Empathy and Sympathy: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the difference between empathy and sympathy is critical for fostering meaningful relationships and inclusive communities. This workshop delves into how empathy helps educators and students connect on a deeper level, while sympathy often creates emotional distance. Participants will reflect on their own empathy skills and learn strategies to teach empathy explicitly to students, especially through the lens of disability. By cultivating empathy, educators can nurture respect, engagement, and a sense of belonging.