Battling imposter syndrome as a new teacher

Gordon Cairns

By Gordon Cairns
Community contribution / March 28, 2020

When I first started teaching, I used to experience a strange out-of-body feeling as I stood in front of the class.

Imposter syndrome is a self-sabotaging trick we play on ourselves.

It was as if I was standing next to the guy in the suit waiting for quiet before he could ...

This story appeared in the March 2020 edition of Australian Teacher Magazine.

Senior Analyst, Procurement Systems and Information - Procurement Capability

Department of Education and Training (Queensland) Brisbane

Are you are interested in procurement initiatives that support the delivery of educational outcomes for schools. The Procurement Systems and Information team are looki...

Teaching - Secondary / Jan 10, 2026

Speech and Language Therapist

Veritas North West London

Teaching Aides & Special Needs / Jan 09, 2026

Nursery Practitioner

Teaching - Early childhood / Jan 09, 2026

School news / Chickens, guinea pigs and more: animal assisted wellbeing program grows

Victorian public school students will get to enjoy more fluffy, furry and feathered friends in their classrooms in the new year with State Government funding support to the tune of $2.7 million for animal-assisted wellbeing and engagement programs.

School news / Tragedy spurs warnings on underwater breath-holding in the coming summer months

For many of us, swimming is a source of joy and freedom, and snorkelling underwater is a summer staple, but did you know that holding your breath in shallow water can be fatal.

School news / Mental health blow: My Mind Check platform closes due to Fed Govt funding cut

A free digital mental health platform used by more than 200 schools (and counting) has been wound up due to its Department of Education funding being cut.

School news / ‘This is something that’s learned’: Gonski to lead new Anti-Semitism Education Taskforce

Independent Schools Australia (ISA) has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of the Anti-Semitism Education Taskforce, describing it as an important step in strengthening social cohesion and addressing anti-semitism.

School news / Getting them on track: new WA pilot program aims to break cycles of disadvantage

The WA Government is seeking people with cultural, community and child development expertise to advise on a ground-breaking initiative to help prevent youth crime.

School news / Teaching disability awareness and shaping how future gens understand inclusion

With more than 5.5 million Australians living with disability, early education has become critical in shaping how future generations understand inclusion, accessibility, and equality – yet schools still lack regular access to disability awareness ...

School news / Grappling with an unspeakable tragedy: talking to children about the Bondi attack

Parents are being encouraged to gently check in with their children who may be feeling unsettled or fearful after the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

School news / Safer in school: extra year of compulsory schooling reduces child harm: new study

Compulsory schooling for 16-year-olds boosts attendance and reduces their risk of maltreatment and need for emergency healthcare, new research has found.

School news / National Curriculum designed to fuel climate anxiety among children, new report says

The National Curriculum is skewed towards ideological environmental instruction through the mandated cross-curriculum priority of sustainability, according to a new report, which has also been criticised for its political motives.

School news / Vic Govt resources supporting students’ mental health at school and online

The Victorian Government has released new resources for schools to help students, teachers and parents navigate the impacts of social media and screentime.

Comments