The Importance of Introverts in Education

Quiet amzn.to/2BvMrmv
Teach Like Finland amzn.to/2BuOWVY
Read more comments from introverted teachers on my IG account: toocoolformiddleschoolbooks
Let’s Connect!
Instagram: / toocoolformiddl. .
Facebook: / toocoolforsc. .
Wordpress: toocoolformiddleschool.wordpr...
Twitter: @mrs4bz_ausd
Snapchat: @mrs4bz
TpT store: www.teacherspayteachers.com/S...
Email: [e-mail]
Mailing Address
Too Cool for Middle School
PO Box 661602
Arcadia, CA 91066
Here's a link for half off your first Birchbox! :)
www.birchbox.com/invite/tooco...
Get $10 off Erin Condren products! www.erincondren.com/referral/i...
Wantable Box discount!
www.wantable.com/?invite_toke...
Camera: Canon Rebel T5i
Intro music composed by Drew Forbes www.autumnelm.co

[@camillasorensen7045]

I always look on my extroverted colleagues with envy at how well they can engage a whole room. However, I remember the teacher who inspired me to go into teaching was great at seeing and engaging the quiet students who weren’t always seen. That is my super power. Making sure every student is seen.

[@brittknee1146]

My mom has always joked with me for being an introverted teacher, for the fact that I public speak for 7 hours a day to 30 kids at a time, but then turn around and say I'm not a people person. It feels strange to my significant other as well to not want to go out in the evenings when I get home because I just really can't handle being around people anymore after a day at school. I struggle at work for being an introverted teacher on my evaluation for not having leadership positions, or not sharing my ideas at staff meetings, when often times I am overlooked or just don't have anything to share. It makes it hard to feel like you're a good teacher in comparison to others, even though with the kids I feel like I am building those relationships at a deep level and doing an amazing job every day to reach every one of them.

[@Only1flydiva]

I am an introvert, and I always receive accolades wherever I teach. I love teaching but prefer networking via the internet. I am an extrovert with my students but introvert when I step outside of the classroom.

[@jessicachurch319]

I am a very introverted person, and my students respond well to my calmness and quietness. I have several students who perform much better in my classroom than in other classes (I am a specials teacher) because of my soft personality. I think it helps with my classroom management too, as the mood of the room tends to be more on the calm, quiet side. I am firm but calm with discipline, which helps them not escalate their behavior. They have more room to ask questions and form their own thoughts as well, because I don’t talk over them all the time. They also tend to get more one-on-one time with me because I go out to them to speak with them instead of just talking at them from the front/back of the room.

[@mayaleex3]

I was going to do an introvert video too! I think it’s so important to discuss. For a while I thought I couldn’t be as great of a teacher as my incredibly extroverted colleagues. It’s just a different style :)

[@happilyinthemiddle9707]

Maya Lee absolutely! I agree with you.

[@rchlhcr]

I love this topic. I'm one of those introverted teachers. I always get frustrated because teachers are expected to differentiate for every student, yet our administration and culture expects teachers to all be similar. We should celebrate differences in teachers. I am looking forward to reading the book.

[@delle3955]

Rachel well stated! I totally agree!

[@BlackRoze29]

I am an introvert. I get drained every day after being in the classroom and around people all day, but I THRIVE on it. I'm more myself when I teach. I know I'm not an extroverted teacher, but once I get the feel of my class (much like when I make friends) I become more of myself. I'm sarcastic and I have a weird sense of humor and I'm a dorky cat lady. I'm much better talking to small groups of my students rather than making a big loud statement with my teaching. I'm a thinker and a quiet doer. I get stuff done, I can take a leadership role and do well, but I need to be alone to make it happen. It's why I stay late after school almost every day. I do better that way. It frustrates me that admin (after an observation) always want me to get loud and "be engaging." I can do that, just let me do it my way.

[@peachyrandomness]

as an introverted student, i was always intimidated by the very extroverted and “crazy” teachers i had. i appreciated a quieter teacher who i felt like understood that i didn’t want to be put on the spot

[@mckenzieshawcroft1470]

I think it's important to note that there's a big difference between being introverted and being socially awkward or shy. There are plenty of introverts who are extremely capable in social situations and enjoy being around people. They just get tired doing that all the time.

