P.O.V of Gen-Z and Millennials Teachers

Getting the perspective of the younger generation of teachers at Lindbergh High School

Natalie Van Staff

As Generation Z students continue to flood into classrooms across the world, the old ways of teaching are being replaced with new and innovative approaches that prioritize social-emotional wellness and mental health. Many Millennial and Gen Z teachers are leading the charge in this shift, utilizing their tech-savvy backgrounds and modern perspectives to better engage and connect with their students.

One of the key differences between Millennial and Gen Z teachers and their predecessors is their willingness to adapt and evolve. As English teacher Nora Derry noted,“I think in my first year teaching I came out of the gate feeling like I wanted everything brand new. I wanted to reinvent everything to be super modern and technology-forward. But now I’m in my third year teachin; I’ve come to appreciate that sometimes things are done the same for a long time because they work… Also, make sure to appreciate English, there is nothing that beats out loud open-book discussions. So kind of a ‘don’t fix it if it ain’t broken’ approach.” This statement reflects the idea that while some traditional teaching methods may still be effective, there is a need for innovative ideas. Millennial and Gen Z teachers are incorporating technology and new pedagogical strategies into their lessons. At the same time, they are recognizing the value of time-tested methods, such as open-book discussions, to engage students in their learning.

Elizabeth Deister, a Biomed teacher, believes that building relationships with students is essential for success in the classroom. She emphasized the importance of considering both the students’ and the teachers’ socialemotional wellness. “In order to have a successful classroom, you have to create relationships with your students. You have to consider their social-emotional wellness; you also have to consider your own socialemotional wellness. You can always teach a new teacher content but building relationships, empathy and anything of that sort should be the top priority. Because if you as a student don’t feel safe in my classroom you’re not going to be able to learn,” she said. Millennial 4 Feature and Gen Z teachers are making a students’ backgrounds and needs. They are creating a safe and inclusive environment where students feel valued and supported.

Katie Johnson, an instructional design coach at Lindbergh High School, highlighted the struggles of being an educator. “My personal belief is that education is a hard job; it is an underpaid job; it is a thankless job. But educators love children and want to do right by children. Even with these hardships, even if you ask any educator why they stay in the profession, it is because of the kids,” she said. Despite these challenges, educators stay in the profession because they love children and want to make a positive impact. However, the negative stereotypes in media and society can lead to teacher burnout. Millennial and Gen Z teachers are trying to combat this by advocating for better pay and benefits, promoting teacher mental wellness and showcasing the positive impact that teachers have on their students’ lives.

Millennial and Gen Z teachers are bringing a fresh perspective to the classroom, incorporating innovative teaching methods, and prioritizing the social-emotional wellness of their students and themselves. They are also working to combat negative stereotypes and burnout in the teaching profession. As education continues to evolve, Millennial and Gen Z teachers are working to pave the way for a brighter future for students and educators alike.

However, despite their dedication to improving education and prioritizing student wellness, young teachers still face numerous challenges. Burnout is a common issue among educators, particularly those who are new to the profession and feel overwhelmed by the demands of teaching. Negative stereotypes about teachers in the media and society can also take a toll on morale, making it difficult to feel appreciated and valued. Yet despite these challenges, many Millennial and Gen Z teachers remain committed to their work because of their love for their students. As instructional design coach Katie Johnson noted, education is a tough job, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Millennial and Gen Z teachers may face obstacles, but their dedication to creating a better future through education is unwavering. 05.22.23 conscious effort to understand their