How to be the Perfect Teacher's Pet
The best way into a teacher's heart is to be a good student. A good student shows respect, pays attention, participates in class, works hard, asks questions, and turns in assignments on time. Teachers appreciate it when people recognize their efforts. By showing up as a good student, you show that you value the class and respect the time and effort the teacher puts in.
By Aanya Sahu — October 3, 2022
The best way into a teacher's heart is to be a good student. A good student shows respect, pays attention, participates in class, works hard, asks questions, and turns in assignments on time. Teachers appreciate it when people recognize their efforts. By showing up as a good student, you show that you value the class and respect the time and effort the teacher puts in.
Teachers don't care when you are on your phone in class, right?? In high school, teachers' preferences differ. Some may say they don't care if you are on your phone when they introduce themselves at the beginning of the year. Others might make you put it in a caddy at the beginning of class. They might not necessarily care if you aren't paying attention during class, but they will care if they see a student who participates and pays attention.
Care may mean that a teacher shows up for students who show they care differently. Showing up may mean providing letters of recommendation, helping with applications, or even extending general advice. A teacher may more readily grant an extension to a student who pays attention during class and regularly turns in homework on time than a student on their phone and always turns in assignments late. Teachers may do this because they believe the better student has a genuine reason to ask for an extension.
Asking questions during class is an absolute must! Teachers appreciate it when students ask questions and engage. Engagement and active listening indicate that students can make connections and approach topics from different perspectives. Students believe that teachers get tired of answering questions. That is not true at all! They like to answer questions, especially if the question enhances discussion. Asking questions to clarify is also okay if you don't understand a topic. Teachers see this persistence and unwillingness to miss out on something because you didn't understand it the first time. However, they might not appreciate it if a student asks something the teacher has already mentioned multiple times.
Lastly, but most importantly, teachers love it when you pop into the classroom for anything other than attending class. The best time to drop in is during passing periods, lunch, or before and after school. Sometimes, you don't have to come outside class to make a good impression. Coming into class early and not running out when the bell rings like other students is especially meaningful to teachers.
Dropping by during your free time is also appreciated. Most students think talking to teachers is awkward. This hesitancy hinders them from creating meaningful relationships. The best conversation starters are asking a question about lessons, discussing a grade on a recent assessment, asking for advice on an upcoming paper or assignment, talking about a club or sport the teacher runs, or even just dropping by to say hello. Making this effort shows teachers that you think about their subject and work outside of class and can put in the effort to understand and turn in satisfactory results. It also allows the teacher to know you not only as a student but also as a person.
Another (optional) way to show your teacher appreciation is by getting a small, meaningful gift right before Christmas break. But don't get something basic like a snow globe or a box of chocolates. Get something that you know they will enjoy. This can either be something you know they like or some topic that is an inside joke for the class. For example, my history teacher mentioned that he enjoyed solving jigsaw puzzles with his daughters. Our class has an inside joke about the Industrial Revolution. When I saw a jigsaw puzzle with all the Industrial Revolution locomotives on it, I knew I should get it for him.
Teachers are humans too. Everyone wants someone who respects them and their work. The main thing to remember is that teachers are there to help you, but they are only willing to put in the effort if they see that you are trying your best!
Aanya Sahu
Aanya Sahu is a student contributor to the SAGE Scholars Newsroom and a high school junior in the Chicagoland area. She believes that writing for SAGE Scholars will give her a voice to share her story with students from around the world giving them some guidance and advice.
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