Imposter Syndrome Is Lying to You: How to Own Your Voice in Teaching and Creativity

You know that moment, maybe it’s in the middle of a lesson, or during a parent meeting, when you look around and wonder, What if I’m not actually good at this?

If you’ve ever had that thought, you’re not alone. Imposter syndrome is incredibly common in teaching, even among the most experienced educators.

After nearly a decade in the classroom, I still have those moments. And recently, a colleague with even more experience than I have admitted she still occasionally wonders if she knows what she’s doing.

So let’s talk about it. Let’s talk about the quiet doubt that sometimes creeps in, and why it doesn’t mean you’re failing.

When I First Felt It

My first experience with imposter syndrome in the classroom came during my first year of teaching. Before I started, I was told I’d have one exam class. But on my first day, I found out there had been a timetable change - and I actually had two. As a baby teacher, I was excited, but I was also terrified because I knew the results they got at the end of the year would directly impact their futures.

That first year, I kept asking myself: Am I good enough? Is my knowledge strong enough to get them through this?

And although I’ve grown more confident over the years, those early feelings of doubt haven’t completely disappeared.

Why It Still Shows Up

Imposter syndrome doesn’t always vanish with experience - it just changes shape. Now, I occasionally feel it when I’m with older students, often when teaching something unfamiliar. But these days, I’ve learned how to manage it better.

My mindset shift on it only really changed recently after a conversation with a colleague who’s been teaching twice the amount of time as I have, and she said something that stuck with me:

“Every now and then, I look around the room and still wonder if I know what I’m doing.”

That’s when I realised imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re unqualified. If she felt that way sometimes, it clearly wasn’t about ability or experience since she is hands down one the best teachers I’ve ever come across and her depth of subject knowledge never ceases to amaze me. Instead, after that conversation, I finally figured out that it means you care.

How I’ve Learned to Cope

In the early days, I used to quietly double-check things mid-lesson - Googling in between tasks just to make sure I was right.

Now, I’m more honest. If I have a moment of uncertainty, I say to my students, “Let me double-check that”, or I get them to quickly check for me

And that honesty? It builds trust. Students respect it more than you’d expect. It shows you’re human, and that even in your subject area, you have strengths, gaps, and the humility to admit it.

I’ve also found that experience has helped silence the voice of doubt. After years of creating resources, managing behaviour, and handling all kinds of classroom situations, I know I can adapt, and that knowledge gives me confidence, even on the hard days.

What I’d Tell a New Teacher

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, if you’re doubting yourself, I want you to know this:
It probably means you’re doing better than you think. It means you care. And that’s a powerful place to start.

In my early years, I was encouraged to experiment - to try new things, to make mistakes, and to grow. I shared ideas with colleagues, and some even used my resources in their classrooms. That gave me confidence, and it reminded me I did belong.

You won’t feel like an expert overnight. In fact, I’ve always told that to fully settle into teaching it takes around five years. And for me, that was true; everything started to click, and I ran on automatic more. It’s like that for a few different reasons. Your toolbox is bigger. Your instincts are sharper. You’ve seen more, so you trust yourself more.

Imposter Syndrome in a New Chapter

While I’m now part-time in the classroom, I’m also building something new with my business. I’m designing products, learning tech, writing blog posts, and figuring out marketing.

And guess what? The voice of imposter syndrome shows up there, too.

But I’ve learned to see it differently. It’s not a sign I’m failing - it’s a sign I’m growing. It means I care about doing this well. And honestly, that’s what matters.

Final Thoughts

When I reflect on my career, I’ve come to think imposter syndrome is part of the process, especially in teaching. But it’s not proof you’re bad at what you do. It’s proof you care.

It means you’re self-aware, reflecting, improving, and showing up.

So, next time that voice creeps in, remind yourself: You're doing better than you think.