What Type Of Person Thrives In The Teaching Industry, According To A Teach For America Recruitment Manager
Successful Teach For America teachers, contrary to popular belief, can be "both introverts and extroverts," but a reflective nature and the ability to adapt communication styles are key. Ultimately, the most impactful teachers are those who demonstrate "patience and dedication," earning student respect rather than demanding it.
Communication, Patience, Dedication, Reflective Thinking, Respect
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Shaneli Mirpuri
Recruitment Manager
Teach For America
UCLA 2020
Relay Graduate School of Education; Masters of Arts in Teaching
International Relations & Affairs
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Human Resources (HR)
Video Highlights
1. People who thrive in teaching are both introverted and extroverted, but mainly reflective about their communication styles.
2. Patience and dedication are key traits for success, along with the ability to earn respect from students.
3. Teachers should trust and believe in their students. Respect is earned, not automatically given.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
That's a good question. I think that, contrary to popular belief, teachers can be both introverts and extroverts. Primarily, it's people who are reflective enough to think about how they engage with others.
They can actually consider, "How am I going to communicate this to a lot of different people?" and "How am I going to work and reflect on this lesson plan?" Thinking about those types of things can be really helpful for a teacher.
You can be a really soft-spoken teacher, or you can be a really loud, energetic teacher. I think the big thing is just having that patience and the dedication to trusting students. It's about earning respect, rather than just believing you deserve it.
Someone who comes in believing they need to earn a student's respect will actually go a lot farther.