Empathy for Building a Sense of Belonging

EXECUTIVE PERSPECTIVE

One of the high schools in my former school district annually holds “The Big Game,” a basketball game for special education students during homecoming week. With the feel of a state championship game, more than 2,000 students fill the gymnasium as 60 students from the Career Life Skills program participate in the game.

As one teacher has noted, the event fosters a strong sense of community and inclusiveness, often changing perceptions of special education students within the school from being “her kids” to being “our kids.”

Regarding societal progress and educational advancement, one of the most potent tools in our toolbox is the idea of belonging. It is the cornerstone of a thriving, diverse community, embodying the spirit of interconnectedness and the profound empathy integral to recognizing, respecting and valuing differences.

In an era when globalization and technological advances have connected us like never before, we must consider that while we are linked virtually, we often can overlook the importance of truly connecting on a human level. Inclusion is about bridging this gap. It brings diverse perspectives together, harnesses their unique strengths and creates a more harmonious, productive society and educational environment.

A Mindful Approach

To build this practice of inclusivity and create a sense of belonging in our daily lives and our school districts, we need to listen to understand, not immediately respond. Truly hearing the stories and perspectives of others not only validates their experiences but also has the potential to enrich our understanding and foster growth in our communities.

Empathy allows us, as community members and educators, to understand and share the feelings of others, an essential step toward inclusion. It is stepping into someone else’s shoes, understanding their feelings and seeing the world from their perspective. It means relating to and connecting with people, inspiring and empowering their lives … and our own.

By demonstrating empathetic behavior, we can teach our students and our adults to be understanding and accepting of others, fostering an inclusive, respectful classroom and school environment that extends beyond the school walls into their homes and communities. Embracing empathy is crucial to promoting a society and educational system where everyone feels valued, heard and included.

AASA’s Expanded Capacity

I’m thrilled to announce that joining AASA as a new member of our senior staff is M. Ann Levett. I am incredibly excited to welcome her to our team as she brings decades of public school and higher education leadership experience to her new role as an assistant executive director with AASA’s Leadership Newtork team.

A Savannah, Ga., native, Levett began her education career as a speech and language pathologist, eventually becoming principal at Savannah High School before pursuing other professional opportunities. Ascending to acting superintendent in Dayton, Ohio, she later held positions at Antioch University and Yale University School of Medicine. After serving as dean of teacher education at Middle Georgia State College, she was chief academic officer and deputy superintendent at Savannah-Chatham Public Schools. She became the district’s superintendent in 2017 and recently retired from the job.

Levett has managed multimillion-dollar projects and led school reform efforts globally. She has been appointed to key positions on state education boards by two governors and has consulted on international education projects, becoming a published author and a nationally recognized speaker.

We are fortunate to have her joining the AASA staff at this time.

A New School Year

Heading back to school for the start of the new school year is one of the best times of the year. Students and staff are eager to start fresh and reconnect with their peers. I wish you all the best as we begin the 2023-24 school year.

AASA is committed to supporting you in your professional needs, and we look forward to continuing to work together to reshape public education. I know all of you will continue to do amazing work to ensure every child who walks through your schoolhouse doors on day one feels a sense of belonging and connectedness. It is then that their ability to learn and excel will be unleashed.

David Schuler is AASA’s executive director. Twitter: @AASA_ED