The Secret Power of the Introverted Teacher

We may be a minority, but with intentionality and care, we introverted teachers can harness our strengths to uniquely impact our students!

“Au revoir, Aubrey! Bonne journeé, Landon! À plus Colin!” Twenty-six seventh graders filed out of my classroom. I said goodbye by name to each of them. I gave twenty-six fist bumps. After one-hundred and eighty minutes of high-energy, hands-on, interactive teaching, my tank was empty. I closed my classroom door and collapsed gratefully into my chair. I closed my eyes and reveled in the beautiful, beautiful silence.

My moment of peace was interrupted when a colleague dropped by to ask a question. When he saw me motionless at my desk, he paused. “Are you OK?”

“Yes,” I assured him. I’m fine.

“Oh. Because it looks like you’re not doing anything.”

“I’m resting. I’m an introvert, so I’m just taking a minute to recharge.”

My colleague’s eyes narrowed skeptically. “You’re not an introvert.”

“I am.” I assured him.

“Lisa, I’ve known you for two years. You say you’re an introvert, but I don’t see it!”

I’ll take that as a complement! It means I’ve been successful in one of my primary endeavors as a teacher; to connect with my students and colleagues in ways that encourage and challenge them. Of course, this is what most good teachers do. For the majority of teachers, time with others is energizing and they look forward to social contact. This is pretty much the technical definition of extroversion, a personality trait which is a natural fit for teaching.

“Introverted teachers can be very attuned to students’ non-verbal cues, and their natural tendency to analyze can lead to inventive solutions for behavioral needs. ”

Contrary to popular belief, however, introverts can be amazing teachers. Introverts are not necessarily shy and retiring. Rather, introverts are people who are drained (rather than energized) by interpersonal contact. Of course, teaching requires a lot of social contact which can be a challenge for introverted personalities. But by properly channeling their natural strengths for analysis and introspection while drawing appropriate boundaries, introverts can be very successful and effective teachers.

I know. I am one. (an introvert. AND a successful teacher!) And I love being an introvert. In fact, I believe being an introverted teacher is a secret power that makes me particularly effective in my profession! Here’s why.

Connection

Introverted teachers can more easily empathize and connect with introverted students. This demographic represents at least 25% of students, and these kids may respond better to a more reserved instructional style.

Empathy

Many students struggle with the stress of speaking in world language classes. Introverted teachers get this. Of course, we still facilitate speaking in the target language (read how here). But those who are introverts may be able to support these students from their own experience.

The Superpower: Analysis

Introverts tend to be highly analytical and imaginative, a power that can be harnessed to greatly benefit our students. Introverts naturally examine variables in lesson design and delivery and can be highly thoughtful and creative in seeking solutions. This analysis extends to students’ behavior and social-emotional well-being as well. Introverted teachers can be very attuned to students’ non-verbal cues, and their natural tendency to analyze can lead to inventive solutions for behavioral needs.

A few tips to help introverted teachers succeed

1. Make connecting with students a “task” in your mind.

Designate times in your day and possibly in your lessons where deepening relationships is your one and only goal.

2. Learn a few small talk hacks.

Here are a few that work well for me.

• I like your ____ (necklace / shoes / green backpack). Is there something special about it?

• Tell me one thing you ate, one thing you watched, and one thing you thought about over the weekend.

• You do ____ (horseback riding / painting / play an instrument / other hobby)? That sounds hard.

These little phrases help show genuine interest and help get the conversation rolling when I’m not sure what to say.

3. Smile during wait time

As you wait for students to answer a question, or during other pauses during class, smile. This is an easy way to project warmness, especially in moments that may feel awkward or stressful to your students.

4. Establish boundaries.

You DO need time to yourself. Say no to that club, committee, or extra duty. During your planning period, close your door and turn out the light. When working in a group setting (such as a shared classroom), put in headphones and appear to be engrossed. Set aside times in your day, week, month, and year when you are unreachable. This is counter-cultural, but necessary to maintain your own well being.

We introverts live inside our own heads, where anything is possible. This thoughtfulness is a huge benefit for our students and needed representation in our communities. So don’t apologize for being an introvert – embrace it! Take time to rest and enjoy your internal monologue. You’ll be ready to serve your students on Monday, and maybe your colleagues won’t believe you spent the weekend on the couch with a book and a cup of coffee. For us introverts, that’s where the magic happens!