Empathy Circles

Empathy Circles give educators a continued experience of the healing power of empathy, the opportunity to practice empathic communication with their peers, and the ability to take what they discover forward into their classrooms and school communities.

Bring our Empathy Circles to your school or district to demonstrate your leadership's commitment to building caring, relationship-driven school climates and to improving teacher wellness.

SAFE & SUPPORTIVE, HEALING SPACES FOR EDUCATORS

Empathy Circles

Empathy Circles are an extension program that is offered to our partners who have already implemented other FuelEd programs.

To change, grow, and heal, it is essential that educators have access to confidential, safe spaces where they feel a sense of belonging, bring their “whole” selves, and receive empathy and acceptance.

In Empathy Circles, FuelEd facilitators expertly guide small groups of educators through a reflective, experiential practice that builds their self-awareness and peer-to peer relationships. Educators share their current challenges and stories and benefit from empathic responses.

These repeated experiences of being calmed and cared for through secure relationships is what builds the brain structures and skills needed to reduce stress, promote well-being, and advance social-emotional learning and growth.

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In FuelEd Empathy Circles, teachers and leaders:

  • Practice self-empathy and develop their perspective-taking skills by sharing their problems, feelings, thoughts, needs, and values
  • Experience empathy through mirroring and engage in empathic listening, a critical tool for trauma-informed practice
  • Improve their ability to self-regulate from states of stress to calm through co-regulation
  • Increase their capacity to offer empathy and care to others

What Educators Are Saying...

I liked having the time to share actual practices we were struggling with and have the opportunity to problem solve with a group of people that have had similar experiences or have a deep understanding of the adaptive work that is required to get the desired outcomes.

Teacher

District of Columbia Public Schools

Every time I leave an empathy circle, I am surprised by how common the human experience is for my fellow teachers. I felt very supported and heard in a safe space to express my feelings. This space is so helpful in overcoming the trauma of this year both personally and professionally. Speaking with other teachers makes me really feel understood too.

Teacher

Texas

The empathy circle leader was able to reflect back what I was saying. As a result, I felt respected. It made me understand what other people are going through and how we all might be able to relate to certain aspects or examples of concerns that a person has. Empathy can be hard to give sometimes if you are unsure of what to say, so it is an ongoing skill to learn and improve on.

Teacher

Newton Public School, MA

I feel calm, listened to, ready to tackle a challenging conversation. It has been a very positive journey with FuelEd, and I want to thank all the trainers.

Educator

Newton Public School, MA

It was a great experience! I felt supported, heard, and safe. I grew closer to my teammates.

Teacher

Texas

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