Teachers' Empathy: Key to Academic Development

Good teachers can make a huge impact. Their empathy can make the difference between children who love school and those who hate it.
Teachers' Empathy: Key to Academic Development

Last update: 27 October, 2018

Teachers’ empathy is something many kids depend on. However, some teachers are only interested in doing the minimum: teaching a few lessons, passing out homework and sending the kids home. They don’t know how damaging this attitude is.

Unfortunately not all teachers are genuinely interested in children’s dreams, feelings and fears. Their only motivation to go to work is to get their monthly salary. This has very negative consequences on children’s education. Lots of teachers also ignore the parents of their students.

Teachers’ empathy is key to their students’ academic development. Many of history’s greatest geniuses thank their teachers for their accomplishments.

With very little, they made amazing children become exceptional adults. To do this, they don’t need magic wands or special schools. They need passion in their teaching.

Why is teachers’ empathy with children so important?

As with their parents, children also need to see their teachers as role models. In general, kids admire their teachers. They make them drawings and they don’t stop talking about them. Of course, they look up to their teachers very much.

Teachers' Empathy: Key to Academic Development

Teachers should act with dedication, respect and kindness. This is very important for children’s development.

“Teachers leave a mark for eternity. No one can say where their influence stops.”

–Henry Adams–

Improve their self-esteem

Good teachers make every child feel special. They listen to their students, and never ridicule them.

In addition, they don’t make them feel like they’re worth less than others. They know that every student is different, and care about growing their strengths and weaknesses.

On the contrary, bad teachers can end up causing real trauma in their students. Education through fear, threats and ridicule isn’t educating: it’s mistreating. 

Facilitate learning

If children feel motivated, they learn much more and better. In fact, t his is easy to do with a little imagination. You can invent stories or perform plays about what you’re learning in class.

The happier and more animated you are, the easier it is for you to pay attention. In the same way, you can use these tricks when studying at home. Everyone will have lots of fun!

Avoid social exclusion

Nowadays, bullying is very common. Teachers’ empathy can provide a harassment victim with shelter from the storm. They can help a lot, even if it’s not a long-term solution. Teachers’ quick actions in these cases has definitely saved some children’s lives.

Also in severe cases, you can encourage children to talk to other students. You can add them to a new group during classwork to make them more comfortable.

Teachers' Empathy: Key to Academic Development

Teach students to set goals

Parents often hear, “When I grow up I want to be like my teacher” or “I have the best teacher in the world.” Good teachers teach their students to set goals and work hard. They may fall down on the road to success, but teachers help them get up.

Speed bumps aren’t big deals. They’re small problems that the students can work through. Teachers’ empathy is essential so the students don’t feel like they’ve failed.

With a smile and a few tips on study techniques, they’ll get back up. In fact, they’ll realize they didn’t disappoint anyone, but that they need to just study more.

In these situations, parents’ attitudes are also important. Much of their children’s education needs to come from inside the house. Many parents often forget this.

It’s not good to only focus on your children’s grades. There are much more important things in life.

It’s necessary to have good communication between parents and teachers. If you need to, you can meet with your children’s teachers every few weeks. The only way for children to grow up happy and healthy is through good support.


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This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.