As a teacher, you may think you have very little control, but you have a lot more than you may think.
Having control over your work environment is one reason that teaching can be a good job for highly sensitive people.
The following strategy will help you begin to take some control over your job.
At the same time, it will help you start creating an ideal classroom environment for your highly sensitive self.
One that is energy giving, not energy draining.
1. Begin by making a list of things in the classroom that overstimulate you.
Don't worry if you get everything. Just write down the things that come to mind first. I know I have lots more than this, but here is my starter list.
Things that Overstimulate Me in the Classroom
Chaotic Transitions
Bored, Disengaged Students
Clutter
Not Finding Things
Getting Interrupted When Talking
Off Task, Silly Behavior
Rudeness or Students Being Unkind to Each Other
Chaotic Mornings
Not Prepared for Lessons or For When Students First Arrive
Too Much Direct Teaching to the Whole Class
Chemical Smells
Hunger
Thirst
Environment Too Hot
Environment Too Dry
Too Much "Up" Time
Students All Wanting My Attention at the Same Time
Piles of Papers to Correct
Overly Needy Students
Long Work Hours
2. Now, go through your list and list the opposite of each item.
Some may roll into one. For example, I put that the opposite of "Environment Too Hot" and "Environment Too Dry" would be a comfortable environment. As you create your list, think of it as your "Ideal Classroom".
My Ideal Classroom
Smooth Transitions
Engaged Students
Things in Their Place
Finding Things When Needed
Talking Without Interruptions
Students On Task
Politeness and Respect
Smooth Mornings
Prepared for Lessons and When Students Arrive
Independent and Small Group Teaching
Pleasant Smells
Satiated and Not Thirsty
Comfortable Environment
Some "Down" Time Built Into the Day
Independent Students
Papers Corrected and Feedback Given to Students
Shorter Work Hours
The second list are those things that you can work on having some control over in your environment. Some may not be in your control, but most are.
This is the first step to creating a classroom where your highly sensitive self will thrive, not just barely survive!
What are some things on your "Things that Overstimulate Me" list?
Hi! I realize that it has been some time since you've posted here. I find this discussion very helpful. It is hard to find anything online about introverted or highly sensitive teachers. I am a first year teacher. I have many days when I wonder if I have what it takes. Would love to talk!
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you commented. I have been working hard at strategies and have much to share. Your comment has inspired me to begin blogging again. I wrote a new post and plan to continue to add more. The first year is super hard and even harder if you are highly sensitive. However, you do have what it takes, in fact highly sensitive people make excellent teachers. Keep reading for more ideas that may help you suffer less.
I'm currently struggling with the idea of getting back into teaching after a 4-year hiatus. I'm now realizing that being highly sensitive is at the heart of so many of the challenges I faced in the classroom. Although I loved many things about teaching, the constant stimulation really took its toll on me. I'm looking forward to reading more of your insights and advice!
ReplyDeleteI went back into teaching after 10 years out of the classroom! It made me sick the first time and I went back in knowing I could get sick again. Finding out about highly sensitive people has helped me tremendously. You can do it. It just takes some work on your part to do things the way you need to and not the way everyone else is doing it. Highly sensitive teachers have to approach teaching differently in order to be happy and healthy. The hard work is worth it.
DeleteI'm so happy to find your blog! I teach K/1 multi age class. Sometimes I think I have chosen the wrong profession. Your suggestions make a lot of sense to me.
ReplyDeleteYes, I can relate. How often I have felt that I also chose the wrong profession. The problem is that the people who are giving us the ideas for how to teach and run our classrooms are not necessarily highly sensitive people. When we can't seem to do it the way they do it without stress and anxiety, we think there is something wrong with us. There isn't. We just need to approach things in ways that support who we are.
DeleteOh this is great! I am so glad I found it. I've just decided to become a teacher but have been feeling awfully hesitant as a highly sensitive person. I will be teaching at the secondary level and I am not sure how different it will be in comparison to elementary, but I am so grateful this blog exists! Starting out with strategies in place will help better ensure success and help me avoid getting overwhelmed. Thank you!
ReplyDelete