Your algebra teacher wears clothes from 1974 and always
mispronounces your name. Your English teacher loves to start off classes with
pop quizzes. Real people? No way, you think, they're probably droning robots who
laugh madly at the thought of giving you painful assignments.
You may be surprised to learn that those givers-of-grades you face
every day are real people first. They eat French fries, watch movies, and
enjoy sports on the weekends, just like you.
Why Worry About
Relationships With Your Teachers?
Who would you rather help
out - someone who shows an interest in your ideas or a person who treats you
like yesterday's Tater Tots? Although teachers need to be fair, sometimes
personality and relationships come into play. For example, a respectful
relationship might lead to interesting assignments that are more creative and
require less supervision than simply reading from a book.
A good relationship today may help you in the future. You will
need written recommendations to apply to a college or
for a job after high school.
And teachers are great resources in their subject of expertise. If you are
thinking about going into a career in science, who better to ask about the field
than your science teacher?
There are other fringe benefits that come with having a good
relationship with your teacher. Class instructors are great gateways into the
community. They may be the first to know about local organizations, clubs,
activities, or contests. Teachers are often asked to appoint students to student
offices, or teachers may recommend students as volunteers for
special community programs - all activities that can help you get into college
or get a good job.
Teachers are also another group of adults in your life who care
about you. Many are willing to answer questions, offer advice, and help with
personal problems - they are not just teachers but friends and mentors, too.
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