“The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking you with a sharp stick called ‘truth.’” – Dan Rather (American News Anchor and former news anchor for the CBS Evening News)
Teachers have one of the most difficult jobs, which is to educate young people on everything from mathematics to proper grammar. It doesn’t matter whether you’re in grammar school, high school, or college, forming a relationship with your teachers is vital to your academic success and in all honesty, makes school more fun! High school would have been miserable if it weren’t for the vibrant teachers that taught me. Sure, they knew what they were talking about, but it was the funny connections they made to real life and the jokes they cracked that made me smile, even during the most stressful times.
The key to forming relationships with teachers is to always be yourself! Let me give you a little advice too, DON’T BE A SUCK UP! There is a very fine line between having a very smooth, fluid relationship with a teacher -practically being friends with them - and being a straight up brownnoser. If you can stick to being you, your teachers will give you a ton of respect. I was always a social, involved (obviously nice) person in front of my family and friends and none of that changed when I entered the classroom... and there was no reason not to! My teachers liked me for who I am and your teachers will like you for who YOU are.
When you enter the classroom, there is an unsigned contract between the student and the teacher... a contract?! Yes, a contract. Pretty much what this contract establishes is that if a teacher takes an interest in you that you should take an interest in their class. Do you honestly think a teacher is going to take to you if you do nothing in their class? You have to participate! Raise your hand! Hand in your homework and assignments on time! ASK QUESTIONS! Never be afraid to ask your teacher for help. This shows them that you are putting your all into passing the class. Your goal is to make sure that at the end of the day, all of your teachers know that you put effort into their classes. And don't give me that "My teacher hates me... they're out to get me" speech because 9 times out of 10 you're not doing what you're supposed to be doing.
When it comes time to apply to college or graduate school, you will have a basket full of teachers to ask for recommendations from. Remember what I said earlier about the last impression you give your teacher? If you try hard then this will become evident in their letters and will ultimately help you accomplish whatever it is that you wish to pursue. Heck, I still talk to my high school teachers on Facebook!
