Introvert teachers: how to thrive in the classroom

Early on in my teaching career, I learnt that I had to readjust how I function in school or face complete burnout.You see, I am an introvert. And I gladly admit to embodying every cliché that comes with it: I am happier at home with a good book than out socialising; I am bordering on invisible in staff meetings and I find myself severely lacking in conversation skills after a day in the interpersonally demanding environment of a school – something that can be rather challenging to explain to my extroverted wife.All of these traits can make this profession challenging, but there is no doubt in my mind that introverts have the capacity to be wonderful, compassionate and dedicated teachers; the key is to take steps to ensure balance. Here are some suggestions for how to do this.Introverts are often perceived to be aloof or anti-social, but this is not the case. While we still value conversation and relationships, our energy comes from the inner world. This might mean that, at lunchtime, we want to close our classroom doors and recharge, rather than eating with others.Being open and honest with colleagues about these individual preferences is important in forming positive relationships. There is also real value in sharing these preferences with our students: it normalises emotions and feelings that a number of them may also be feeling.