YOUR
PARENTS
YOUR
SCHOOL COUNSELOR
YOUR
TEACHERS
OTHER
ADULTS
OK, so it may be hard to think of your teachers as real people. But they eat pizza, watch movies, and enjoy sports on the weekends just like you. And they know about more than just their subject matter. Given the chance, they can offer you the kind of advice and support that might change your life forever. Here’s how to build a connection:
Show some interest.
Obviously, your teachers are really interested in their subjects.
Showing the teacher that you care, even if you're not a math whiz or
fluent in French, sends the message that you are a dedicated student.
Schedule a conference.
Schedule a private conference during a teacher's free period to get
extra help, ask questions, inquire about a career in the subject, or
talk about your progress in class. You may be surprised to learn that
your teacher is a bit more relaxed one-on-one than when lecturing in
front of the whole class.
Be yourself.
Teachers can sense when your only motivation for trying to be a “favorite
student” is to get special treatment or a good grade. Just be
yourself and forget about trying to show off.
Deal with study problems.
If you find a subject difficult, talk to your teacher right away
about extra tutoring. If you find it boring, talk to your teacher about
ways to see the subject in a different light. For example you may hate
math, but learning how to calculate averages and percentages can help
you in everything from sports to leaving a tip.
Show some respect.
Just as teachers need to be fair and treat everyone equally, students
have responsibilities too. You don't have to like your teacher or agree
with what he or she says, but it is necessary to be polite.