Future teacher, but nervous speaking in front of people?

Question

I have a couple of years to go and I will be a certified elementary teacher. Problem is, I tend to get nervous speaking in front of a group (simple presentations for my college classes, for instance).

This problem has plagued me for many years and does not seem to be going away. It actually has me wondering if I have chosen the wrong profession for myself. I mean, who's ever heard of a teacher who is afraid to speak in front of a class??? Am I doomed for failure?

Any advice is welcome, especially from teachers who have faced this problem themselves. Thank you so much.

Answer 1

I am an elementary teacher and also hate speaking in front of people - for some reason, it's different with the kids - it's not as scary. It will be at first, but you have to just dive right in and you'll be comfortable in no time. Being observed was really nerve-wracking my first couple of years, but once you realize your administration are nice people who are just doing their job and wanting to help,you'll settle down. Give it a chance. You may never be the type to raise your hand and speak at staff meetings, but that's okay. You don't have to. I never did. You'll find there are those people who do plenty of talking for everyone. Good luck.

Answer 2

Sometimes it's good to think of teaching as theatre. You will often have to fake enthusiasm for subjects that are really important but that don't capture your interest. You will have to show empathy and sympathy for kids who bring their problems on themselves. You'll have to smile and answer the same questions over and over again, as though it were the first time you'd heard them. With that in mind, you can think of your teacher self as a character that you put on and take off each day at school. It's not really "you" in front of the kids, it's "Mrs. Jones".

As well, remember that as schools move towards inquiry-based learning there is a lot less stand-and-deliver teaching and a lot more time where students work independently and in groups with the teacher circulating around the room. If you're spending more than about 20% of your time "lecturing" or even just talking to the students as a whole class, you know something isn't right (ESPECIALLY in an elementary setting).

Answer 3

I can understand your worries. It is quite normal. I don't know what courses you are taking, but any teacher training should include drama, speaking techniques, presentations etc. We all experienced the same nervousness. What you have to do is, practise speaking in front of people. Learn your subject matter well, and remember that you "know" it much better, much more that your audience (your students). Have confidence in yourself. Then, you will get rid of this anxiety. Especially, when you go out for teaching practice, you will gain more confidence.
I wish you all the best.

Answer 4

I have this exact same problem. I made myself take a public speaking course where I had to give 4 speeches in front of my class. I still get nervous speaking to adults but teaching in front of kids everyday doesn't bother me. Good luck!

Answer 5

You have to remember that you will be th most experienced, most qualified person in the room on almost any topic.

You have to be the adult in this situation. You have to maintain control.

Address each situation as it arises and just keep breathing. They're just kids! Work with'em!

Don't give up.

In a month or less, you will be wondering why you worried about it so much.

Hang in there!

Answer 6

If I were you, I would practice speaking in front of classroom size groups as much as possible. I think that you can get through this, but it may take some hard work.

Answer 7

Volunteer in the classroom...being in front of young children is very different that being in front of a group of adults :)

Answer 8

The only thing I can say is the more you do it the easier it gets. It is hard at first....speaking to children is easier than speaking in front of peers.