Teaching as an Introvert: Practical Strategies for Thriving in the Classroom

I used to firmly believe that I wasn’t “teacher material” because I am an introvert. Public speaking made me nervous, I struggled with small talk, and I found interactive elements intimidating. However, my teaching experiences have shown me that introverts can be great teachers, bringing unique strengths into the classroom—such as thoughtful preparation, deep listening, and sensitivity to student needs. Recently, a workshop at the Kaneb Center for Teaching Excellence also introduced me to even more effective strategies.

Here, I’ll share some helpful tips I’ve collected from both the workshop and my own experiences.

Community Building

Building a sense of community for the class can be challenging for introverted teachers, who tend to shy away from social interactions. Here are a few practical ways to connect with students.

• Take full advantage of office hours. One-on-one connections during office hours can be a valuable addition to whole-class interactions. Encourage students to visit at least once during the semester for a relaxed and meaningful conversation free from social pressure. These smaller, more personal settings can help build rapport and strengthen relationships, without the stress of large group dynamics (see this article by Zachary Nowak for more tips and insights).
• Use a routine to connect with each student. Make deliberate efforts to connect with every student throughout the semester. For example, Kristi Rudenga, director of the Kaneb Center, suggests handing out name tents and taking the moment to greet each student individually at the start of class. Tracking these interactions adds a personal touch and ensures that every student feels included.

Introvert-Friendly Interactive Teaching

Interactive teaching may seem daunting for introverts. However, with some planning, it can work to your benefit.

• Follow a structured design. Spontaneity isn’t always comfortable for introverts, so structured planning can ease this pressure. Break your class into modules, alternating between lecturing and student-centered activities, such as small group assignments. (You can also consult these active learning strategies). Even if it feels tempting to skip discussions, add them thoughtfully to deepen student learning. And instead of low-structure prompts like “What did you think of the reading?” consider using high-structure activities such as scripted opening statements and think-pair-share to guide students more effectively.
• Incorporate introvert-friendly activities. Many students are introverted, too, so consider activities that are introvert-friendly and allow everyone to participate comfortably. For example, let students jot down their thoughts on an index card before sharing, use the barometer exercise or an anonymous poll, or facilitate small group discussion like “four corners” to allow both the students and yourself the opportunity to interact in low-pressure settings.

Play an Extrovert

Have you ever considered exploring an alternate version of yourself? I’m personally excited to try this approach, inspired by the success stories of others.

• Embrace a teaching persona. Consider building your teaching persona—a slightly more outgoing version of yourself. Think of it as “acting” for a greater good rather than changing who you are. Embracing this temporary role can help create a warm, engaging atmosphere. (For in-depth discussions on developing your teaching persona, here is a Notre Dame Learning blog post by Eli Williams and a Chronicle of Higher Education article by James Lang, a professor of the practice at the Kaneb Center.)
• Use prepared expressions and gestures. Keep a list of expressive phrases or gestures to help you appear more animated. For instance, sprinkle in phrases like “Isn’t that fascinating?” or use exaggerated gestures here and there. These small changes can help energize the class, and over time, you may find yourself feeling more comfortable with them.

Finally, remember to give yourself time to recharge after every class so you don’t drain your “social energy.” Teaching as an introvert comes with unique challenges, but it also brings powerful strengths. Reflect on what works, carry those successes into your next class, and know that your calm presence can make a lasting impact in the classroom!

Yanran Chen is a graduate associate at Notre Dame Learning’s Kaneb Center for Teaching Excellence and is pursuing a Ph.D. in psychology at the University.

Originally published by Yanran Chen at learning.nd.edu on January 08, 2025.