new teacher...I look too young?

Question

Hello. I am 20 and I will be graduating in about a year. I'm going to be a highschool Spanish teacher. I'm concerned that that everyone will mistake me for a student. I'm 5'2" and I appear to be about 16-18. I know you must have the appropriate attitude to have the students under control, but does has anyone else had a problem because they are short and look a lot younger than they are?

Answer 1

I had this problem when I first started. Parents constantly would say, "Where's the teacher?" The best thing I could tell you is to dress professionally. And remember, when you get older, it's nice to know that you could blend in.

Answer 2

I had that problem when I did my pre-student teaching fieldwork and observations in a high school. I am short and young looking (even more so back then). The first day I showed up to do the observations, one of the students said, "A new student! You can sit here!" He pulled a desk up beside him and did a little flirty thing with his eyebrows. I wanted to run out of the room at that point! The cooperating teacher quickly introduced me as a college student. She introduced me as "Jennifer" instead of using my last name, though. It all worked out well in the long run. I got along very well with the kids in the class, and they did show me respect. It just took a little time to establish a good rapport with them - it didn't happen immediately!

Answer 3

F-that. All the suggestion about dress the part or even act the part. Well, nuts to that. I am a short male teacher who looks like he should be in college. Has never caused me one day of problems. It isn't about the clothes that you wear or how mean you are. No one, students, people in general do not respond well to illusions. Be comfortable, be yourself. And don't try to demand respect by some illusion. Earn respect.

Answer 4

yes. And the only advice I can give is dress the part- if you wear more professional clothes you'll look more mature. You might get a school name tag. But I wouldn't worry too much- just as long as you're not carrying around a backpack and not dressed like a teenager i doubt you'll be mistaken for a student too often

Answer 5

If you're looking for a way to look more professional and mature in front of your students and colleagues, all you have to do is dress up in something more formal. This will show others that you are in fact a teacher.

Answer 6

I dont think so. I've been involved in training people lot older to me...
The respect follows from your focus, I think.
Of course there could be funny remarks etc...You generally communicate to the class the reason of your and theri coming together more by your consistent actions than by words, all will be right...and they will respect you...you must be good at your job that's all that matters

Answer 7

Wear high heels, put your hair up in a bun and wear glasses. In other words,FIT THE PART. Wear the appropriate teacher attire and establish seniority and you will be fine! Good luck!


And JOOHWAN, ITS DIFFERENT FOR WOMEN!! Kids tend to listen better to the male sex than the female sex.

Answer 8

I did when I started teaching. Change your clothing. Wear only what the over 40 crowd wears. The way you act does a lot also. You are the coach not their buddy.

Answer 9

wear feminine clothes and put a little makeup on..or guys will hit on u

Answer 10

make sure you dress appropriate and hold your body carriage correctly and don't tell them your age at all, if they ask tell them its impolite to ask a woman her age. make them know who is boss, don't try to be their friend. be the bad guy if you have to.