5 answers
Anthony
Student
Miami Gardens, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How do I know if teaching is right for me?
Hello,
My name is Anthony Claros-Erazo. I’m a social introvert who finds meaning in helping other people no matter their background. I’ve been interested in teaching for the longest time now, but I still have some fear that I don’t really know what I’m getting myself into. I’d like any advice, negative or positive, to help me figure out if this is what I truly want. #answer #teacher
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5 answers
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
845
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Anthony,
I am a social introvert as well. I also have been a trainer (also called instructor and teacher) for the companies that I have worked for. Being an introvert shouldn't keep you from teaching. It is important that you know that the nervousness does not go away. You will always have it when you are about to teach. So why do it? You have to have a passion for teaching, for helping someone learn something that they didn't know before. Watching people learn something new, something that would help them make a good living, is addictive. I am still teaching in person some of the time, even though I have moved on to be an instructional designer. Why? I miss the rush, the challenge, of teaching people something new. It is certainly different with COVID and virtual classrooms. But my passion is still the same - the help someone learn a new skill. If you have that passion, then you will be able to get over any nervousness or fear of teaching.
Also, one of the aspects of being an introvert is that you use a lot of energy to interact with people for long periods of time. You need to make sure that you are doing the right amount of self care. You need to have quiet time, get good rest, and eat well. Make sure that you take care of you.
Gloria
I am a social introvert as well. I also have been a trainer (also called instructor and teacher) for the companies that I have worked for. Being an introvert shouldn't keep you from teaching. It is important that you know that the nervousness does not go away. You will always have it when you are about to teach. So why do it? You have to have a passion for teaching, for helping someone learn something that they didn't know before. Watching people learn something new, something that would help them make a good living, is addictive. I am still teaching in person some of the time, even though I have moved on to be an instructional designer. Why? I miss the rush, the challenge, of teaching people something new. It is certainly different with COVID and virtual classrooms. But my passion is still the same - the help someone learn a new skill. If you have that passion, then you will be able to get over any nervousness or fear of teaching.
Also, one of the aspects of being an introvert is that you use a lot of energy to interact with people for long periods of time. You need to make sure that you are doing the right amount of self care. You need to have quiet time, get good rest, and eat well. Make sure that you take care of you.
Gloria
Sheila Jordan
Lead Network Proj/Prog Manager
712
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Sheila’s Answer
Hi Anthony:
Teaching is a wonderful field and especially now, it's in great demand. You've received some great advice so far, especially from Sanober. Without repeating comments I'd like to provide you with a "different perspective" for your consideration. Here are a few areas where you could test your teaching and speaking skills. Due to COVID everything is now VIRTUAL and require the use of a computer or laptop using Zoom, WebEx, Skype, etc.
• Consider doing volunteer work where you have to speak in a group. There are many virtual volunteer opportunities out there. Check out > Volunteer Match. (https://www.volunteermatch.org/virtual-volunteering). Just enter your city and search
• If your place of worship has a children ministry you could volunteer to help out virtually (ie, lead a group of children with storytelling, etc)
• Check in your local community for speaking events
• Check out your local YMCA for virtual events
• Etc. Etc. Etc.
I think you get the point. . . . Surround yourself with events that force you to speak in a group or small crowd. You can do this. Best of luck to you!
Volunteer Match Virtual Volunteering • https://www.volunteermatch.org/virtual-volunteering
Teaching is a wonderful field and especially now, it's in great demand. You've received some great advice so far, especially from Sanober. Without repeating comments I'd like to provide you with a "different perspective" for your consideration. Here are a few areas where you could test your teaching and speaking skills. Due to COVID everything is now VIRTUAL and require the use of a computer or laptop using Zoom, WebEx, Skype, etc.
• Consider doing volunteer work where you have to speak in a group. There are many virtual volunteer opportunities out there. Check out > Volunteer Match. (https://www.volunteermatch.org/virtual-volunteering). Just enter your city and search
• If your place of worship has a children ministry you could volunteer to help out virtually (ie, lead a group of children with storytelling, etc)
• Check in your local community for speaking events
• Check out your local YMCA for virtual events
• Etc. Etc. Etc.
