Many nursing instructors feel like they are imposters in the classroom – afraid
that someone will expose them for the incompetent professional that they really
are. Teachers as imposters often feel like they don't deserve the recognition
that they get and attribute their success to their personality, their hard work
or even to over-preparation. However, teachers as imposters often have this
feeling that some day they may be exposed and others will find out that they're
not really as professional and as knowledgeable as they appear to be.

The feeling of being an imposter leads educators to avoid scrutiny of their
teaching methods and most nursing instructors have not had formal education on
how to teach. One of the most important things that instructors can do is to
reflect on their practice and to work actively together with other instructors
in order to identify what teaching methods work and what teaching methods don't
work.

Working as a team or in peer teaching situations can help those instructors who
feel like they are imposters. In order to avoid the feeling of impostership,
and the opposite feeling of over-confidence that may come from staying within
habitual comfortable ways of teaching, it is important to critically reflect on
your teaching practice in the company of other instructors who may be able to
help you improve your teaching by sharing what works best for them and what
hasn't worked for them in the past. The best way to avoid the feeling of
impostership is to regularly examine your teaching practice to identify areas of
strength, and areas where growth is needed. Teaching affords the opportunity
for life-long learning and continued growth.

Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study. Be a
student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all
your life. ~Henry L. Doherty