[@t.terrell7037]

Amen!! Lol

[@BusyMissBeebe]

Thank you for making this video! Introverted teachers are definitely undervalued, as all introverts are in our society. I even had my admin try to tell me that I need to put on an act (in an extroverted manner) because my calm, demure demeanor is not effective. The funny thing is that I’m just never myself when an admin comes to observe me because I’m shy around adults that I’m not comfortable with. If anyone would see me with my students for real they wouldn’t know that I’m an introvert.

[@Lookn4Gsus]

I found Susan's Ted talk a few years ago and it changed my (introverted) life. I realized I didn't need to strive to be something I'm not and to embrace my way of viewing the world. My mind sometimes is going a mile a minute but it takes effort for me to actually speak. Thank you so much for bringing this topic to the forefront.

[@gengilcrest7237]

Love this topic. I always say I am an introvert who does an extrovert’s job

[@StephanieQuiles7]

I am an education major and I am an introvert. Most of my classmates are extroverted. And honestly I have always felt like I wouldn't be a good teacher because I'm so introverted. Thank you for bringing this up!

[@pterafirma]

If you're deeply perceptive of how people learn, and creative at connecting ideas to experiences, you'll make a damn fine teacher. It has nothing to do with being a boisterous clown.

[@Bondwithjames]

My lunchtime is often the time I use to mentally collect myself. Sometimes this means that I don't eat lunch with the rest of the department. I took on leadership roles because I felt it would help me break out of my "quiet" persona. I will say it did have an overall positive effect personally and professionally. However, even though I enjoyed my time as an assistant principal, I was often overwhelmed with the lack of time I had to decompress from all the interactions and meetings that I had to take part in; it was very draining. Thank you for discussing this!

[@annal7364]

I rarely feel appreciated by extroverts because they often don’t stop to think and observe, so this means so much coming from someone who is extroverted! I am often overlooked and get talked over in meetings and it’s frustrating. It sometimes takes a while for me to gather and present my ideas and it seems that when I do, someone interrupts me or thinks they know what I am about to say and they hijack my moment to share. One of my favorite parts of teaching is making my introverted kids laugh or even smile. Thank you for recognizing our quiet nature and what we bring to others!!

[@vanessacarrillo8855]

Hi my name is Vanessa and I really enjoyed watching this video this morning. I have always been an introvert. When I switched my career towards becoming a teacher i received alot of comments from others that I was too quiet, that I needed to come out of my shell, I had to be more tough. All of these comments were made even before I got to show them what i was capable of. It took time for me to not let those negative comments affect my performance in any situation as a teacher assistant or playing the role as the teacher. I am currently in my student teaching internship and on the first day I got one comment from someone who did not even know my name. Instead of letting it bother me the entire day I told myself I am going to teach how I think the students will learn from me best and how I am most comfortable. If I do not feel like yelling I won't because I know I do not respond positively from being yelled at. I hope there are more people who are trying to understand that being a quiet person does not mean we are weak. Thank you so much for sharing this video, its exactly what I needed to hear.

[@stacysmith7656]

I love the irony of talking about "Quiet" while Jensen's toy is noising up a storm in the background. :)

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Haha, me too!

[@laceyrey6717]

It would be great if admin would realize this. Some of the most amazing teachers I have known are introverted. They connect to students that the over the top extroverted teachers often ignore.

[@isabeloliver9480]

I love that you made this video!! THANK YOU!

[@brickthrower666]

My 2nd grade teacher told me that if I were to become an English teacher, I had to be loud and extroverted since she was loud and extroverted. This video just gave hope for me.

[@luvslagos]

I really appreciate how thoughtful and intelligent your videos are. It is so enjoyable and informative to listen to you.

