Being a teacher’s pet is widely viewed in a negative light, often seen as being desperate, annoying or weak. However, having a good relationship with teachers can allow for academic success. Since students cycle through different classrooms each semester, it’s natural for them to wonder how they can receive individual validation from your teachers.
While most of these strategies might seem obvious, following them can help lead to success not only in high school but in future relationships and workplaces. In other words, here is a three-step guide to making your teachers like you.
1. Be engaged and put in effort
Imagine spending countless hours planning, grading and instructing every day, just to teach in front of a classroom full of shut eyes and slumped heads. If you’ve ever wondered why a teacher doesn’t seem to favor you, consider not only your performance on the material, but on your behavior during class as well.
“I don’t dislike anyone, but students who tend to maybe not do as well are disengaged. I ask students to meet me halfway,” AP World History and AP Human Geography teacher Chris Merrill said. “I’m gonna give them 100% of my effort, I’d like them to give them 100% of their effort.”
If you don’t want your teachers to see you as disinterested or disrespectful, keep your head up. Actively listen: make sure to nod your head occasionally, take notes and participate. Utilize any allotted study hall time that teachers give wisely, and always try your best on assignments, even when they’re practice prep. Nobody wants to feel like they’re talking to a wall. Give your teachers proof that someone is listening and you will be instantly appreciated.
2. Build a Relationship
Although it might be easy to forget, teachers are people too. They have the same tendency to seek validation as you do. From saying good morning, thank you or goodbye, to spending a few minutes after class asking them about their weekend plans, students can show their teachers that they see them as real humans worthy of acknowledgement and respect.
“When relationships between teachers [and] students are messed up in any way, then one side or the other sometimes becomes less likely to want to help or to put in as much effort as they would if it were a better relationship,” Honors Statistics and Honors Geometry teacher Michael DeSiena said.
3. Classroom etiquette
This might go without saying, but behavior in the classroom also shapes teachers’ perception of their students. Talking during lessons displays disengagement, same goes for having phones or other electronics out.
“Imagine like you were giving a class presentation. You prepared really hard for it, and then everyone’s just talking while you’re talking,” Honors Algebra 2 and Algebra one teacher Samantha Arenberg said. “So it’s nice when you guys are actively engaged, but not speaking while I’m speaking.”
Being on time and not packing up early are also important to keep in mind. Teachers notice those small things more than students might realize. Even if you’re really desperate to get out of a class, just wait until the bell rings and then you can sprint out of there.
