Can I still be a teacher if I'm introverted?

All you need is dedication and a willingness to learn how to be a good teacher. A good college will make sure you get plenty of practice presenting to your peers and to younger students through clinical hours. You sound a lot like me when I graduated high school, I wanted to be a teacher but I felt I lacked the confidence to speak in front of a class and I was concerned my depression and anxiety would get in the way. Three years into my education and social studies major I can tell you confidently as long as you are willing to sometimes go out of your comfort zone you can learn to be a good teacher. ...Show more

I have a rather difficult time believing you know what teaching is actually like--because if you did, I think you might want to choose a different career. Few professions have more anxiety built-in than teaching. Especially high school. Discipline is hard at that age and you'd have to be assertive enough to handle some of that, there's the bureaucracy, the low pay, the lack of supplies, the lack of good SCHOOLS. 


You sound like an idealist to me. And idealists are fine--as long as their environment is supportive and kind; but high school teaching is neither one of those things. It's hard. It's disappointing and you get a fast, quick slap of realism from day one. 


Shyness isn't the problem. The depression and anxiety are. You can be a good teacher if you're shy. But you will have difficulties in the hard reality of teaching if you've got anxiety. There aren't too many jobs where you're almost guaranteed to have anxiety--teaching is right up there at the top of that list. 


But all is not lost. You could teach language arts at a LOWER level--where there is not so much conflict. OR you could teach it at a HIGHER level--college, junior college or private tutoring--where there is not so much conflict and being shy won't be nearly so much of a detriment to your survival. OR you could try to find a job in the publishing, writing, or business industries where a solid background in English is needed. There are a lot of professions that require solid writing ability, or communications. Maybe some of those would be better suited to your personality. 


Congratulations on getting your depression under control, though--that's a very positive step. And since you haven't even been to college yet, things can change quite a bit. I'd say broaden your horizons--don't settle on one goal just yet. And work on the rest piece by piece. Great good luck to you. ...Show more

i dont see why not...Show more

Being shy is no problem and your confidence will increase with experience. What's possibly concerning are your mental health issues.
Some high schools are rather rough, and the "kids" can be brutal. I don't know what your issues are, but that's definitely something to think about before you jump in head first....Show more

of  course … one's  directive  changes  between  personal  and  business … you  likely  will  become  adept  and  assertive  upon  your  appointment  with  teaching.....Show more