It was truly an honor to engage with the dedicated educators at The Charter School, Kochi, as we delved into the topic of understanding empathy. As both a parent representative and a trainer, having my children attend the same school made the experience even more meaningful for me. I commend The Charter School for its commitment to neurodiversity, inclusion, and continuous learning. It's one thing to talk about these principles, but it's another to acknowledge the practical challenges, remain open to learning, and evolve without defensiveness. The willingness of the school leadership and staff to listen to parent perspectives speaks volumes about their dedication to creating a supportive environment. Special appreciation goes to Principal Priya Balakrishnan Promod, Vice Principal Sameera Qais, Counsellor Sindhu Deepak, Faculty Najia Ashraf, and all the teachers who participated with such enthusiasm and curiosity. Their willingness to ask questions until they gained clarity demonstrates their genuine commitment to understanding and supporting their students. I am deeply grateful to this team, as I am fully convinced that my children are in a safe, loving, and conducive environment for learning. Empathy, as we discussed, is about approaching students with curiosity rather than anxiety when their thoughts, feelings, words, or actions don't align with our expectations. An empathetic teacher seeks to understand their students' perspectives before imparting their own. They refrain from labeling students or themselves based on behaviors and instead focus on adapting teaching methods to meet individual learning needs. An empathetic teacher operates from a place of self-worth and confidence in their ability to learn and understand their students, unafraid to seek help when needed. In essence, the journey of empathy in education is ongoing and multifaceted, and I am grateful to be part of a school community that prioritizes it so deeply.
