I took the personality test that is based on Briggs Myers’ personality type theory and was categorized as an ISTJ, which I found to be rather accurate to how I would personally perceive myself. ISTJ stands for “Introverted, Sensing, Thinking and Judging.” The personality type has been described to have a sense of right and wrong and tends to be devoted to duty. ISTJ have been known to be somewhat cold and tend to find emotional warmth tiring. ISTJ typically want just the facts and believes truth should be communicated regardless of whether it is hard to hear. ISTJ typically keep their feelings to themselves unless they are asked. I believe I, as an ISTJ personality, can bring a lot of positive assets to my students and classroom as a whole. While I do not think I mirror this personality description 100%, I do believe I model similar characteristics and tendencies. First, I typically do not rely heavily on my emotions to make decisions or decide how I should respond in certain situations. I believe this can be a strength when I deal with difficult students who might personally insult me or be very vulgar. I believe I will be able to remain calm and discern that there is more going on in this student’s life than just his dislike for me. In those high emotional times I think I will be able to be mindful of the teachers’ ethics code, my responsibility as a teacher and the expectations that people expect from me as a teacher.
I think I am reserved in ways that people typically do not pick up on. I can easily keep a conversation and go to social events and be one of the most social people there. I tend to ask people a lot of question due to my general interest in people. However, I find talking about myself rather difficult and nearly impossible if the answer to a question reveals a lot about who I am as a person. I think even this can be effective in a classroom as teachers, in my opinion, should reframe from voicing personal matters in a classroom. I would definitely be able to talk about myself in a general matter that will allow my students to trust me but also maintain a professional relationship with my students. My tendency to ask a lot of questions will communicate to my students that I see them as individuals with different gifts, interest, shortcomings, and a whole lot of potential.
My belief in honouring commitments is a quality that will serve my students positively as I will be a teacher that will be committed to my students. I will not be a teacher that will go easy on my students and lower the bar when I feel my students are not succeeding. Instead, I will explore other approaches in how my students can overcome the bar. I think my believe in being devoted to a duty will subsequently make myself readily available to my students.
However, I think someone with this personality type should keep in mind the idea of grace. I am somebody that tends to believe in justice more than grace. But when I look back on my school experience, I can recall moments of thankfulness towards teachers who were understanding and filled with grace.
Elisabeth Bechtold Portfolio 