I think you get the point. . . . Surround yourself with events that force you to speak in a group or small crowd. You can do this. Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
Frank Oldfield
M.Ed. (TESOL)., Online Remote Adult Education Teacher, Educator & Facilitator.
101
Answers
Finland
Updated
Frank’s Answer
It was end of term and our teacher was telling us students about how he got into teaching. I heard my name " Frank have you ever considered being a teacher yourself?" I was stunned as never in my whole life had I considered such a proposal! Anyway the teacher told us all about how he got started and where to go to do the "City & Guilds of London Institute", basic course for part time teachers. No one in my parents families were teachers so it was a challenging experience finding out how to do the teacher training and then how to apply for a teaching job. The teacher training practicum was arranged at the local technical college and I was welcomed in with enthusiasm and passion from experienced teachers. I had found my calling and have always looked forward to this wonderful occupation with anticipation that encourages other like minded people to become teachers...Good luck with your Calling too! Frank O. (11.05.2021.) 05:25 A.M.
Arturo Avila
Academic Counseling Assistant
5
Answers
Atwater, California
Updated
Arturo’s Answer
Hi Anthony,
I consider myself to be a social introvert as well. Honestly, when I first started my undergrad program I knew that I wanted to become a counselor but ended up working as an elementary school tutor and fell in love with working with students to help them progress in their education which made me change my major into Liberal Studies to become an elementary school teacher. I believe that in order to fully figure yourself out is to take the initiative and get into working/volunteering in a school setting. You will be working with kids, I felt that it was easier for me to talk to them and I generally am I shy person but when it comes to helping kids I am an extrovert. You'll find your path but definitely get yourself into working in education you will learn tremendously. Also talking to your past teachers will help you so much. Teaching can be hard but it is very rewarding.
I consider myself to be a social introvert as well. Honestly, when I first started my undergrad program I knew that I wanted to become a counselor but ended up working as an elementary school tutor and fell in love with working with students to help them progress in their education which made me change my major into Liberal Studies to become an elementary school teacher. I believe that in order to fully figure yourself out is to take the initiative and get into working/volunteering in a school setting. You will be working with kids, I felt that it was easier for me to talk to them and I generally am I shy person but when it comes to helping kids I am an extrovert. You'll find your path but definitely get yourself into working in education you will learn tremendously. Also talking to your past teachers will help you so much. Teaching can be hard but it is very rewarding.
Sanober Charania
Registered Nurse (RN)
73
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sanober’s Answer
Hi Anthony!
I think your self-awareness is rare, and it's great that you are acknowledging what may be a barrier to starting a career in teaching. Many people who are introverted become incredible teachers, as it is the passion to educate that triumphs any obstacles like this one. You said you find meaning in helping people, and that is a quality that will take you far. I would suggest taking public speaking classes as you go through your teaching program so that you can become more comfortable talking to others. Fear is good, it means you want to do something well and you will work hard to do that.
Best of luck :)
Sanober
I think your self-awareness is rare, and it's great that you are acknowledging what may be a barrier to starting a career in teaching. Many people who are introverted become incredible teachers, as it is the passion to educate that triumphs any obstacles like this one. You said you find meaning in helping people, and that is a quality that will take you far. I would suggest taking public speaking classes as you go through your teaching program so that you can become more comfortable talking to others. Fear is good, it means you want to do something well and you will work hard to do that.
Best of luck :)
Sanober
Thank you so much for taking time to read my question Sanober. I didn’t think much about public speaking classes up until this point, but I’ll be sure to look into them. On a side note though, I’m really impressed by your insights into introverted people and the very concept of fear itself. Instead of viewing my introverted nature as a weakness, I’m going to begin to view it as a strength. I’m sure that your message will be a source of inspiration for me in the coming years, thank you again.
Anthony