Is It Normal for a Teacher to Feel Shy Around High School Students?
I might be overthinking this, but is it typical for a 29-year-old male teacher to feel shy around his female students who are around 15-16 years old?
He hasn’t shown any concerning behavior and seems like the friendly, relatable teacher everyone likes. However, during our recent school picture day, we had a group photo session where teachers usually sit in the middle chair of the front row. Instead, he chose to stand at the back with the boys rather than sitting among the girls. I completely get it—he might have wanted to avoid any discomfort or misinterpretations with the girls sitting next to him. The photographer even suggested he sit in the middle to balance the photo, and while he reluctantly agreed when pressed, it was clear he had reservations.
What struck me as odd was how much he kept “bragging” about feeling shy for a couple of days after. He made comments like, “OMG, I felt so shy sitting between so many girls!” and “This was the most awkward day of my life!” It felt a bit excessive, and nobody laughed along; we just exchanged awkward glances.
Dude, you’re almost 30! It was surprising to see him reacting this way. I initially thought he was trying to be humorous and deflect any potential awkwardness, but it just ended up making me—and probably others—feel uncomfortable.
So, my question is: Is this typical behavior for a teacher, or did I overreact by finding it strange? 🤨
It sounds like you had a pretty uncomfortable experience, and it’s understandable to feel that way given the context. While it’s not uncommon for some teachers, especially younger ones, to feel a bit shy or awkward around their students, his reactions do come off as a little extreme for someone in his position. It might be a combination of trying to be relatable while also being overly self-conscious about how he would be perceived.
His comments about feeling shy around the girls and focusing on that experience may have felt inappropriate in a professional setting, particularly since he kept bringing it up. Teachers need to maintain a certain level of professionalism, and his remarks likely blurred that line, making both students and himself uncomfortable.
It’s possible that he was just trying to lighten the mood or be friendly, but it’s important to be aware of how such comments can affect others. If it made you and your classmates feel uneasy, you’re not overreacting—you have the right to feel comfortable and respected in the classroom.
If this behavior continues or escalates, it might be worth discussing it with a trusted adult or school administrator. It’s crucial for teachers to create a safe and comfortable environment for students, and that includes being mindful of their words and actions. Ultimately, trust your instincts about what feels appropriate or not in those situations.