Empathy and Leadership
As we begin the month of February, I encourage you to think about the importance of connection and belonging. Sometimes, as leaders, we put the responsibility on teachers or staff to develop strategies to effectively implement these ideas in classroom practice. The truth is that administration is responsible for creating environments that facilitate connection and belonging; to design a program where teachers and staff feel welcome and valued. We must offer concrete tools and research-based strategies as support so that teachers feel successful in their work.
One idea we can use as a starting point is empathy. We can start here to build or maintain an environment that cultivates connection and belonging for our teachers and staff. Empathy at the leadership level will play a large role in teachers’ feelings about their time in the classroom. They’ll be more likely to open up about concerns, ask for help, and offer insight on their classroom practices. They’re also more likely to pass on that empathy to students and families which is essential in building those critical relationships.
Here are some recommendations on what leadership can do:*
Administrative Leadership:
• Creating schedules that consider staff’s personal obligations
• Developing policies that balance program needs with staff wellbeing
• Managing resources in ways that show you understand classroom challenges
Pedagogical Leadership:
• Supporting teachers’ professional growth with sensitivity to their learning styles
• Providing feedback that acknowledges both strengths and areas for growth
• Understanding and accounting for different teaching philosophies
Leadership Essentials:
• Building trust through consistent empathetic responses
• Making decisions that demonstrate care for all stakeholders
• Fostering a culture where emotional intelligence is valued
What are some other ways you are connecting with and ensuring your teachers and staff feel like they belong?