|
An Explanation for the Descriptor "Empathetic"
|
| Educators should be able to
develop the sensitivity for individual, family, and institutional
needs that will embrace transformational systemic change. Empathy
is identification with and understanding of the feelings,
situations, motives, and values of others. Empathy is a critical
characteristic and descriptor of any educator who is involved in
school improvement and who influences high academic achievement in
all students. An empathetic view of others is essential for
educators to develop and maintain in order to enter the very
personal world of children (Wilson & Cameron, 1996). While empathy
traditionally has been associated with the work of counselors, the
need for empathetic teachers (Schechtman & Zipora, 1994) and
administrators (Duke, 1986) also has been recognized. In fact,
Santa (1999) stress that great teachers have empathy. Affirming
diversity demands empathy, and educators with high levels of empathy
create a positive school climate that correlates with high student
achievement (Danielson, 1996). In this respect, we are suggesting
that empathetic understanding of students leads to empathetic
responding to their needs that, in turn, strengthens the learning
process (Egan, 1998).
|
|
Presentation of Evidence That Portrays My Role As Empathetic
|