Introversion and teaching. OT

[jenP_97]

Original Yahoo! HPFG Header:
No: HPFGUIDX C7373
From: jenP_97
Subject: Introversion and teaching. OT
Reply To: [Yahoo! #7287] Re: Mostly Sirius Thoughts
Date: 8/20/00 4:01 pm  (ET)

Catlady was talking about Remus and teaching:

>>Who, incidentally, must have quite a limited form of introversion
if he can STAND to be a schoolteacher and stand in front of multiple
classes of multiple children all day. <<

I don't agree with this, simply because I am both introverted and a
teacher. Sometimes it amazes me that someone who is as shy and shrinking
as I am (ah, the wonders of anonymous identities - yay internet! What
a relief!) could enter a profession based on "public speaking"! I think
it has to do with several things. First, shyness may have something to
do with interactions with peers/elders. So while I have a hard time with
people my age or older, I have less of a problem with children. Also, it
puts you in a position of authority when you're a teacher, so though (as
in my case) your students may be OLDER than you are, you still "know more"
(believe me, I could NEVER rival the "street" smarts my students have),
and therefore don't see them as peers (at least in the classroom). I don't
know... it's a lot of factors. All I know is that when I was a substitute,
I was fine as long as I was in the classroom - but once I was talking
to other teachers or the principal or anything, I shut up like a clam.

Jen

ps. I used to think I *loved* children... and though I love my own with
all my heart, I don't think I *love* kids in general. I think I'm more
of a "boy, I wish I had that much energy - they look like they're having
so much fun - I think I'll just think like them for the rest of my life"
kind of kid "kindred spirit".

Sorry for the length/OT-ness/etc.