Learning Empathy
As we focus on a new year and a new administration, it is important for us to focus on the lessons we wish to teach our children the lesson of empathy. We can model this for them through our behavior, conversation and priorities.
What is empathy?
A cousin of mine, who works as a housing advocate, sent me the following link that was shared with his office to teach about empathy. This 3 minute video reminds us that empathy means just listening and making a connection to those who need healing. We need not solve a problem. We need not try to make the problem go away. We need only demonstrate that we care through connection without judgment. [Read more…]
Karen Salzer has over thirty years’ experience as a resource teacher in the Palo Alto public schools. She earned a doctorate in education from Stanford University. Her areas of expertise involve working with culturally diverse students with special needs including autism, emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, and health issues. As a special educator, Ms. Salzer served as a liaison between parents of special needs students and school staff. She guided parents and staff in identifying an appropriate education for each student in the public school setting. Additionally, she aided students and parents in navigating the educational requirements for graduation, test-taking and in finding support services within the community. Through her leadership, Ms. Salzer encouraged collaborative problem-solving between parents and school staff – such as accommodations for test taking, extended time and use of technology. She loves to follow-up with her students when they become adults and to highlight their many successes in education and careers. Ms. Salzer uses these success testimonials to reassure parents of other children and to encourage them to help their children pursue their full potential. Ms. Salzer is the mother of four adult children and helps care for her five grandchildren