If we want to de-fuse the culture wars in education; if we are exhausted by toxic polarization and saddened by fractured relationships among friends and family, there is one thing we must become better at: empathy.

Empathy is transformative. It cuts through differences, outrage, and mistrust. It enables us to become more productive, even when we disagree.

But it’s also hard. It’s counterintuitive, and it takes time, practice, and commitment to do it well. This reflection is about the benefits of empathy and the challenges that must be overcome in acquiring this vital skill.

From our beginnings as a podcast focusing on the culture wars threatening America’s public schools, we're evolving into something broader and, we hope, more helpful to those concerned about the future of education in this country.