Is Teaching a Good Job for Introverts? (2024)

If you’re an introvert teacher, or thinking of becoming one, then you’re in the right place.

Is teaching a good job for introverts? In many ways, I have to be honest from personal experience – it’s not. Teaching involves a lot of interaction, which can be very taxing for an introvert.

Having said that, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t introverted teachers who find their job rewarding and fulfilling. We’re going to discuss the logistics of being an introverted teacher, how to decide if teaching is a worthwhile career for you as an introvert, and tips for being an introverted teacher.

I taught elementary school for almost 10 years. As an introvert teacher, I found my career as a teacher both rewarding but also challenging, as there are many pros and cons.

I eventually burned out from teaching (partially from challenges from being an introverted teacher, but other factors too) and decided to switch to a more solitary career, writing.

Despite my personal experience, I still believe that introverts can be teachers – but there are some important things to keep in mind about the nature of the job; as well as important tips to make your career as an introverted teacher go more smoothly.

So, let’s jump in – tips and advice for introverted teachers, and what you need to know to decide if teaching is the right career for you.

Can an introvert be a teacher?

An introvert absolutely can be a teacher, and there are many benefits to having introverts as teachers in the classroom.

Introverted teachers can relate to introverted students, who otherwise might feel left out or invisible in a classroom where most people are extroverts.

(According to statistics, extroverts tend to outnumber introverts in the general population, so its likely that the majority of your classroom will be more extroverted children.)

As an introvert teacher, you can design a classroom management plan that is peaceful and calm, where both your introverted and extroverted students thrive.

Being an introverted teacher can still be extremely challenging and take a toll on your energy levels, especially depending on which grade you teach.

Let’s go over what kinds of challenges introvert teachers face in a teaching career, as well as tips, so you can be well-prepared.

Challenges of Being an Introvert Teacher

If you’re not a teacher yet, but thinking of becoming one, then here are challenges you may face while working as an introverted teacher

1. Many interactions with people

The job of a teacher involves a lot of interaction with other people; and not just with your students.

As a teacher, you also need to be communicating with:

• Student’s parents, (generally, the younger your students are, the more communication with parents there will be)
• Your administrator and colleagues
• Any education assistants or other school staff that may work with your students.

This adds up to a lot of interaction on a daily basis, and as an introvert teacher I found that it cut into many of my much-needed breaks.

There were many occasions when I needed nothing but to recharge, but things came up that I had to deal with, such as:

• a fight between my students that I needed to help them resolve
• an impromptu meeting with other teachers or the principal regarding a matter that came up
• an expected phone call from a parent

These things don’t happen every day of course, but you only have so much time outside of the classroom – it can be extra challenging for introvert teachers when much of it is spent doing even more interaction.

2. Lack of time for quiet work

Sometimes this isn’t recognized enough, but quite a bit of a teacher’s job is ‘behind the scenes’ work, which often involves working quietly and independently. This is the kind of work I prefer and was designed to do, as an introvert.

As a teacher, I didn’t mind:

• planning lessons
• creating learning content
• marking
• sending emails or
• writing report cards

The problem is, it never felt like there was enough time to do these things during the school day and still have enough mental energy.

If you can’t complete this work during the day while also getting your breaks in, then you may have to take some of it home to do in the evenings or weekends.

This means its harder to get the break you need on evenings and weekends.

Like I said, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t become a teacher as an introvert, but these are things to consider.

Overall, introvert teachers have many qualities that make a great teacher. You will just need to ensure that you are appropriately conserving your energy, so that you don’t deplete it and burn out. Scroll below for some helpful tips.

Tips for Teaching as an Introvert

If you’re already struggling with being an introverted teacher, then here are some tips from a fellow introvert that could alleviate some of the pressure

I help teachers with leaving teaching (if that’s what they want.) There are so many opportunities beyond the classroom, especially for introverts.

However, leaving teaching isn’t what we all want. If you want to be a teacher, then you still can and should be one. Here are tips for helping you navigate teaching as an introverted teacher.

1. Use your breaks to recharge

As a teacher, you will only spend 3.5 – 5 hours per day with your students – it varies by school board and how your day is structured. Outside of the time with your students, you will have lunch breaks, and (depending on where you live) planning time.

Most schools have teacher lounges, or staff rooms where teachers convene and socialize during breaks.

I would recommend ensuring that you have quiet time to yourself during the day, so that you can recharge and destress properly in between school periods.

2. Be comfortable with saying “no”

When I talk about saying no as a teacher, I’m referring to tasks or opportunities that fall outside of your job.

There might be volunteer opportunities at your school, like coaching a sports team or running a club. Most teachers I know find these volunteer opportunities very rewarding, as its a great way to connect with students. (It also looks good to administrators.)

However, as an introverted teacher, I found that I absolutely needed my breaks in order to get through the day and not feel completely depleted by the time the dismissal bell rang.

I did run clubs, but it was always a stretch of my energy. While I enjoyed running clubs, it was very hard to give up the breaks I needed during the day which I use to recharge my battery.

I am not saying that you should never volunteer your time as a teacher (there are several benefits to doing so)- but you need to assess your energy levels, and make sure that you’re getting the breaks you need.

Being able to draw boundaries and say no sometimes to ‘extras’ added to your plate is the only way that you can continue to effectively do the main job that you’ve been hired to do.

3. Consider teaching an easier subject

If you have any control over it, try to teach subjects that don’t drain as much of your energy.

• Certain subjects are much easier for introverts to teach than others. Subjects that are: deeply engaging
• involve a lot of self-motivated work
• have projects that keep the student busy for lengths of time

These subjects tend to be art, health, gym, music, and science. In the older grades, it can also be language arts and math.

