Teachers’ opinions on Gen Z Teachers’ opinions on Gen Z

By Elizabeth Creed and Jamie Williamson

What are some of your favorite clothing or music trends among Gen Z students?

“I would say this generation feels like a very conscious generation, a very sober generation. Plugged in, connected, empowered, technologically oriented are what most come to mind…From my generation, there’s a ton of movement, a ton of time where there’s no social media, there’s no parents, you’re just off the grid. So I would say with this generation though, more so than ever, you’re always on the grid.”

What words or attributes would you use to describe Gen Z?

“I think to the positive, there is an empowering element because you’re never working in isolation...I think that there is the ability to come and operate in much more unison...One of the challenges is that the levels of reported stress from young people are higher now than it’s ever been and I think that has been a trend with the younger generations. And I think that some of that invariably is related to social media and the connection that you have with it.”

Ms. Myklestad

“I’m glad that it’s getting away from the super tight jeans and all that because it looks more relaxed... I think what’s interesting is that there’s so many genres now … there’s probably hundreds of different genres which is really fantastic, so everyone can sort of find their niche and I think everyone has their own interests.”

How do you think technology has influenced Gen Z’s development?

“I think they’re really good self advocates. When I was younger, we were the “be quiet” generation, meaning that you do what you’re told and listen and play by the rules. I really appreciate that Gen Z questions things and they analyze and advocate for who they are and what they need. It’s awesome that they feel like they can they have a voice and they can use it.”

“I think it’s good and bad. The bad is obvious: there’s self esteem issues, there’s bullying, and there’s just this platform of people being anonymous and feeling like they can really target other people in such terrible and cruel ways. But then there’s the amazing, positive thing of being connected globally to people all throughout the world and you can learn from their perspectives, you can find people who are like you, and you can find different communities of support.”