[@dejavoo95]

Thank you so much for this!! I'm in college for Elementary Education. I'm in the classroom full time 2 days a week along with my methods courses, and I have been feeling so doubtful of my ability to teach further because I'm introverted. However, with kids I love teaching and working with them! I do feel more judgement from my peers because I'm not super extroverted or loud in the classroom, but I do think I have a lot to offer in education (especially since I was that shy kid in class, but loved school so much!). I did realize in small group a few days ago that I was able to connect more with a few kids and get more responses from them without being like my peers. That made me feel better, and especially this video! I feel represented in the teaching world now, among the awesome extroverted teachers as well. We can all share different personalities and teaching styles in the schools! Thanks again! You don't understand how much this meant to me!

[@Lil_Libra]

Deja W I completely agree! I’m an extrovert with my students and an introvert with adults. Idk why but adults make me nervous. I haven’t started student teaching yet but I’m already anxious 😭 Good luck! I’m sure you’ll be awesome ❤️

[@dejavoo95]

Alexus Miller thank you! Good luck to you too! I'm sure you'll do great!

[@chrisoulalakkas7935]

Alexus Miller ñk

[@Lil_Libra]

Deja W thank you so much 👍🏾

[@royaevereadsbooks]

A much needed discussion. I don't like the connotations that go along with being an introvert - being an introvert does not mean someone is passive or disengaged. I so agree with what you say about leadership too.

[@laurie5659]

I am not a teacher but I absolutely love your videos! You are amazing and love your view points. We definitely see eye to eye! Thank you for your awesome view points 😊

[@SongbirdSoulxo]

Thank you so much for making this video! I am definitely an introvert. I'm in my first year of grad school, and have been pretty nervous. I also have a hard time talking in front of people (I'm really hoping that's how I feel in front of peers, but around kids, it'll be different). But I went into teaching because I care about the education that students receive, and I want the best for them. All these videos of super outgoing people have made me feel like, oh my gosh, can I even do this...? But I'm hoping that my care for my students is just as/more important and helpful than having a particular personality.

[@ninjaqutie]

What a great vlog!! I too, am extroverted, but introverts have so much to offer. I used to be an introvert, so I can empathize with it. We all have so much to offer. :)

[@mst675]

THANK! YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! As a first year teacher (and life-long introvert) I really needed to hear this :)

[@e.lenahwilson4344]

I just discovered your channel today and I am so happy that I did. I believe that teaching is my calling, but I am a classic introvert and was worried that I might have trouble being effective. Thank you for positing this! I am inspired to move forward with my plans.

[@arankako5520]

i love that you as an extroverted teacher did a video on the importance of introverts in education!! thank you so much for your openmindedness and appreciation

[@funnytiff22]

Megan, THANK YOU for posting this video! As an introvert who teaches I can feel overwhelmed by a lot of things. I’ve learned to get my “unpeopled” time in the morning before school, at lunch, and after school. This has helped me stay calm and act a little more extroverted while teaching in class to meet the needs of different types of students.

[@brittanygonzales6985]

I am an introvert and want to teach middle school/high school English. So! That is when more attitude and know it all comes in. Lol. Figured I should go for my dream and see how it goes. Lol.

[@happilyinthemiddle9707]

Oh my goodness! Your little guy is the cutest saying hi and bye! My first son is 3 and my second son is 4 weeks old today!

[@lydiaholland5752]

Thank you so much for posting this video!

[@jessical.6704]

I loved this! I am an introvert and currently doing my teaching internship and I have come across these same trends.

[@jessgreen329]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm in graduate school (and an introvert!) working toward my teaching license in 7-12 English, and seeing these outgoing teachers makes me worry that I won't be as effective. It's almost like the message I'm getting is that to be effective and to get students engaged, you have to be an extrovert. But I know this isn't true...introverted teachers are in classrooms all over the world and are doing great things just as their extroverted counterparts are! So thank you for your thoughts and for considering the introvert point of view.

[@ashliekrantz7684]

Thank you so much for this video. I am an 23 year teacher and am very introverted. In today's teaching world that is hard. I thank you for this wonderful video validating the introverted teaching style.

[@sarahanderson2032]

I so appreciate this video. I recently changed to a middle childhood education major because I have a passion to work with kids, particularly middle schoolers, but I have been intimidated by the super hyper teacher "ideal" because although there are times I get outgoing, I definitely lean towards being introverted. It is very good to know that there is room in the education field for introverts.

