Among the challenges that today’s teachers and administrators face are the increasing social and political conflicts that are rapidly dividing coworkers, families, and friends. However, also we know that effective educators are “bridge builders.” So how can we apply those skills to today’s troubling times?

This article by award-winning educator, author, and speaker Chase Mielke focuses on the four L’s of empathy — listening, labeling, linking, and letting go. It offers suggestions that can help you build stronger connections, temper emotions, and avoid escalating potential conflicts.

In the words of the author, “”We must start by realizing that what we share is more common, more powerful, and more critical to growth than how we differ” (Mielke, 2022).