Book Share - Why Do I Feel Like An Imposter?
Daily Resource / December 6th, 2022
I first encountered the term “Imposter Syndrome” just after starting my graduate degree from a professor friend. I was describing how I felt a bit odd teaching college courses. I explained that I had just left my undergrad behind less than six months ago and I was now in charge of a course of undergrads seeking writing instruction. She tried to assure me, but I was obstinate that it felt weird and a bit off. “Imposter Syndrome,” were the next words out of her mouth. It was as if someone had come up with a term specifically for me. Despite now naming what I was experiencing and being reassured that everyone “feels like an imposter sometimes” I still struggle with feeling like an imposter almost weekly. It is the grinding gears of my day-to-day. So, finally almost a decade after naming it, I decided to read about it. Why Do I Feel Like An Imposter? leaped off the shelf; it was the question I had been asking myself for years. The book is half a helpful guide through practices to support better mental health, and half a clinical study of various groups: workers, fathers and mothers, our social lives, and our school lives. However, the most important moment for me was in the first few pages. 70% of people who seek therapy report some level of feeling like an imposter in their jobs, social circles, education, or families. Some get so extreme as to exhibit other mental disorders including OCD. Finally, I understood that what I took as a placating remark a decade ago, “everyone feels like an imposter sometimes,” was a statement of truth. We all experience imposter syndrome sometimes.
In education, this is completely under-discussed. If 70% of individuals experience imposter syndrome in their lives, then it would stand to reason that 70% of our educators experience it, let alone the possible 70% of students. In my day job, I spend a lot of energy working with educators who are trying new processes with technology in their classrooms. Many times, I see their lesson plans, read their experiences, and watch their videos and I am completely amazed at the work they are doing. It is innovative, encourages student growth, and builds capacity in their classrooms/schools/LEAs. Naturally, I want to spotlight this good work, but often whether it is for a video, podcast, webinar, or conference presentation, the reality is that many educators explain that they don’t think anyone would find their work “interesting” or “helpful” or they feel as if by asking them, I am asking the world to judge them. The reality is that most educators have at least one, most times dozens, amazing lesson plans, ideas, practices, technology integration practices, and ways to encourage student learning and growth, but the imposter steps in and stops them from sharing with a larger audience. Although not every presentation or idea is received equally, the reality is that if it is never shared then the only people who benefit from your work are the small sample of students in your classroom. Don’t let the imposter stand in the way of being a part of the community.
Check out the book at the link in the picture to the right.
