vital foundation of morality and prosocial (kind and helpful) action.
Spark Interest
Take this Empathy Quiz.
Reflection
- Did anything surprise you about your score?
- Did the quiz reveal to you some of your empathy-related strengths? Were there areas in which you could grow? If so, how might you do that?
Learning Objectives
In this module we will:
- Understand the definition and components of empathy and how it differs from sympathy and compassion
- Recognize the benefits of empathy for social, emotional, and professional lives
- Reflect on the pitfalls and vulnerabilities of empathy and how to overcome them
- Explore how to harness empathy for prosocial behavior
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices organized by developmental level, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Empathy for Adults" and “Empathy for Students.”
Individual Exploration
As teachers, we care for our students, and know that being their teacher is more than just imparting academic knowledge – but it is caring for their hearts too. We might often be quite aware of the emotions that circulate in our classrooms – feeling the nervous energy of our students before a test or the joy when someone brings cupcakes to share, or sometimes the more challenging emotions that come from upheavals in students’ families, communities, or the world.
The adults in our schools are also juggling many emotions in their own hearts – either quietly or noticeably. Understanding and showing empathy towards colleagues is also crucial in any workplace, but it holds particular significance among our fellow teachers and administrators. Fostering this sensitivity towards each other plays a vital role in nurturing a supportive school environment.
Empathy is a buzzword that circulates in education – as something important – for both educators and students to cultivate. But what is it exactly?
What is Empathy?
In this first video, learn how empathy is defined by researchers and how it develops over time—while considering some of the barriers to empathy [20:29].
Reflection
- When has it been challenging for you to have empathy for another person, student or colleague?
- What strategies could you use to overcome empathic distress?
Why is Empathy Important for Educators?
As teachers, we are not only responsible for imparting knowledge but also for nurturing the emotional growth of our students. By enhancing our own empathic skills, we can create classrooms that prioritize understanding, connection, and support.
In this video, we’ll explore how developing empathy can lead to more effective teaching, stronger relationships with students and colleagues, and even better health and well-being for ourselves. [4:08].
Reflection
- Identify areas in your personal or professional life where you might benefit from cultivating more empathy? What challenges have you faced in these contexts that made expressing empathy difficult?
Cultivating Our Empathy as Educators
In this final video, learn how we can develop and strengthen empathy in ourselves [15:13].
Reflection
- What additional practices, methods or approaches could you explore to further develop your capacity for empathy and deepen your understanding of others’ perspectives?
Links from video
Practices for Cultivating Empathy with Students and Colleagues
2 x 10: Getting to Know A Student Teachers spend two minutes a day for ten days getting to know a student with whom they wish to foster a positive relationship. (less than 15 minutes)
36 Questions to Increase Connectedness at School Ask and respond to two questions with a colleague to build a sense of connection at school. (less than 15 minutes)
Active Listening for School Staff Staff members connect with each other through empathy and understanding. (less than 15 minutes)
Shared Identity How to encourage generosity by finding commonalities between people. (less than 10 minutes)
Capitalizing on Positive Events Use good news to strengthen your bonds with friends or family. (less than 5 minutes)
Practices for Navigating Empathic Distress
Brief Body Scan A mindfulness practice that relaxes each body part, helping you to release tension and calm the mind. (less than 15 minutes)
Challenging Your Thoughts and Beliefs Teachers use a list of questions to explore their thoughts, beliefs, and emotions about a difficult experience in order to gain a more positive perspective. (less than 15 minutes)
Mindful Self-Compassion for Adults A mindfulness practice to help you experience the self-compassion that naturally exists within you, and consider the simple ways that you care for yourself each day. (less than 15 minutes)
Common Humanity Meditation Build compassion and interconnection by seeing your similarities with others. (less than 10 minutes)
7.7 Take It Deeper: Writing to Build Bridges (fillable PDF)
Sometimes it is hard to notice when our perceptions of others are inaccurate. Here is a brief exercise to explore differences in perspective.
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices organized by developmental level, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Empathy for Adults" and “Empathy for Students.”
Sometimes it is hard to notice when our perceptions of others are inaccurate. Here is a brief exercise to explore differences in perspective.
Group Facilitation
Before facilitating groups, spend time in individual exploration in order to experience and embody the learning. And if you haven’t yet explored our introduction to SEL in California, make sure you explore those resources.
Module Resources
This toolkit includes additional resources, including classroom lessons and practices, staff meeting activities, videos, podcasts, articles, and professional learning opportunities, as well as supporting materials for group facilitation on the topics of "Empathy for Adults" and “Empathy for Students.”
A revisable, turnkey powerpoint slide deck to use for professional learning sessions on the topic of "Empathy for Students."
A powerpoint slide deck with welcoming and closing activities to include in professional learning sessions.
Sometimes it is hard to notice when our perceptions of others are inaccurate. Here is a brief exercise to explore differences in perspective.
“Empathy is about finding echoes of yourself in another person.”
Do you want to dive deeper into the science behind our GGIE practices? Enroll in one of our online courses for educators!
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