Every day, we interact with people. From face to face, on the phone through calls
and messages, or through internet facilitated communications such as social media and
emails; communication is an integral component. The Bible has many examples of how we
should be with one another. Romans 12:10 states, “be devoted to one another in love.
Honor one another above yourselves” (New International Version, 2011). Ephesians 4:2
asserts, “be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love”
(New International Version, 2011). Additional bible verses include “therefore encourage
one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (New International
Version, 2011, 1 Thessalonians 5:11), “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling”
(New International Version, 2011, 1 Peter 4:9), as well as “dear friends, since God so loved
us, we also ought to love one another” (New International Version, 2011, 1 John 4:11).
I have seen these applied in my past and current experiences working in the special
education department at a local high school. I have experienced teachers who bring food,
clothes, and shoes from home for students who are less fortunate. I have provided students
with a place to nap during study hall because they have been kicked out of their house or
are afraid to sleep at the homeless shelter, worked a late shift, or were tasked with watching
their siblings while their parent(s) were out. I have seen our school psychologist spend
hours sitting on the hallway floor with emotionally at – risk students, lending them an ear
and open heart. I have seen numerous educators spend countless hours reviewing lessons
and assignments to ensure that every single student grasps the content being taught.
In my approach as an educator, working alongside students with emotional
disabilities, I can apply these five “one another’s” by treating each student with kindness,
compassion, empathy, and understanding. It is stated that “children think differently and
see the world differently than adults do;” thus, it is important that I “understand how
students think and how they view the world” (Slavin & Schunk, 2021, p. 32). According to
Slavin and Schunk, “learning is inferential – it is demonstrated based on what people say,
write, and do” (2021, p. 4). It is also noted that learning “occurs through experience” and
“endures over time” (Slavin & Schunk, 2021, p. 4). As an educator, it is my responsibility to
“say, write, and do” everything in my power to ensure that each students experiences a
supportive educational environment based on kindness, compassion, empathy, and
understanding as God intends (Slavin & Schunk, 2021, p. 4).
References
New International Version Bible. (2011). Zondervan.
Slavin, R. E., & Schunk, D. H. (2021). Learning theories EDUC 500 for liberty university (3 ed.).
New York, NY: Pearson Education, Inc.
