High school can seem like an endless stream of assignments, group projects, tests, and term papers. At times, it might feel as though your teachers live to make your life miserable. But in reality, nothing could be further from the truth! Your teachers really do want to help you succeed, and they hope that you will work with them rather than against them.
To help you develop stronger relationships with your instructors, check out these six things they wish you knew.
Make a good first impression. It’s hard to undo someone’s first impression of you, whether it is good or bad. Work extra hard during the first part of the school year, and demonstrate that you’re a capable and diligent student. If you need help with something later in the year, your teacher is more likely to feel agreeable to things like extensions on assignments or extra credit proposals.
Participation matters. Your teachers aren’t always looking for a “correct” answer during classroom discussions. Often they just want to see that you’re paying attention, that you’re thinking about the subject matter, or that you have unique ideas of your own.
There are no stupid questions. Also, there are no questions that have been asked too many times. Your teacher would prefer that you ask questions and truly understand the material or an assignment. Plus, if you ask it out loud in front of the entire class, it might save your teacher a bit of time answering the same question over and over in private discussions!
Own up to your mistakes. If you get caught breaking a rule, own up to it and apologize. Teachers understand that we’re all human and we all make mistakes. Forgiveness may be offered, along with an opportunity to make things right. However, they are much less forgiving of those who lie or can’t admit their wrongdoing.
Seek help early. Don’t wait until the due date to ask for an extension or help. Communicate as soon as you encounter a problem.
Your teachers are on your side. Teachers choose their professions because they truly enjoy helping young people learn. In fact, your success is their success. No one advances a teaching career by failing all of their students!
Work hard at developing a relationship with your teachers. Not only will you improve your grades; you will earn valuable personal recommendations for college admissions and even jobs.