[@misskimberly5]

I am not a teacher but when you talked about leadership it really resonated me. I am what you would call an extroverted introvert. They say you know if you are an extrovert if being around people energizes you. For me, it’s definitely an energy draining thing. When my extroverted side comes out it’s almost like a light switch turning on. I have found working in the corporate world that the more dominant personalities tend to get picked for promotions & I so wish that wasn’t the case. If I’m in a group of type A loud personalities my instinct is to be the quieter personality because I don’t see the point in battling for the top dog position in a group. This is especially the case because I am mire sensitive & I don’t want to get my feelings hurt by trying to talk over the strong personality in the room.

[@alexandrademartini7496]

I love you videos. I'm switching from teaching preschool to elementary in California and have found your videos so helpful. I love the book recommendations as well and your thoughtfulness when mentioning End of mallasses classes. One of my favorite books by Eleanor Roosevelt is called You learn by living and she talks about times when she had to act more extroverted to do something meaningful such as giving a speech on labor injustice. All her books are amazing though and I'm sure you've read some. I'm also reading Strength to love by MLK right now which I'm sure you've read, but in it he talks about a tough mind and a tender heart and how diversity and opposites in many areas of life bring us together. Thanks for sharing this discussion. I've been meaning to read Quiet.

[@AugustaJeorgia]

I appreciate you so much! I'm starting my education program soon, going back to school at 24, and I'm so excited! I recently dug deeper into my INFJ personality, too, so this video was perfect!

[@chantellesmith5875]

Also almost 24, 1 year to go with school! Also an INFJ 😀 Small world out here, making me feel a lot better.

[@createteachthrive5106]

This is such a wonderful topic! I joined the bandwagon a couple of years ago and tried to be a fun, outgoing, lively teacher, but it was so inauthentic. I couldn’t stand who I was trying to be. Some of my students were buying into it and others weren’t. That lasted a few minutes, lol! However, I figured out that it was much more fun and engaging to make them the fun, outgoing, and lively students, if that makes sense. I think that if there’s a strong balance of both extroverts and introverts, that can make the classroom a fun and effective place to learn :)

[@KimlovesOT]

Wow! I love this video. From an introvert, Thank You!

[@teacherof20]

So true! I just realized that I am an introvert. I never realized it but i did always think I was a little different than my co workers. Thank you for this video! ❤️

[@Trying37]

Great video and important. I am a clinical social worker that uses active listening in my sessions of psychotherapy. Listening is a very important tool in my profession and being an introvert is very helpful in individual sessions but in group sessions you have to keep balance which can be difficult at times.

[@LaceCoveredSkies]

I love that you always reflect in such an unexpected way. I am an introvert and did pursue a teaching credential and worked in education for a few years. I found that my introversion really worked for me. But It's very true that a lot of the world values extroversion. I really miss working with kids and your videos are kind of allowing me to live vicariously through you. Thank you!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Lace Covered Skies aww thank you!

[@AhappyteacherAtruestory]

Alright, uou have so many comments to read, that I'll keep it short. I'm an introvert teacher. I was always qualified as "discreet" by my principals, which didn't felt right. I don't talk all the time, but when I do, people pay attention, because they know it might be important. Thank you for this video again, awesome insights, awesome books. I love your videos. Period. :D

[@Peaceluv001]

Nice topic 👍🏽 The need to “Unpeople” is so real 😊

[@berenicemartinez9238]

Yes !! I'm an introvert and always wondered if I had picked the right field

[@Booksandheather]

I love this video, Megan. I am an actress so there is a side of me that I can be extroverted with, but I am not an extroverted person. I like my workspace to be quiet and that is obviously hard for me to grasp as a teacher sometimes.

[@delle3955]

Wow! So glad I found this today. I’ve been teaching 16 yrs. I feel that I’m an introvert and constantly overlooked by admin. I wish all admin had to read the book you mentioned.

