This study aims to describe the role of teachers in fostering tolerance and empathy among elementary school students. The research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. The subjects of the study consist of classroom teachers and fifth-grade students from a public elementary school. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed using the interactive model of Miles and Huberman, which includes data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that teachers play a significant role in shaping students’ social character, particularly in developing tolerance and empathy, through habituation, role modeling, and collaborative classroom activities. Teachers not only serve as instructors but also as moral exemplars who guide students to understand differences and respect the feelings of others. Therefore, the teacher’s role in cultivating tolerance and empathy serves as a fundamental foundation in the character development of elementary school students. Keywords: Teacher, Tolerance, Empathy, Elementary School
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