It might be helpful to quickly define ‘Introversion’ as there is often a bit of confusion about what is (and what it isn’t). Often confused with shyness, “Introversion is a preference, while shyness stems from distress. Introverts prefer solitary to social activities, but do not necessarily fear social encounters like shy people do“.
Introverts are “easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation from social gatherings and engagement, introversion having even been defined by some in terms of a preference for a quiet, more minimally stimulating external environment“. So, it’s easy to see how the noisy, chaotic environment of the brick and mortar classroom is a major challenge for those who identify as high in introversion.
According to this Psychology Today article, between half and two-thirds of the population are ‘ambiverted’, that is, they exhibit a mix of introverted and extroverted traits. So, it is statistically likely that most of you reading this article are also this combination. Maybe you have some introverted traits but you are likely able to balance them with a healthy dose of opposing people-centric skills.
The thing is, for most of my life, I have been VERY HIGHLY introverted. To the point of collapsing into my bed at the end of each teaching day, drained of every ounce of energy, never wanting to see another human being ever again. Yet, I simultaneously found teaching deeply satisfying, so I struggled through these duelling forces for many years before discovering online teaching and a balance that allowed me the best of both worlds.
If you are still teaching face-to-face or wish to continue doing so in tandem with online work, here is some fantastic advice about how to thrive as an introverted teacher.