[@pterafirma]

People like you (and I include myself in that group) often find leadership opportunity by leapfrogging over the common path. While everyone else is being loud and smarmy, we can connect with one or two interesting people in power, outside of the social arena, often on some seemingly unrelated topic of common interest. Unfortunately it's hard to orchestrate such a connection, but once it happens, you breathe a sigh of relief for having circumvented the exhausting tedium of "networking". Ideally, you become something akin to the navigator on a 17th century ship - the captain depends totally upon your talent and expertise, and you have sort of a quiet behind-the-scenes authority, along with the privileges and protection thereof.

[@user-xi2th5fm5p]

Thank you for this video.

[@aprillavai6679]

Hi, Megan! I'm so glad you made this video! I am an introverted music teacher which means I am definitely the anomaly when compared to other music teachers. Lol. For my students, I enter the realm of extroversion but I do need "un-people" time. Currently, for me, this means that I can't do common planning preps. I spend all of my energy on my students during the day and I need my prep to be calm, quiet, and (at least mostly) alone. I need that in order to reboot for the students who come later in the day. However, this also means that I do more work at home than those teachers who advocate for getting everything done during the school day. If I run at full tilt during my prep with grading, planning, and the like, I have nothing left for my last 90-minute class. I can share so much about being an introvert in an extroverted world and how I have seen it generate a type of discriminatory practice in certain kinds of workplaces. Nevertheless, I'll conclude instead by sharing a book with you. One Christmas, a friend bought me a book called "The introvert advantage: How to thrive in an extrovert world" by Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D. It has changed how I see those two qualifiers, extrovert and introvert. It has also changed how I feel about my need to decompress. I think you'd enjoy reading it. Take care!

[@beautyandpositivity1343]

Provocative topic...nicely done 👍🏽💝

[@kaimay8657]

I love this! I'm a secret introvert. When I'm nervous I appear as an extrovert and it's so draining. Quiet, calm, being on my own is so much more comfortable for me but can't always just be that.

[@queensffanah]

I still havent started my teaching but i was stressed and worried because of all the energy -draining talks and interactions i'll be having and i thought im the only one! But thanks to ur vid and comments i realized that so many ppl feel that way but we need to balance between our talking and quietness to save energy for other things..

[@limapapa5242]

Funny thought- that your baby is making SURE he's being heard in this video about introverts!! I stayed home with my babies for years before teaching because I'm a big introvert and wasnt sure it was for me. ....And BOTH my kids are super loud, super extreme extroverts who LOVED the noise-making toys too. (**sweeps hand across forehead, takes sip of tea**). And now they are grown and gone. :-)

[@zachthinkshare]

I’m your 15,729th subscriber! I just found you from Megs crayons! I’m a HS math teacher in MA and look forward to learning from you!

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Think Share Hi! Thank you so much for coming over!

[@mariemacpeek4715]

This is a nice perspective about being an introvert.

[@autumnj8332]

I am an introverted teacher and have felt awkward several times when other teachers and administration were very high energy/extroverted. That's just not my personality and it should be ok.

[@t.terrell7037]

I too am an introvert but I am not shy or anxious, I’m just really particular (not in an arrogant way) about who I share space with or interact with. It’s challenging when people that aren’t assume that your aloof, arrogant, stuck up or antisocial because you’re not extroverted…

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

So true!

[@KaazzKipp]

I'm in marketing right now and getting back to school after the summer to become a teacher. I'm an introvert and when you take our government's test (the Netherlands) with "do you have a teacher personality?"-nonsense, I notice there are a lot of extrovert-directed questions. I tried it out and answered those questions from an extroverted point of view and got a much higher score than when I answered them from my own introverted point of view :) All these things really discourage introverts to become a teacher but I truly believe we can be amazing teachers. However, the narrative really has to change about introversion in itself and also the way kids learn at school. I also happen to have Asperger's which is viewed as an even much bigger no-no than just introversion.

