Compassion In School

vs. indifference

Helping those who are hurting

To practice Compassion, I will:

• notice when others are hurting
• be kind regardless of differences
• listen when others want to talk
• stop to help
• treat myself kindly without indulging

Buckets of Compassion

These days, teachers need buckets and buckets of Compassion. It’s not just about academics anymore.    Students are coming into classrooms under the influence of trauma, past or present. Many students in mainstream classrooms are neurodivergent and have brains that think differently. While cultural diversity in the school is a good thing, it can bring its own challenges. Even though the pandemic is over, it has left its mark on learning levels and behavior. Now, add all the political and economic struggles the country is facing, and you will have a classroom full of students needing teachers to provide a safe space, mental health support, trauma recovery, remedial attention, and differentiated instruction.

How can a single teacher have enough Compassion to support an entire class? One way is to enlist the help of the students themselves. Teach the students about the importance of Compassion for each other. Work to build the group into a community where they feel safe, supported, and valued and offer the same to fellow students. Over time, they will share Compassion with you!

This month, how will you model, reward, and encourage Compassion?