Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – Author Margaret Meade

Last night, 85 parents from my children’s school gathered via Zoom. Our virtual meeting provided the time and space for us to reconnect as parents and as a community of support. Concern, anxiety and questions were all present, as were laughter, compassion and appreciation for our school and its teachers.

This experience of community, and the empathy that was demonstrated by parents, reminded me of this insightful article from EdWeek: The Essential Teacher Trait That Has Emerged in the Pandemic. Empathy is identified as today’s essential teaching trait, and is defined as being “at the heart of social-emotional learning, an approach that, when applied systematically, is intended to cultivate a caring and equitable learning environment that supports the development of essential skills such as responsible decision-making and emotional regulation.” In our society, the cultivation of these gifts is recognized as imperative, among parents and educators alike. How to prioritize social-emotional learning in the midst of such a different learning environment for students and for parents is our challenge and an opportunity.

These upcoming weeks are uncertain. As our return to school takes shape in varying ways, I hope that our schools and parents enter into the experience ahead with understanding, appreciation, and a shared commitment to safety, growth and ongoing dialogue. Our children deserve it.