[@ms.und3rst00d6]

I am a combination of both and know when to be an introvert wherever necessary. I dislike forced unnecessary interactions with other teachers especially during meetings. It makes me uncomfortable. If we are taught to differentiate in the classroom then the same thing should occur during staff meetings. Enforced socialization bothers me

[@Dopeassjournals]

Thank you for this topic! I am an extreme introvert and students doing partner talk or very involved student collaborative activities make me cringe. I opt for whole class discussions/ socratic seminars and taking lots of notes. I teach 7th grade ELA

[@maisieliberty1319]

So true. I've felt pressured and criticised in schools to be more extroverted and pretend to be more extroverted than I naturally or comfortably am. Also as a student it was visible sometimes that teachers prefer the extroverted students which wasn't great to see and feel. And I also love Finnish schools approach! Great topic to bring up! Students benefit from both. Some students are introverted too and feel overwhelmed by an extroverted teacher and more likely to approach and discuss with an introverted teacher and quieter class. 🥰

[@ParinaJainTutorials]

This is really nice and helpful vedio. Please take some more issues like the same so that we come to each other's views. Thanks it's really helpful.

[@runesandglamours2443]

I'm an introverted preschool teacher 😂 😂 and I love the kids so much. An extrovert inside the classroom but an introvert after class hahaha

[@henryprokop9170]

On the day I watched your video, I discovered that the author of "Quiet" will be doing a free book talk on that book in my area. I decided to read the book and go to the meeting. I am a total introvert (I am so quiet and shy; except in the classroom).

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Oh wow, how cool!

[@shaunamatsumoto8394]

One app I thought would be great for our introverted students is Flip Grid. I also like to use menu options for assignments with students who sometimes prefer to work alone. I have read Quiet because my own son is such an introvert. He is a deep thinker and needs time to process. However, when he does have something to contribute, he is kind of like E.F. Hutton.....when he speaks, people listen. Introverts often need time to "unpeople" (love that term) to get re-energized. Great video, and as always, I enjoy your content and book recommendations.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

I love Flipgrid too!

[@performingartseducator]

My principal had us do the color personality test which in simplified terms are as follows: blue = sensitive, yellow = organized, orange = charismatic, green = data driven. People can have two strong color personality traits or more. It’s also numeric. I’ve had it done twice. She did it to understand her staff more. I’m a blue trait the strongest followed by green and yellow. My principal’s strongest trait is orange. She’s super loud, dynamic, a strong academic and a dancer. I’m a blue personality based in choral music who is spiritual and an alto. We are opposites. I’ve had to build my case on evaluations that I deserve higher scores and why. I was able to raise my TKES score at my summative meeting due to documentation since she wasn’t able to understand how my traits and actions fall under TKES for a higher score. I find that chaos is more comfortable for her and that I prefer calmness. Teachers must use their knowledge of themselves to their advantage and administrators could benefit by using this information to understand their staff. Thanks for including a personality vid in your series.

[@mlmj1994]

I do find myself assuming that extroverted teachers seem like they have better relationships, are better teachers and get better testing results or their classrooms are just happier. I am an introvert, I do like a quiet classroom when students are working independently or collaboratively (I also have 28 fifth graders with very strong personalities). I do feel like it's easier to form relationships with students that are introverted or just generally respect their teachers. I am in my second year and I do struggle to form relationships with students that are extroverted or like to have control or talk or are constantly moving around and fidgeting. I feel like if I was more extroverted, I would understand some present and past students better. I also think me not being an extrovert has effected some of my classroom management struggles as a new teacher because I keep getting extroverted groups every year lol.

[@tracy_in_primary]

I am definitely an introvert. I need silence and solitude to recharge, even though I am pretty fully engaged in my school community. I prefer a quieter classroom without a ton of stuff all over the place. As I have begun this school year with a new group of kids, quite a few parents have said their kids are so settled and calm, having been a bit nervous before the beginning of the year (we had some last minute class swapping). The reason I am completely done in by 11am every day? The 4 or 5 kids in my class who never stop talking. Ever. I want to put gaffa tape over their mouths so I can find my thoughts and actually think them, and finish the sentence I'm trying to say!

[@blackwoman3839401]

Oh my god I cant stand super talkers. Please give me silence. 👀 However, I respect introverted people. They are very creative. I struggle to build relationships with introverted adults because I can't always tell if they are TRUE INTROVERTS or Passive Aggressive. Also, is there a such thing as an OMNIVERT. Because I can be both. I get energy from others and myself.

