Managing emotions and maintaining wellbeing as an empathic social pedagogue

This chapter explores our definitions of social pedagogy as a values-led, holistic and relationship- based practice. We advocate both independence and interdependence amongst people within a rich and sustaining relational universe. We argue that relationship-based practice is key to a social pedagogical approach, and explore a range of concepts from professional love, to parent-partnership, to empathic relationships in adult education. The complexity of human encounters is correlated with the concept of Haltung and educators’ expressions of the inner values of congruence, empathy and positive regard through their actions. We offer pedagogues across all phases of education and care ideas to support their own well-being, as well as opportunity to reflect upon the emotional cost that sometimes comes as part and parcel of the teaching profession. We share practical pedagogical tools such as focusing on the ‘heart’ aspect of ‘Head, heart and hands’ and demonstrate the relevance of an approach to practitioner development that encompasses both emotional and spiritual aspects.