One principle I strongly value in my classroom is: “Put yourself in someone else’s shoes.”

As an English and Social Studies teacher, my lessons often include topics such as current news, international and local history, and aspects of modern life. Many of my students come from traditional backgrounds, where beliefs about issues like gender equality or modern technology can be quite strong. Some students bring these same beliefs into the classroom.

Because of this, it is important to guide them to think more openly while still respecting where they come from. I consistently remind them to consider other perspectives. I ask questions like: If you were in that person’s position, what would you do? or If that person were your sister or brother, would you react the same way?

When we study news events, I also connect the topic to real-life situations. For example, if we discuss a landslide or sinkhole, I ask: What would you do first if your home was affected? This pushes students to think beyond opinions and consider real actions and consequences.

Through this approach, students begin to develop empathy and think more logically. They learn not only to understand others, but also to reflect on their own attitudes and decisions.

This principle is simple, but it is one of the most important foundations in my classroom.