Because I have held a variety of positions in my 20+ years in education, I have developed empathy and perspective which fuels my understanding of complex problems in schools and classrooms. For example, as a former Literacy Coordinator and current consultant, I am aware of the challenges of leading teachers to take on changes in standards, curriculum, assessment, and even their own beliefs. And as a former special educator and Title 1 teacher, I too have felt the frustration of an “overfull plate” and the need to be heard. Lasting solutions to complex problems requires the in-depth understanding that comes from empathy.
This is why I prioritize understanding the context and perspectives within my client’s challenges .