Teaching is a highly social profession, so it would follow that all teachers are extroverts, right? Wrong.
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Many successful teachers are self-described introverts, and one of the biggest misconceptions about this personality type is that they’re shy.
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Introversion is more about how you respond to stimulation, including social stimulation. Where as extroverts really crave large amounts of stimulation, introverts feel at their most alive, their most switched-on, and their most capable, when they’re in quieter, more low-key environments.
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Some introverts naturally feel more relaxed around students, while others find teaching to be like performing on stage. The costume goes on (Gi), and now you become a different person, which can allow you to temporarily express a more extroverted side of yourself.
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I believe that the introverted teacher has great perceptiveness, which means you can tell when someone’s not understanding, going to lose it, or dying of boredom, etc. And so much of the teaching, and martial arts in general, is being able to anticipate the next move.
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People who don’t have an understanding of introverts might think choosing to teach as an introvert, is like choosing to be a submarine captain if you’re afraid of water. But being an introvert doesn’t mean you don’t like being around your students, or that you’re too shy to teach them. It just means that you may have to recharge alone or with fewer people around you.
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There are times when I feel that I can barely call and order my own pizza. I have to drag myself to special occasions, and can barely stand among my peers when asked to talk about something, but put me in a room full of students (the more the better), and I have zero problems.
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Introverted teachers are good listeners, which allows them to create an effective learning environment in the dojo. They listen to students and they have a higher level of student engagement by encouraging an atmosphere of deeper understanding.
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Finally, I believe that introverts “absorb knowledge” by listening to people, while extroverts use conversations as a “stage to promote themselves.” This trait allows introverted teachers to respond more thoughtfully and influence the critical thinking skills of their students.
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Don’t be shy! Tell me what you think. 
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