Get Your Students Hired
Being a young instructor i find that not only am i younger than some of my student but also the same age as some of the students. is there a way to show those older students that i am there for a reason?
I am a first time teacher and am 23. Since day 1,I have showed and informed students that I am knowledgable in my field, therefore establishing trust and their confidence in my abilities.
Hi Erica,
An instructor's experience, professionalism, preparation, and knowledge really put students at ease. Age is not a factor if these four characteristics are obvious.
Patricia
This is all such wonderful advice! I have most students ask my age, or note that I am quite young. I tell them about my expierence, and say phrases such as, "When I previously taught this course, etc." so they know this is not my first class and it established creditability.
Hi Jason,
You are right! I was 23 when I started in this industry, and I always conducted myself as a professional, and I knew my subject matter. Age never was an issue for my students.
Patricia
I have experienced that same problem, looking younger than my age and consequently wondering if my older students take me serious. But, what I have found is that conducting yourself in a very professional manner and drawing on your vast knowledge of your subject matter puts all of your students at ease.
Hi Thongsamay,
Acting mature, professional, and having knowledge will cause students to not have any issues with your age.
Patricia
I had concerns about this when I started teaching. I wonder how the older students who would respond to me. But I presented myself as a professional who was not only knowledgable but has years of experience in what I was teaching them. I think that helped get the older students to accept me.
Hi Elizabeth,
My age really did fade into the background too. I was 23 years old, but I always acted very mature and professional and to top it off I knew my stuff!!!
Patricia
I began teaching at the age of 28, and I too, had several students who were older than me. I found that by taking opportunities to share different experiences I had in the field, it established my experience, and age seemed to fade into the background.
Hi Kristin,
As long as you are mature, professional, knowledgeable, prepared, and authoritative, age is only a number. I was 23 years old whenever I started teaching in the career college system, and I never had a problem with age. I always made a separation from my students, yet being friendly and firm.
I was not only young when I began teaching but also looked younger than my actual age. This does make it difficult for some students to take you seriously until they realize that you take yourself seriously and have the experience and desire to share it.
Hi Brian,
I understand what you are saying. I was 23 years old when I started teaching. I was the youngest in most of my classes I taught, but I made it known that I was well qualified, and I ran a tight ship from Day 1.
Patricia
Hi Shay,
Age is only a number. Show them that you are a true professional in all areas. Respect will happen automatically from this.
Patricia
I have experienced the same problem. Once they see that you have the knowledge and experience gaining their respect is not a problem.
I started teaching when I was 28 and was younger than a number of students. I think it's important to let students share their life experiences but also let students know your background, education, and experience so they know you are qualified.