Any shy teachers out there?

Question

How do you deal with your shyness when you're not teaching? What impression do you give your coworkers if you're always quiet and soft-spoken?

I'm not shy when I'm teaching - it's weird but the shyness disappears with the kids. It's once I leave the classroom and am with my coworkers that my shyness returns.

Answer 1

Hang in there. I am a teacher and a shy person so I know what you are experiencing. In time you will make good friends among your colleagues. I think one of the best ways to start a conversation or start the process of getting to know someone is to ask their advice about something, or ask what they think. This way, you don't have to think about what to say, and the person will appreciate that you value their opinions.

Answer 2

I am not a teacher, but a junior in highschool. Here at my school, shy teachers are walked all over on unfortunately. They are sometimes treated with dis-respect by students, but I don't know if by students. My Spanish teacher is a soft spoken woman that is about 20 something. I try to be kind to her as best as I can and try to treat her with all of the respect in the world because students outwardly dis-respect her. I think that shy teachers have to be a bit stricter so there can be structure, not chaos in the classroom. That is why my dream of being an English teacher have been pulverized by observation.

Answer 3

IF you are totally confident in your classroom, and in your command of the subject/s you teach, what matter is it concerning your shyness with your colleagues or other adults?

There is nothing wrong with shyness "outside" of your chosen profession. Enjoy the privacy, the lack of having to exchange trivia with others, and the freedom to be "just you."

What impression do you leave with others? Who cares? They have other things to busy themselves with besides speculating on what makes you tick. Be polite, smile, and say "thank you." That should take care of any concerns they may have that are important to you.

Whenever the time comes to be otherwise, you WILL respond appropriately.

Good luck!

Answer 4

That seems normal a lot of times, because it's just so much easier to let loose with kids around. You shouldn't be shy; you have as much right to talk and be there as anyone else. Maybe you could befriend a closer coworker and talk about your teaching stories...or whatever.

Answer 5

This is my second year teaching at a new school. My old school was my second home and I felt so comfortable. I was a leader and chairwomen of several committees. I have always been shy and it takes me a long time to feel at ease with people. Now I'm back to being the "unfriendly" and "standoffish" new teacher. I hate that feeling, and I know it will take me some time to fit in although at this new school it will be harder because they are so cliquish and don't really make me feel welcome.

Answer 6

I am actually not a teacher, but my dad has been teaching forever. If you are quiet or soft-spoken you sort of appear weak and like you don't know what your doing. When your not teaching? Why do you like a cirtain teacher friend? No just kidding.

Answer 7

Try smiling if you are afraid of talking. Sometimes that stimulates a conversation where the other person starts it. I am shy I and I find that works often. Try it, you will be surprised.

Answer 8

same thing happens to lots of career teachers
not every teacher has to be wild and crazy and outgoing
but every good teacher has to like working with kids

Answer 9

What you have to realize is that your students needs outweigh your shyness...