Q&A for How to Make Your Teacher Like You

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  • Question
    How can I be more helpful in the classroom?
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.
    Professional School Counselor
    Expert Answer
    Be there to help your teacher if they ever need it. For example, if they're struggling with some new technology in the classroom, offer to help. You should also be willing to tutor other students. Teachers really appreciate when their star students are willing to mentor and tutor their peers who might be struggling a little bit more.
  • Question
    How do I show a teacher that I really enjoy their class?
    Alicia Oglesby
    Professional School Counselor
    Alicia Oglesby is a Professional School Counselor and the Director of School and College Counseling at Bishop McNamara High School outside of Washington DC. With over ten years of experience in counseling, Alicia specializes in academic advising, social-emotional skills, and career counseling. Alicia holds a BS in Psychology from Howard University and a Master’s in Clinical Counseling and Applied Psychology from Chestnut Hill College. She also studied Race and Mental Health at Virginia Tech. Alicia holds Professional School Counseling Certifications in both Washington DC and Pennsylvania. She has created a college counseling program in its entirety and developed five programs focused on application workshops, parent information workshops, essay writing collaborative, peer-reviewed application activities, and financial aid literacy events.
    Professional School Counselor
    Expert Answer
    The best way is to really be engaged in the material. Most teachers teach a subject because they really enjoy that subject and that subject is very exciting for them. So they will appreciate a student who is also passionate about that subject.
  • Question
    What if I mistakenly hurt a teacher or lie to them? What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Approach them before or after class and apologize. Tell them you made a mistake and you're really sorry and that it will never happen again. Don't make excuses for your behavior and accept any punishment they give you.
  • Question
    The students in class think I'm gay. Why? What can I do about it?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't really matter why they think that. If you mean they're teasing you or being mean to you because of this, you should just tell them (whether you're gay or not, or even if you don't know yet), "There's nothing wrong with being gay, and what you're saying is offensive. Grow up." If it continues, talk to a teacher or guidance counselor. Just remember, gay or not, there's nothing wrong with you, and if your classmates are saying offensive things about gay people, THEY are in the wrong.
  • Question
    What is the easiest way to get an A in mathematics?
    Community Answer
    Don't fall behind. As soon as you don't understand something, stay after class if you need to or get help in class until you have it right. This is important, because in math, if you don't understand one part, the next part will not make sense, and you will not understand it either. Get help at home or from friends if you can. Do your best work all the time. Turn in every assignment and any homework. Make your work neat and easy to read. Every few weeks, ask your teacher if there is anything you need to do differently.
  • Question
    What is the best way to respectfully correct a teacher?
    Community Answer
    Stay after class and say you have a question. Let's say your teacher said Denver was in Utah. You don't want to come off as a know-it-all by saying, "You're wrong about Denver, it's in Colorado!" Instead, be polite and say something like, "You were saying it's in Utah, and I always thought it was in Colorado." It's good to say it that way, as 1. you MIGHT be wrong, and 2. it gives your teacher a chance to correct herself. She might say "Oh, I thought about that later and yes, of course, you're right! I'll have to tell the class tomorrow." She might even compliment you on catching her mistake!
  • Question
    How can I fight the temptation to talk?
    Evie Garcia Phillips
    Community Answer
    Keep your attention on your teacher. Take careful notes of what he or she is saying to keep yourself from being distracted.
  • Question
    What should I do if I did something terrible, and I want to regain my teacher's trust?
    Community Answer
    Apologize. Be very sincere about it. Don't just say "sorry." Stay after class and say, "I'm really sorry about what I did. I promise I'll never do it again." Then, it may take awhile, but if you follow the rules, you can regain her trust.
  • Question
    What do I do if my teacher hates me because of my religion?
    Community Answer
    If you have any proof of that, file a complaint with the principal. It's illegal for a teacher to discriminate against you based on your religion.
  • Question
    My teacher is really strict, and I tried what you said, which is to put my head down, but it didn't work. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Never put your head down in class. That looks lazy. If your teacher is strict, they probably gave you rules. Follow the rules. That's all you have to do. If you don't know the rules, stay after class and ask.
  • Question
    I want to be the teacher's pet, but how?
    Community Answer
    "Teacher's pet" is often used as a negative term to describe someone who sucks up to the teacher too much. If you want to be someone the teacher likes/appreciates, you should work hard, be respectful, and always try your best on assignments.
  • Question
    What kinds of gifts are appropriate to give to a teacher?
    Community Answer
    One of the very best things is a nice thank you card with a message written on it. You could mention things that you like about having her for a teacher, for example. Anything handwritten or homemade is a great idea. Other than that, something for her desk would be nice, like a desk calendar or a pencil holder.
  • Question
    What if my teacher is a guy?
    Community Answer
    It's no different when your teacher is a guy. Just treat him like any other teacher.
  • Question
    How do I make my teacher like me if I am shy?
