Compassion - Why its an Essential Part of Your Teaching Persona

What does it mean to be compassionate? According to the online dictionary, it is “a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for one another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering”. Synonyms of compassion that are applicable and important qualities for a teacher to have is mercy, tenderness, sympathy and heart. All these qualities are characteristic of a teacher who cares about their learners and is learner orientated. Not just a qualified individual imparting knowledge, but rather a pedagogue making a difference and an investment into the learners around them.

Compassion is the utmost feeling of understanding, and in turn showing others how you care about them. This is important to have as a teacher because learners are complex individuals who feel like they aren’t understood. A teacher needs to be able to show that they understand their learner and the circumstances around them, whether it be bad grades, getting sick, family problems, bad influences, etc. 

At the same time, they need to show how they see through the circumstances and still see the learner’s true potential. No matter how challenging a learner or how bad a situation, the teacher needs to show compassion and acceptance of that learner.

Showing compassion to learners creates a positive classroom environment where students’ voices are heard and their ideas are prioritized. A positive classroom environment and a teacher who sees the best in them is an encouraging thing for a learner. They begin to try their best as they wish to prove their teacher's [belief that there is something good in them] right. The fear of disappointing a compassionate and caring teacher can be a very good motivator in learners. At the same time though, the learner needs to know that it’s okay if they fail because they will always have the care of the teacher to help them get back up on the horse. It’s important to note how to be compassionate though, as some learners might take advantage of it. The “how to” guide on compassion is to follow in the next blog: http://thumbsucking101.blogspot.co.za/

But back to the compassionate classroom: In a compassionate classroom they have a feeling of acceptance and belonging. This is important because learners trust their teacher more and will feel comfortable coming to them with all sorts of problems. In the event that there is a real severe problem, such as abuse, drugs, etc., then the teacher will at least know about it relatively early and be able to help rectify the situation before something gets worse.

At the same time as helping a student solve a serious problem (or what may seem serious to the student), you are being a positive role model. Learners are incredibly impressionable, so if you show a caring and compassionate personality then they too will want to adopt such a trait. 

Basically as a teacher, you must be the change you want to see in the world; because how you treat your learners will be reflected in their actions and behavior, and thus later in their lives and the world.