Feeling Not Good Enough to Teach? Here’s How to Change That
Feeling Not Good Enough to Teach? Here’s How to Change That
If you’ve ever finished a day at school wondering, “Am I even cut out for this?” - you’re not alone.
In your first few years of teaching, self-doubt can hit hard. You’re juggling lessons, behaviour, paperwork, and the weight of wanting to make a difference. It’s easy to feel like everyone else has it together while you’re just trying to stay afloat.
But here’s the truth: feeling “not good enough” doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you care deeply about the work you’re doing and that caring heart is your superpower.
Here are five calm, practical ways to move from self-doubt to self-trust and start seeing yourself as the capable, confident teacher you already are.
1️⃣ Normalise self-doubt - it’s part of growth
Every beginning teacher wrestles with uncertainty. Reflection is what makes you a great teacher it shows you’re thinking, caring, and learning.
When the “not good enough” voice shows up, try reframing it:
Instead of “I can’t do this,” say → “I’m learning how to do this.”Keep a “small wins” journal. Each day, jot one thing that went well; a smile from a student, a calm transition, a lesson that landed. Over time, you’ll see the evidence of your progress.
2️⃣ Anchor yourself in connection, not comparison
Scrolling through social media or watching seasoned teachers glide through the day can make you feel behind. But remember, you’re seeing their Chapter 20 while living your Chapter 2.
Focus on connection over perfection.
Children don’t need you to be the most experienced teacher in the room, they need you to be present, kind, and consistent.
Those are the teachers they remember.
3️⃣ Ground your nervous system before you spiral
When self-doubt spikes, it’s not just mental — it’s physical. Your nervous system senses threat and shifts into overdrive.
Try this grounding pause:
Put one hand on your heart, one on your belly.
Take three slow breaths in through your nose, out through your mouth.
Say quietly: “I am safe. I am learning. I am enough right now.”
Calming your body helps your mind catch up — and that’s where confidence grows.
4️⃣ Lean on support, not isolation
The beginning years can feel lonely, but teaching was never meant to be a solo sport.
Find your people: a mentor, a colleague who “gets it,” or a community like The Connected Educator Hub.
Ask for help early, not because you’re weak, but because you’re wise enough to know teaching takes a village.
5️⃣ Invest in your wellbeing like it’s part of the job (because it is)
You can’t pour from an empty cup and you can’t teach from one either.
Protect your calm: build micro moments of rest into your day.
Take one slow sip of coffee before responding to the next question.
Step outside for 60 seconds between classes. Small pauses protect your energy and model regulation for your students.
Remember: your wellbeing is your classroom’s weather system. When you’re calm, students can settle and learn.
Final Thought
That inner critic whispering, “You’re not good enough” isn’t the truth, it’s fear talking.
You are already enough.
You are learning.
You are growing.
And every child in your care is better for having you as their teacher.
Want more calm and connection in your classroom?
👉 Get your free copy of the Calm Classroom Toolkit filled with mindfulness visuals, emotional regulation prompts, and practical strategies for calmer, more focused learning.
Want plug-and-play tools for calmer days?
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