Q&A for How to Become a Teacher's Favorite

If you want to stand out in the classroom, be really engaged in the material. Ask questions, participate in classroom discussions, and go above and beyond in the class. If you're really struggling to understand the subject, stay after class and ask for more help. Also, be helpful if your teacher ever needs it, and be willing to tutor other students who might need help.

You could write your teacher a note that says something like, "Thank you so much for your help with this assignment." You could also say something like, "I've really been enjoying class. Thank you so much."

Help your teacher out, but not too much. Follow their rules and put your hand up only when you know the answer.

Make her feel welcome, help her out and listen to what she has to say. A good first impression is very important in life.

Take the initiative to chat with him or her after class, asking polite questions about your teacher's day or home life. Be friendly and genuinely interested in his or her life. Express your appreciation for all your teacher does for you and the class.

It's okay to give a small gift once in a while, but if you do it too often, you'll appear to be sucking up to your teacher.

All you can do, and all your teacher expects from you, is that you do your best. Study hard and ask for help when you're confused. Raise your hand and participate when you can. Always be respectful and kind to your teacher and he/she will like you a lot.

Speak to her privately and apologize for whatever you did. Keep it simple and don't make excuses for yourself. Then just carry on like nothing happened and do your best. Teachers understand that everybody makes mistakes.

Good teachers don't have favorites, they treat everyone fairly. Just be yourself and do your best in the subjects that he or she teaches.

Speak to the school counselor or the principal. They will advise you on what to say to the teacher or they will talk to them themselves.

Email the teacher if you have a question about the class or your assignments. Don't email them just to say hi, as teachers are very busy people.

They might not forget it, but they will probably be willing to put the past behind them. If you haven't already, talk to your teacher and apologize for whatever you did. Let them know you learned your lesson and you're going to stay out of trouble in the future.

Just say something like, "I'm sorry, I was just trying to understand what you were saying." Make sure you don't interrupt or ask a question without raising your hand. If your teacher is frequently yelling at you just for asking questions, talk to your parents or the principal about this.

Encourage your classmates to raise their hands more, and perhaps raise your hand a little less.

This may be a little difficult, considering your time in the year. Maybe you could start by doing small things, like offering to pass out papers and always being on time. Your teacher might notice that and appreciate it. If you've made mistakes in the past (misbehaving, turning in work late, etc.), try approaching your teacher before or after class and apologizing for your prior behavior and letting them know you're turning over a new leaf.

It's not hard to do this. In fact, if it's a popular teacher, they'll probably have other student-friends, and you can just make friends with those people.

If you genuinely think your teacher is being racist, you need to complain to the principal right away. Tell your parents about this too, and ask them to call the school. Remember that racist comments are a reflection of the racist person's poor character and not yours.

The teacher should not be mean to any student. Talk to a counselor or the principal about it.

Follow the steps above. Study a bunch, and try your best to pass the tests. If you feel like studying isn't enough, approach your teacher and ask for extra help.

Maybe you're just imagining things. Sometimes it can seem like someone doesn't like us, but it's really all in our heads. Just do your best work in class, and volunteer often to answer questions. If you still feel like she's ignoring you, talk to her before or after school about this.

No, that is probably not a good idea. Talking about yourself in the middle of the lesson can be a distraction from whatever the teacher is trying to teach. If you want to talk about any personal stuff, do it before or after class. During the lesson, try to ask and answer questions about the material.

Some teachers will probably call on you most of the time even though other students raise their hands too. If they do, they'll most likely ask you for your opinion and joke around a little with you, or even praise you.

Approach her before or after class and tell her you need to talk privately. I'm sure she'll make time for you right away. Then just say the words. It's okay to be scared and it's okay to cry. Just tell her you don't feel safe at home and tell her exactly why. She will know how to help. Be brave, and remember that this is going to make things better for you.