I've thought about becoming a teacher, but I'm worried that my shyness will make it too uncomfortable. I'm wondering how many shy teachers are out there, if it makes a difference what ages you teach, and how you try to overcome your shyness.
2007-04-30 14:10:04 · 14 answers · asked by Natalie M 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Teaching
Yes and I'm proof! I used to be painfully shy, now I'm just shy sometimes. The only way to overcome shyness is to throw yourself out there. It's not easy, but you really don't have a choice. Not only am I a teacher, but a music teacher. So throughout college, I had to sing and play (I'm a percussionist) in front of my peers. It just became easy after a few years. I do suggest going with elementary though. I am certified K-12, but I prefer elementary. Teaching high schoolers when you're fresh out of college is tough. It's hard to get respect out of kids only 4-5 years younger than you. Good luck!
2007-04-30 14:14:55 · answer #1 · answered by Jen due December 09 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Several people have already given you some helpful advice.
I would say it's better to teach younger children, as least to start off.
It can be okay to let the students know you are shy- just pick a
suitable moment, like when the topic comes up, say, about a
character in a story during a lesson. There may be some
students who are also shy who will be encouraged by your
example.
One thing you will need, though, and that is the ability to be
assertive. As the leader in the classroom, you will need to make clear how you want the students to behave, what
quality work you expect, and so forth. Shyness cannot get in the way of managing the class. A teacher does not have to be exceptionally outgoing, but the students will want to sense that the teacher is there in a genuine way.
2007-04-30 14:49:50 · answer #2 · answered by brain.at.work 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I've had shy teachers, they're actually really nice.
You can become a teacher even if your shy. You'll probably need to overcome some of your shyness. Maybe take some classes where you talk infront of people, those really help with shyness. I'm VERY shy but when I went into Drama Club at my school & I had to speak infront of people and act infront of huge crowds. It was extremely difficult but it helped. I'm not AS shy anymore. So just practice speaking infront of people, and get out there a little more. Talk to someone you don't know. Soon you wont be as shy =)
A Good Teacher is one who Teaches. As long as your a good teacher and help your students out, you would be a great teacher. And you'd have to be nice. =)
2007-04-30 14:19:21 · answer #3 · answered by Morbid • Megan™ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only way to overcome your shyness in front of a class is to do your job. Prepare your lessons, and teach them.
I used to be shy. And I used to be a teacher. I got over the first, and got good at doing the latter.
While you're preparing for a teaching career, I advise taking all the public speaking courses that you can. You can also join a Toastmasters club. Once you're comfortable with that, you might even try a little stand-up comedy on an open-mike night, or write something for a poetry slam. Take advantage of every opportunity to speak out in front of a crowd.
By the time you stand in front of a class for the first time, with your paycheck on the line, you'll be ready.
2007-04-30 14:14:33 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have been teaching for 25 years and when I started I thought I would never last a year because I was so shy. My first day in a classroom changed my whole life. The moment I saw the children's faces I forgot how shy I was. I'm still a shy person but once I walk trough the classroom doors my world becomes my students. It doesn't matter the ages or grades you may teach. If teaching is your goal go for it. Good Luck!
2007-04-30 16:51:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was one of those shy teachers. The education program you are in will help you through that. After you get out there and start teaching is when it gets easier, especially around kids. Its the adults that will make you nervous, but you will have people to help you!!! It will be easy cuz you will get 2 know the kids which will make you more comfortable. Besides you would make a good teacher 2 help shy students.
2007-05-01 10:21:05 · answer #6 · answered by thesunnshynne 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes they can. Teaching is a passion and being shy will not stop them from teaching. Because if you are a teacher your job is to teach. So their shyness will not overcome this part of them. Only when they are out of their teaching zone that they revert back to shy.
2007-04-30 14:14:53 · answer #7 · answered by BettyBoopGirl 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. I was quite shy as a child, but always wanted to become a teacher since elementary school. Today I am surrounded daily by 7th and 8th graders and have no problem at all with shyness!
Best wishes to you!
2007-04-30 15:16:44 · answer #8 · answered by Mz. Massachusetts 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What age students are you thinking of teaching? The sweetness and curiosity of young kids (I taught first grade) will absolutely overcome any shyness you may have. At that age, their eagerness to please you will nicely balance your eagerness to teach them. Once you get some more experience, you will gradually lose your shyness and can try different age groups. But to me the first graders were the best of all.
2007-04-30 14:17:36 · answer #9 · answered by RE 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
TOns of teachers are shy. It's very different to be infront of a bunch of students than being in front of a bunch of peers. Teach whatever grade you are comfortable with. If you like the age group then you'll like the teaching.
2007-04-30 15:06:40 · answer #10 · answered by Alyssa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