Examining Preservice Teachers' Empathy for Students in Their Community

• In Event: Preservice Teacher Identities and Emotions

Abstract

This quantitative study explores the role of empathy in preservice teachers’ ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and contributes to the body of knowledge in curriculum design, teacher preparation programs, and teacher professional development. Participants engaged in the Backpacks for Success Equity Simulation which was an interactive professional development that provided participants an entry point to engage in reflection and dialogue about the diverse needs of students in our multicultural society. The 28-item interpersonal reactivity index, IRI, which captures individual differences in cognitive and emotional reactions (Davis, 1983), was administered as a pre- and post-test to assess participants empathy before and after the simulation. Results show that the backpacks for success simulation significantly impacted students' empathy.

Authors

• Sarah (Katie) K. Guffey, University of South Alabama

• Benterah C. Morton, University of South Alabama

• Joel Lewis-Billingsly, University of South Alabama

• Jennifer Towne Curtis

• André M. Green, University of South Alabama