The Introvert Teacher

 Wouldn't it make more sense that all teachers were extroverts?

 I mean, teachers spend their entire day fueled by the energy supplied by students---lots of students. They get into a students brain by asking questions continually. They exhume excitement for their subject matter, or should. Teachers participate in discussions with other teachers, share lesson plans, present in front of large groups. Overall, a teacher's job would be impossible if--like a normal introvert--they had an audience of one.

Believe it or not introverts can be teachers too!

Hello everyone, my name's Amy. I am an introvert and I am a teacher.

You can see the support group already.

Introverts can become extroverts when they have a cause to support.

Allow me to take you back, I was in High School presenting in my Mythology Class (yes, mythology is amazing). I'd prepared an awesome presentation on Pan Flutes. (Go ahead and laugh, I can take it.)

My presentation started, I was explaining the history of the pan flute. Keep in mind, I'm an introvert. Quiet in class, unless called on. A good student who doesn't stand out. I have a soft voice and wear glasses. Braces and fuzzy hair...feel my pain yet?

Suddenly a very extroverts student blurts out, "SPEAK UP! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!"

I was instantly crushed. I'd worked so hard on my presentation, but my voice couldn't make it past my lips into the ears of fellow students. I was humiliated by my own inability. All my insecurities rushed front and center; my hair was fuzzy, voice too soft, 4 eyes. Phrases from other teachers continually requesting that I "speak up", "louder Amy!", "I can't hear you.." resonated in my mind.

My teacher eyes filled with vibrance, I thought I knew what was coming- another lecture on how my voice was too soft.

"Some people are born with soft voices," my teacher spoke, "Amy doesn't need a louder voice." she turned to the student who had yelled at me, "You need better ears!"

I had never had my soft spoken manner defended in my life, ever!

Think about it. In your life how many times do you ask someone to "speak up!" instead of telling everyone else to listen?

I knew I wanted to become a Science Teacher when I was 15. I told a junior high teacher once and was told, "You can't do that, your voice is too soft." For years when I shared this precious dream of mine it was cut short by well-meaning teachers, and school counselors.

The statement, "You need better ears!" helped me find my teachers voice better than anything else.

How does being an introvert work as a teacher?

Introverts work best when its for a cause. The cause in this case being the education of others. Because of the belief in the cause, introverts do well stepping into the role of Teacher.

Introverts can entertain a class, keep student interest high, and ask questions continually. Introverts can step out of their comfort zone and be fueled (instead of drained) being around so many students and fellow teachers.

In front of a class, introverts can be loud. An introvert can project their voice with or without a microphone to assist if they want to teach that way. They can also rock a classroom with a soft voice.

In the moments of frustration, when a student doesn't understand, a soft voice of encouragement can do wonders.

Parents usually will respond to a soften voice better when they are frustrated too.

You may not win every battle, you may not handle every incident, homework argument, or teacher presentation perfectly.

But never let anyone tell you that your voice is too soft.