We don’t have to be the unyielding taskmasters we have learned to be

Supporting people who are experiencing difficulties doesn't mean that you are lowering standards or making assessment any less rigorous. It's about providing a level playing field so that each student is free to do their best. So what if I conduct a project supervision in the break room of a store when the student has been left running the place because his dad was trapped in Afghanistan when US forces left? I'm teaching the same things as if sat in my office with him.

Thanks for the thoughtful article, Hannah. I am in full agreement. A little empathy for students goes a long way.