My name is Zlata Danese. I have a BA in psychology from William Paterson University and an MA in special education specializing in learning and behavioral disabilities from Kean University. I am completing my second MA in clinical mental health counseling at Capella University.

As someone who grew up with a traumatic childhood, I aim to provide my students with empathy in my classroom. Educators should work to approach and engage students with compassion and understanding. It is easy to react to students’ behavior, but we must practice responding to them empathetically. 

Empathy is a quality that everyone can possess. It is a skill we can develop at any stage of human development. As educators, we must model empathy so our students can learn this skill. If everyone approaches others with empathy, we can reduce judgment and bullying in schools.