Teaching with Atticus Finch: Lessons in Empathy, Justice, and Critical Thinking

There are countless reasons to bring To Kill a Mockingbird into the classroom today. For me, one stands out above all: Atticus Finch. Even decades after its publication, his courage, moral integrity, and teaching approach continue to resonate deeply with students and educators alike. In my classroom, he is more than a character; he is a model for teaching critical thinking and empathy.

Atticus is a man of unwavering strength and devotion to justice. He consistently places principle above personal convenience, even when it involves his own family. A striking example occurs when he insists that the sheriff ensure justice in Bob Ewell’s death, despite initially suspecting his son Jem might have been involved. This moment sparks rich classroom discussions about moral responsibility and courage. Students often comment on his ability to prioritize doing what is right over comfort—a lesson that stays with them long after we finish the book.

What fascinates me most about Atticus is how he teaches his children to think. He doesn’t hand Scout and Jem moral rules; he shows them how to reason, question, and empathize. When Scout complains about Walter Cunningham, Atticus asks her to consider his circumstances, prompting reflection:

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view… until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.” 

Rather than giving a ready-made judgment, he guides her toward insight, teaching empathy as an active process.

The courtroom scene provides another powerful example. Atticus explains to Jem why he must defend Tom Robinson to the best of his ability, even when the odds are against them. In doing so, he models reasoning under pressure and moral courage, showing how to question societal norms—lessons his children and students alike can witness and reflect on. For learners, this is thinking in action, not an abstract lesson but a lived experience.

Atticus’s approach provides a model for teachers too. It reminds us that education is not only about delivering knowledge but about cultivating thinking minds. Like Atticus, we can ask questions that provoke reflection, challenge assumptions, and inspire empathy. In today’s classrooms, where students encounter diverse perspectives and social complexities, this kind of reflective thinking is invaluable.

In my experience, students respond with curiosity and engagement. They are inspired not only by what is right but by the journey of figuring it out themselves. Atticus shows that teaching is most effective when it nurtures how students think, rather than dictating conclusions.

To help students explore Atticus’s values and approach more deeply, I created a comprehensive character analysis resource for all major figures in the novel. The section dedicated specifically to Atticus Finch is available for free here:

This resource guides students step by step in analyzing traits, actions, relationships, and growth, making Atticus’s lessons concrete and actionable in your classroom.

Thank you for stopping by! May Atticus Finch continue to inspire your students—and your teaching—as he has inspired mine.

Happy teaching,

Chiara