These subjects tend to be less demanding of our energy levels than other subjects, although it can vary.

4. “Ask three, before me”

One of the biggest challenges of teaching elementary school as an introvert is the bombardment of questions from students; often the same ones repeatedly.

As an introvert teacher, it really helped me to implement the “ask three before me” rule.

I taught my students that if they were unsure of something, to ask their question to a minimum of three other students in the class – before approaching me.

It takes some practice, and doesn’t work like magic – but implementing the “ask three before me” rule in your classroom can free up a bit of energy for you.

Pro Tips: If you have classroom jobs in an elementary classroom, you could even turn this into a job description. As you get to know your students, you will learn which ones are almost always listening and know what’s going on. You could give these students leadership roles in the classroom by having them be a liaison for students to ask questions about instructions if they aren’t sure. This gives them a chance to help, and saves up some energy for you. (Of course, as long as it doesn’t interfere with their own work.)

4. Take a 5-minute breather in class

The most important thing while you’re in class with your students is keeping them safe.

For liability reasons, you’re not permitted to leave the students unattended in the classroom, however – you can try to give yourself a short time out from interaction while still remaining in the classroom with your students.

Here are a few creative ways to recharge your battery while in the classroom:

• Have a few ideas of activities that students can mostly do independently. Something that is educational and related to the curriculum, but still relatively easy is best – it could be word searches related to new science vocabulary, art work, or even a class meditation.
• Another option (which I tried once) was to tell my class that I needed a 5-minute time out from questions so that I get a drink of water, and sit peacefully for a few minutes. They sat quietly at their desks while I took this 5-minute breather, drank water, and watched them work. It helped.

5. Take quiet time after work

Taking quiet time after work is very important, especially if you’re a teacher who has kids or a family at home.

Coming home to more kids (even if they’re your own) can be very challenging as an introverted teacher.

To be honest, this was part of what motivated me to seek job opportunities that were more solitary in nature – I wanted to show up for my own kids, and I didn’t have the capacity to be both a teacher and a parent.

Having said that – everyone is different. Introversion isn’t black and white -its a spectrum. Just because I couldn’t handle it, doesn’t mean you can’t.

If you’re a teacher introvert and you have a family at home, I recommend 15-20 minutes of quiet time before jumping into your parent role – it will make it much easier to do both!

6. Take a day off, if you need one

Some school boards and districts may offer mental health days, or sick days (likely, they are lumped in together.)

If you are feeling drained and depleted and lacking in energy, then it might be time to take a full day off to recharge.

I used to plan a mental health day in advance, so that I could stay home and recharge. It helped me feel better so that I could come to work with more energy the following day. Click here to read about how taking mental health days can prevent burnout.

Don’t feel guilty about taking a planned mental health day. It’s important for anyone (introverts or not) to protect our energy levels, and fill our cup back up so that we can continue to give to others.

It’s much more beneficial to the students than if you were to burn out as a teacher, and either need to go on leave or quit mid-year due to burnout.

7. Consider teaching an older age group

Which grade is easiest for you to teach depends largely on your interests and personality as an introvert.

Overall, I think introverts may be best suited to older age groups.

Generally speaking, younger students are more needy of your energy than older students. They’re less independent, request help more, and generally – they want to spend more time with you. They even want to be your friend.

I spent most of my time teaching Grades 4- 8 (4th – 8th grade, which is ages 9 to about 13.) The older the students were, the more they wanted to do things independently, and the less emotional support they seek from you.

Tips for Introverts Thinking of Becoming Teachers

If you’re an introvert thinking of becoming a teacher, here are some things to consider doing before pursuing teacher

• Take a personality test from 16personalities, which is the free version of the Myers Brygg’s test. It can tell you the extent to your introversion, and what your talents, strengths and limitations are. This could help you determine if teaching is right for you.
  
• If you’re contemplating becoming a teacher, consider what high school or college subjects you may be able to qualify to teach. Teaching older students is generally less energy-draining than working with younger kids who need more of your attention
  
• If you are considering teaching as a second career, then I recommend exploring your options, as well as strengths and weaknesses before selecting teaching or any other career. Do a personality test from 16personalities, and consider read books on career change
  
• Research the schools you are thinking of working at, and try to reach out to people who work there. You want to work at a school that is known for having good administrative support for teachers
  
• If you’re passionate about education but have come to the conclusion that front-lining may not be for you, then you could consider jobs in education that aren’t teaching

Introvert Teachers FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions about being an introverted teacher

How do introverted teachers cope?

Introverted teachers cope by looking after their mental health, drawing boundaries with work, saying no, and ensuring that they carve out enough quiet time for themselves. It will always be a struggle to teacher as an introvert, but it can be done.

Can an introvert be a high school teacher?

An introvert can definitely be a high school teacher; in fact, teaching an older age group is a bit easier for introverts than working with younger kids, because older students tend to be more independent and less emotionally needy.

Can an introvert be an elementary teacher?

An introvert can be an elementary teacher, but it can be challenging at times, because there is a lot of social interaction that comes with teaching elementary school – with students, their parents, administrators, and colleagues. You need to be able to draw boundaries with work, and ensure you get the time to recharge that you need.

Final Thoughts on Being an Introvert Teacher

I hope that this article has given you some guidance and insight on the realities of working as an introvert teacher.

Working as an introverted teacher is possible, but it can be very challenging – especially if you don’t draw boundaries that protect the space and time recharging that you need.

I decided to move in the direction of more solitary careers; first starting them as side hustles, and then making them my full-time career.

Whether you decide to stick with teaching as an introvert or look into opportunities – know that you bring many qualities to the table even if you’re introverted, and can thrive in several job types – education-related, and not.