[@lianaayres6952]

We had neighbors from Finland with school aged children. They told me that they had academics during the am, would go home during lunch for 2 hours, then they would return for. Specials...PE, Science (was considered a Special), and music...EVERYDAY!

[@queensffanah]

Although im an intovert, but when im already around people i get all hyped and talkative but then once i leave them i realize how much energy they drained from me and i cant do other thingss! Thats why i need to be MORE introverted.

[@blackwoman3839401]

Hi. Bye. Hi!

[@staceyedzwald5103]

15 minutes between classes?! Even 5 would be heaven-- time to think.... and go to the bathroom!

[@christinemontano6607]

Regarding social media part of the problem of who creates content is the current thing that gets pushed is creators being pushed to spend a lot of time interacting with followers not just creating useful content. Not all of us have time or energy for both content creation and light chit chat or dealing with sometimes burdensome (negative) or even harassment from followers (trolls). So instead of all capable people creating content on SM, some shy away. Regarding talking at work, introverts would be wise to speak up in staff meetings and not just let the extroverts be the only voices.

[@PrimalBelle]

hmmm, this is a much needed discussion. However, I do think it's a BIG misconception that introverts are shy and less social. I am an introvert and I love social interactions. I simply draw my energy from alone time and reflection. Too much interaction is draining to me. I have received many accolades for my teaching including my state's teacher of the year. Thank you for bringing attention to the topic.

[@fredericksmith919]

Because of my introverted personality, I preferred and maintained a quiet classroom. However, my students thought I was the meanest teacher that ever existed. It didn't go very well with their parents either.

[@jiafrancis8368]

Feel the same. Having a quiet classroom just made my self-doubt worse. Sometimes I felt that students must hate me for being introverted.

[@starbuckslovers2468]

Sorry I meant, comment

[@christinemontano6607]

Also what I have not heard any teachers discuss is with all of this forcing of students to talk to each other so much in the classroom why doesn’t anybody ever think about the negative impact it has on the introverted students? Also we have the issues with kids with sensory issues and those on the autism spectrum who may have auditory sensory issues and need more quiet in the classroom.

[@bruceblannin6641]

I want to become a teacher because I am a extrovert when I am put in front of ppl and in my opinion the best teachers need to extroverted to be a teacher u need to be extroverted I am very standoffish when I get a introverted teacher

[@kandacehead5986]

I have always wanted to be a teacher, and could never see myself doing anything else. Not only am I an introvert, but also happen to have a mild form of autism (I was diagnosed as PDD-NOS). I've tried student teaching and other jobs related to teaching, but always fail because I have difficulty connecting with the students (I never disclosed my disorder in order to avoid stigma but now I think I should have done so). Am I doomed to have a career outside of teaching? Non-teaching jobs do not appeal to me.

[@toocoolformiddleschoolblog]

Kandace Head I know a math teacher with autism who does a great job! He knows all of his students’ birthdays!

[@kandacehead5986]

too cool for middle school What did he do to make it work out? Do you happen to have any tips on how to better connect with students? Another thing I have always struggled with was the workload/time management, organization, etc. It's also VERY difficult to find a master teacher who will take me on, not to mention that the folks at CSUF don't seem to want to work with me (I emailed one of the SSCP coordinators regarding my ASD and she refuses to respond). What should I do?

[@wunderbarmutti5221]

If you struggle with workload and connection to your students you might want to friend a teacher in an area you want to teach and observe them. It might help answer your questions and give you ideas

[@starbuckslovers2468]

First Common and im new

[@eak03]

I am totally an introvert! I've had issues with a few parents this year because of it. So many parents want a solution immediately and it's been difficult for me to help them understand that I don't want to give a suggestion or solution that I haven't been very thoughtful about.

[@happilyinthemiddle9707]

Millennial Teacher man! Dealing with parents can be so tough, especially parents who have very strong personalities! I get so nervous and really don't like making phone calls. I feel super awkward about it. I found a great resource on teachers pay teachers that is like a script that really helped me!

[@eak03]

That sounds awesome! I also have a hard time making phone calls, they just intimidate me!