    Community Answer
    Do your best work, and push yourself to participate in class. Talk to your teacher about your shyness, so that he or she understands your struggles and can perhaps make some helpful suggestions.
  • Question
    What should I do when a teacher thinks I hate him and I am afraid I will get low grades because of it?
    Community Answer
    Teachers usually don't give bad grades because they don't like you. Also, you may think they don't like you when, really, they don't like your misbehavior in class or being late all the time. Just do your best in class, do what is expected of you and don't worry about whether or not your teacher likes you.
  • Question
    I'm intelligent and I follow all the rules mentioned above, but my problem is that I'm ugly. How can I look handsome?
    Community Answer
    You're not ugly. Try to focus on your best qualities instead of the things you don't like. Your teacher doesn't care if you're handsome, he/she just wants you to pay attention and try hard in class.
  • Question
    Should I correct my teacher if she says my name wrong?
    Community Answer
    Yes. Your teacher wants to say your name correctly. You can wait until after class to correct her if you're more comfortable with that.
  • Question
    What do I do if my teacher likes my bully?
    Community Answer
    Approach the teacher before or after school and tell him/her what's been going on with the bully. Be honest and try to remain calm. Even if the teacher likes this student, they should be willing to hear you out and deal with the problem for you.
  • Question
    What can I do if the teacher still does not like me after all of this advice?
    Community Answer
    Don't worry about it, just keep to yourself when possible, and do your work. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask, politely. If your teacher cares enough to notice that you're making more of an effort, then feel free to open up again and show trust, there's a chance you may have approached the new relationship in a way previously that gave an impression that was unintended. Like with all people, you're not going to get on with everyone, and there will be misunderstandings. You can't pick your teachers usually, you just have to treat them with the respect you would show any authority figure.
  • Question
    Should I make my teacher a new gift?
    Community Answer
    It depends on what type of person they are, and how they act in class. The most important thing is you are important in your own way to your teacher.
  • Question
    How do I gain a teacher's respect and trust if they hate me?
    Community Answer
    Focus in class, don't talk a lot when they are talking, and turn in your homework on time. Become a model student and help your peers appropriately in class. Compliments may help, too, but don’t overdo it. Nobody likes a suck-up or a brown-nose.
  • Question
    What if my teacher is kind to everyone except me?
    Community Answer
    Is it because you've done something to upset him/her? Are you misbehaving in class or not turning in your work? If you've been doing everything you're supposed to do, talk to the principal or ask your parents to call the school to complain that the teacher is being unfair to you.
  • Question
    I think that my teacher hates me because I'm brown. What should I do?
    Mockingjay134
    Community Answer
    See if any other people are being treated poorly because of their race/color too, then file a report with the principal. A teacher should not discriminate against a student because of their race/religion.
  • Question
    In the morning, my teacher unlocks the door for us to let us in. Should I say good morning to her?
    Community Answer
    Yes! This shows respect and courtesy. Your teacher will definitely be pleased.
  • Question
    How do I make my college teacher like me?
    Community Answer
    Attend every class session even if they don't have a mandatory attendance policy. Participate in class discussions. Turn in all of your work on time and put a lot of effort into your papers and any other assignments. If there are tests, study hard!
  • Question
    What should I do if I have a negative history with a teacher?
    Community Answer
    Show your teacher you've changed and tell her/him how much you appreciate them. Try your best in class if you don't get something ask them about it they like people that are confident to ask for help.
  • Question
    How do I get a teacher to recognize that a student is mean outside of class?
    Community Answer
    Sometimes teachers can see it right in front of their noses, but they just have so much work to do that they don't pay attention that much on those kind of things. The best thing for you to safely do without ruining your teacher's trust, would probably be for you to come over to them after class. Try to be respectful and polite, because they tend to be very busy. say something like "Excuse me, could I talk to you about something personal?" Then try to explain to them the problem, and don't leave out too many details about what you did, because they might think that you lied to them once they confide with the other person/people who is/are bullying you.
  • Question
    For my teacher to like me, do I just need to pay close attention, keep my space neat and be respectful?
    Community Answer
    You, not only have to do those things, but you also need to get to talk to your teacher more, know his or her personality and talk accordingly.
  • Question
    I gave my teacher a really nice gift, then the next day I forgot my assignment and am worried that she thinks that the gift was given so she would excuse this. What do I do?
    Azim Azim Year 8
    Community Answer
    If you forgot your assignment, just say the truth and say "Sorry, but I have accidentally forgot my assignment and if you give me by tomorrow to hand my work in that will be great!" but if she's says no, then just say OK, don't fight, just deal with it.
  • Question
    What do I do if I can’t read my teacher's personality?
    Community Answer
    To find your teacher's real personality, try talking to them outside of class. You could start by asking them about their day. They might respond with their real personality. But also understand that a teacher's mood can change. You might have to do it more than once. If this does not work, you can get them a gift. That usually makes him/her either really happy or be all like “whatever”.
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