Grades Grow Tutors

Before we get into this week’s top ten, let’s recap our recent blog entries, in case you may have missed a recent one! We recently discussed how to encourage and motivate young readers, I revealed the first of a series of tales from my educational experience, and we talked about how to go about coping with large class sizes and overwhelmed teachers. We also talked about how to get accepted into the college of your dreams, why we as a society need arts in our schools, and how students can be more productive during study hall!

Now, let’s get to today’s discussion, the top ten ways that you, as a student, can show your teacher that their hard work is appreciated. Since the end of the year is approaching (or may have already come and gone, depending on your school schedule), it’s as good a time as any to think about giving back to those who help you learn. This list could include your tutor or tutoring service, school faculty members, volunteers, coaches, and of course, teachers. Let’s talk a bit about how we can show that we appreciate teachers for all that they do.

10. Show Them That You Want to Learn!
It’s important to show interest in the subject, if you want your teacher to know they aren’t wasting their effort. There’s nothing worse for a teacher than a class full of bored students who don’t seem to care about what the teacher is doing. If you want your teacher to know that you appreciate their effort, show them by giving it your all! Not only will this make your teacher very happy, but it will send them the message that what they are doing is working. Students aren’t the only ones who can benefit from positive reinforcement- teachers can, too!

9. Bring an Apple
This may be an old and antiquated tradition, but you’d be surprised how such a sweet and simple gesture can make a teacher’s day. Apples are inexpensive, symbolic, and a timeless gift for that favorite teacher. If you have a teacher who has made a great impact on you, take a little time to show your teacher that you appreciate them!

8. Work Hard to Learn the Material
Teachers work very hard to make sure that they prepare students for the challenges that they will surely meet in the future. Therefore, why not put forth the same amount of effort to learn the material that the teacher is introducing to you? Get homework help if you need it, study with your peers, and meet with a tutor to make sure you master each subject. The teacher will surely notice your effort, and will recognize that they aren’t wasting their time and effort at all! It’s important for teachers to know that their students are involved in their own education, and by putting forth your maximum effort, you’ll be sending that message loud and clear!

7. Pay Attention!
Your teacher won’t feel very appreciated if they attempt to teach the class, only to be drowned out by chatter, giggling, and the sound of paper airplanes gliding through the air. Nothing says, “we just don’t care” like students sleeping or staring off into space during a teacher’s class. Therefore, one of the most simple ways you can show the teacher your appreciation is to just pay attention when they are instructing you. By making eye contact, asking questions when appropriate, and showing interest in the material that is being taught, you help your teacher to recognize how important they are to your education.

6. Help Them Out
There may come times when you can go the extra mile by actually helping the teacher out in one way or another. This could mean something as simple as erasing the chalkboard, or even something like helping the teacher take attendance. Teachers have many responsibilities, and with so much they have to do, it’s easy for them to get overwhelmed. Anything that you can do to help the teacher do their job is certainly a wonderful gesture, and will make the teacher feel very appreciated.

5. Stop By and Say Hello!
Teachers love to see how their favorite students progress as they move their lives and the world of education. If you get nostalgic for the teacher who helped you learn to read, do multiplication, or that wrote you a great letter of recommendation, stop by and see them one day! They will be overjoyed to see you, and it will help you show them that they made a lasting impression on you through their efforts in the classroom. Plus, your teachers want to know how you’re doing once you move on to the next level. Whether you know it or not, your teachers are quietly rooting for you during and even after your time in their classroom. Think about it- certainly there’s a favorite teacher from your past that would love to know how you’re doing!

4. Don’t Goof Off In Class
One easy way to show your teacher your appreciation is to not add to the already large list of challenges that they face. It’s hard for a teacher to feel appreciated when students are joking around, interrupting the class or otherwise creating chaos in the classroom. Do your part by being a good student and behaving during class time. There are many times to show your prowess with a kazoo, or to display your world-class imitation of Jack Nicholson, class time isn’t one of them.

3. Remember What You’ve Learned!
Teachers put in a lot of effort not just so you will remember what you learned long enough for the test, but to make a permanent difference in your life. One way you can show a teacher that they are accomplishing this goal is by working to retain the knowledge that you acquire in the classroom. Not only does doing so help you, as you are often required to build on what you’ve previously learned, but it will show the teacher that their work made a lasting impression on you, and enriched your life.

2. Say Thanks
Sometimes, the answer is so simple that it’s almost not obvious at all! If you really want to make your favorite teacher’s day special, simply tell them “thanks”. Tell them that you appreciate their guidance, and that they’ve helped you tremendously. You don’t have to do anything special or elaborate, a simple “thank you” will do. You’ll make their day, I promise!

1. Succeed!
The best way you can make your teachers happy is to simply succeed. Your teachers want you to succeed more than anything else. They became teachers so that they could help students like you reach their potential. By fulfilling your potential and accomplishing your goals, you’re giving your teacher the best feeling of them all.

Teachers, along with tutors, counselors, administrators and others involved in your education, work hard to make sure that you have the chance to succeed. They love their jobs because they love to see you meet your potential. Why not take an opportunity to show them that their efforts are appreciated? You’ll be glad that you did, and so will they!