A-MUSINGS:
O
ftentimes, we hear grumblings and complaints in the school arena about how students act now-a-days, low
scores on state assessments, not enough time in the day, extra
The One About Empathy
duties placed on already overburdened staff, and low wages, and the list can go on and on. While these are all valid, are we truly listening to the underlying causes of these complaints? Are we, as co-workers and friends, truly and actively listening to the individual or are we just making the appearance there of?
Contributor: Paul Jenkins Technology Specialist, District Test Coordinator Blytheville School District
Many times the underlying causes of these grumblings and complaints have a valid antecedent. We may not know what happened at home last night that is affecting our co-worker. We may not know they are having problems with a marriage or their children, or both. We may not know if they suffer from a medical
If you have an amusing, insightful, or unusual story about your experience as an educator or administrator that you’d like to share for our “A-Musings” column, email Amy Manning-McNabb, Communications Manager, at a.mcnabb@theaaea.org.
condition(s). We may not know the families only reliable vehicle was in an accident. We may not know that a job has been lost and the co-worker is the familiy’s only means of employment/survival. We may not know that the only job holder in the family is facing a R.I.F. We may not know a lot of things.
What I do know is that we can actively and attentively listen to the individuals that are struggling. Remember, they are people also. Although we have our own set of issues, set those aside temporarily and assist others with theirs by listening and having empathy and compassion without adding our suggestions or making assumptions. Remember, we may not know. Often, they just need to vent before they implode or explode. Keep their conversations with you private and confidential. If they want to share with others, they will. Sometimes a quick interaction is all that is needed. Sometimes interactions may take more time. Remember, we ALL struggle to one extent or another. I leave you with this quote: “Have compassion and empathy in your heart. Many people are suffering deep emotional anguish beneath the surface of their lives, and smile even as they hurt inside.” by Jim Palmer.
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Administrator April 2020
