( a.k.a, Spy, secret agent,
undercover operative, insurgent )
“Stay afraid, but do it anyway. What’s important is the action. You don’t have to wait to be confident. Just do it and eventually the confidence will follow.”
— Carrie Fisher
What is a Ninja Rebel?
Ninjas get away with bending and breaking rules with a variety of strategies that they carry in their backpacks. On the surface you appear to be a good, compliant teacher who meets the requirements to what is asked of them. Behind the scenes, you continually push for change like the warrior rebel, but in ways that may be much more subtle or unseen. Ninjas teach things outside of the curriculum. They provide insight to parents and students on where to seek information that might not otherwise be provided to them by the district. Ninjas have a mission, and while they may not be vocal about it, they will ensure it is accomplished.
The Ninja Rebel’s motto: I did it my way, and you didn’t even know.
Examples of Ninjas: Harriet Tubman, Irene Sendler, Margaret Ann Buckley (James Barry), Susie King Taylor, Sarah Emma Edmonds, Josephine Baker, Irena Sendler, Nancy Wake
How To Release Your Inner Ninja Rebel
There’s more than one way to teach/interpret a lesson.
Follow what’s right in your heart and find subtle ways to resist those things that are detrimental to you and your students. Remember that oftentimes, things are subject to interpretation. In these cases, consult with your innovator rebels and find creative ways to meet the requirements strategically. Save time by teaching several different standards with one topic.
Have it your way.
It takes as much energy (and sometimes more energy) to convince people to do something (or wait for them to do it) than it does for you to just do it. Obviously, this rule doesn’t apply to everything, so let your inner ninja advise you as to the best course of action. Your superpower is being incredibly clever and agile. You are a mental acrobat who will change the tide in your student’s favor.
Representation matters.
Set an example for others to follow and use role models to inspire change in your classroom. Give your students opportunities to learn from diverse viewpoints so that they can gain the repertoire of tools that they need to be agile and clever in whatever they face in their futures.
Want to know your rebel archetype?
Learn About Your Other Rebel Archetypes
