I can’t be the only one out there; I know there are more like me! Are you an introverted teacher? Do you love your job but feel drained and/or overly stimulated when the day ends? You may be an introverted teacher! Here are some tips to help you out!
There are days where I literally get home and stare at the wall for twenty minutes. My mind needs to decompress from the day. I do believe that extroverted teachers have the same types of issues/feelings, but it may be magnified for introverted teachers.
Introvert: someone who gets his or her energy from within
Extrovert: someone who gets energy from the environment and/or other people
I have always known that I’m an introvert, but if you’re unsure and want to find out your personality type, I am a big advocate for the Myers Briggs personality test! You can take it here. I believe the real test has to be taken in person with a test administrator, but this should give you a good idea.
My personality type is an INFJ, meaning I am introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging. The letters don’t have a literal meaning necessarily; judging does not mean I am judgmental (I would hope 🙂 ). Once you find your type, it’s very interesting to research! Simply google your personality and you’ll find lots of resources.
Anyway, since I have struggled with sensory overload while teaching (I have trouble with noise, bright lights, etc.), I want to share some tips with fellow introverted teachers, as well as extroverted teachers who may benefit from the suggestions.
1. Warm lighting
There’s really a lot of psychology behind lighting; bright, fluorescent lights are said to help productivity. This is why most schools use these types of lights! Although you want your kiddos to be productive, consider this:
Bring in your own lamps and use warmer light bulbs! Think of a living or dining room in the evening as the people in a household wind down for the night.
Classroom atmosphere is very important to your teaching style, motivation of students, and how smoothly class runs. If you want your classroom to be a laid-back, calm place, then warm lighting could be a good answer.
Not only will warm lighting help you avoid head aches or visual over stimulation, but it will set a mood that your classroom is relaxed, thus helping students to wind down and get to work.
If you do want the fluorescent lighting back, or need your students to get highly-motivated or moving, then just turn on your classroom overhead lights! That’s the beauty of bringing in your own– you can turn them off whenever you’d like!
2. Get to school early
The silence. It’s comforting and slow-paced. We all have a contract time to get to school, but it may be helpful if you get to school even earlier. This gives you time to get ready for the day at the pace that you want.
Have a cup of hot coffee in peace before the kiddos come through the door. Starting your morning out in your classroom in a quiet setting can help you get your mind right!
3. Play music
One of my favorite things to do as a writing teacher is play music for the students as they brainstorm, plan, and work on their writings. This gets students in the mood for their task and also helps them think!
I usually play classical music, or there are some Youtube channels that have great background music such as Aloha Cafe or Books and Coffee.
4. Practice mindfulness… with your students!
We need more meditation and mindfulness practice in society. If you already meditate, then great! Look into ways to teach your students how to do so. Take a few minutes each day to practice it with them. This will help both you and them!
If you don’t know how, practice! There are many apps you can download. I also recommend a book called “Happy Teachers Change the World,” which not only shows you how to meditate, but shows you how to incorporate it into your classroom.
5. Make your classroom a comfort zone
Your classroom does not have to remind you of a hectic day full of students! Your classroom can and should reflect your own personality. Decorate it how you want it to look!
Use colors that are calming and relaxing. Put picture up around your desk, use flexible seating for your students, or play your favorite tunes. Your students may love coming into your classroom because they know they will get to relax a bit while working (this is not to say you won’t be practicing rigorous content)!
You can easily make your room introvert-friendly and also make it feel like your space.
6. Meet with students one-on-one
While other students are working quietly, check in with each kid individually. Set up a spot where you can call students back to talk about their projects, what they’re doing, and how they’re feeling about it.
I used to call students back to discuss their progress with them and show them a progress graph. We would talk about the effort they’re putting in, why they may not be doing so well, and more.
This really helped with my rapport with the kids and it also helped bring awareness to how they were performing in my class.
7. Create time for yourself
We all need time to unwind. When you get home, do what you like to do; exercise, get a pedicure, watch your favorite show on Netflix…!
If you feel like you don’t have alone time because you have small children or other priorities, this should signal to you that you NEED to block out some time for yourself! Do it before you get burnt out. 🙂
8. Create expectations in your classroom
Let’s face it… as introverts, our threshold for noise is lower than most people’s. This is not a fault, but just a simple fact. I, for instance, do not like television noise on in the background at my house– my husband thinks I am crazy for this. For me, it’s just more unnecessary noise.
Your students need to know that they should not get above a certain noise level. Whatever this level may be, you will need a management system. I used a noise level chart on my board (I teach fourth graders), but there are apps out there that gauge noise level.
Final Thoughts
Being an introvert does not mean that you will burn out with teaching. Just like our students, we are individuals. I am sure you have kids who prefer a more quiet, calm atmosphere, as well!
Do you have any more tips for introverted teachers? Comment below!