#128: 4 ways imposter syndrome shows up for teachers in the classroom (and what you needed to know YESTERDAY to overcome it)

The Unteachables Podcast

The imposter syndrome episode every teacher needs.
You’re in the classroom, trying your best, showing up with good intentions… but there it is. That sneaky voice that whispers:
“Maybe I’m not cut out for this.”

Sound familiar? Yeah. Me too.

In this episode, I’m walking you through four of the biggest ways imposter syndrome has crept into my teaching life — from crying over curriculum codes to having students find me on Tinder (yes, really). Because if you’ve ever felt like the only teacher in the building who doesn’t have it together, this is your reminder: you’re not alone.

More importantly, this isn’t a “rah rah you’ve got this” fluff pep talk. This is real-talk about the systems that set you up to feel like a fraud, why your self-doubt makes total sense, and how to reframe those fears into fuel.

If you’ve been feeling like a walking imposter in your own classroom — this one’s for you. Let’s roll the tape.

What You’ll Learn:

• The four most common (and painful) ways imposter syndrome shows up in teaching
• Why feeling confused by curriculum or acronyms doesn’t make you incompetent
• How a group of Year 12s and Tinder nearly sent me into hiding (true story)
• Why behaviour challenges aren’t proof that you’re failing — just that you need better tools
• The difference between good and crap leadership when you’re struggling
• How to stop measuring your worth by how quiet your classroom looks

Resources Mentioned:

• The Pedagogy of Poverty episode
• Join The Behaviour Club: https://www.the-unteachables.com/tbc

Have a question, comment, or just want to say hello? Drop us a text!

RESOURCES AND MORE SUPPORT:

• Shop all resources
• Join The Behaviour Club
• My book! It’s Never Just About the Behaviour: A holistic approach to classroom behaviour management
• The Low-Level Behaviour Bootcamp
• Free guide: 'Chats that Create Change'

Connect with me:

• Follow on Instagram @the.unteachables
• Check out my website

Chapters

1. Welcome to the Unteachables Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Yearning to Return to the Classroom (00:01:28)

3. Understanding Teacher Imposter Syndrome (00:04:13)

4. Curriculum Confusion and Acronym Anxiety (00:06:37)

5. Student Respect and Building Teacher Presence (00:10:26)

6. Fear of Being Seen Struggling (00:13:12)

7. Behavior Management Struggles and Growth (00:16:12)

8. Final Thoughts and Call to Action (00:19:22)