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Creating Connection and Care in the Classroom

Compassion in teaching means recognizing students as individuals with unique lives and learning styles. It encourages educators to view the classroom experience from the students’ perspective, focusing on kindness, generosity, and care. This perspective builds meaningful connections with students, enhancing learning experiences and improving course outcomes.

Ways to Practice Compassion in Teaching

• Consider how students perceive and experience your course, including interactions with you and peers.
• Understand that students bring diverse backgrounds and viewpoints to the classroom.
• Balance the need to "cover material" with opportunities to create engaging and inclusive learning moments.

What is Self-Compassion?

Self-compassion applies these principles inward, encouraging educators to treat themselves with kindness and understanding. Teaching often involves managing high expectations—both personal and external—and navigating challenges like classroom conflicts or setbacks. Instead of dwelling on perceived failures, self-compassion allows for reflection, growth, and resilience.

Tips for Practicing Self-Compassion

• Approach yourself as you would a trusted friend: with kindness and support.
• Accept that no educator or class is perfect—challenges are opportunities to grow.
• Reflect constructively on difficult moments rather than assigning blame.