Dear Freshman, 

Below are nine steps I recommend you follow to build a good relationship with your teachers! 

Participate in class

• Although this may seem like a no-brainer, participating in class suggests to the teacher that you’re engaged with the material and are interested in learning.  

Follow up after class if you have questions

• This shows teachers you’re interested in the material and genuinely want to learn about the subject. Additionally, it’ll benefit you since you’ll better understand the material. 

Go above and beyond

• Be enthusiastic in class! When a student actually wants to engage with the content, it creates a more enjoyable class environment. Even if you aren’t interested in the material, simple things like showing up to class prepared and on time, being engaged, and earnestly doing your work can go a long way. It shows the teacher that you want the most out of their class and value the hard work they’ve put into course preparation. 

Utilize I Block (~WIN Block)

• By using I Block to ask questions, you’re demonstrating to the teacher that you’re willing to take time out of your day to understand and follow up with the content. Being in their I Block also allows the teacher to get to know your personality and the activities you participate in outside of academics. If you’re not super comfortable going to I Block alone, try going with a group of friends, which will make I Blocks more fun and asking questions less daunting.   

Show that you’re interested in the actual subject, not just your grades 

• Teachers become teachers because they want to help kids learn. Being only interested in grades creates the impression that you don’t want to learn and that you see their class as nothing more than a letter grade. It looks disrespectful to the teacher, so restrict the amount of times you mention your grades in class. Additionally, showing more interest will allow you to learn more effectively, naturally improving your grade. 

Surround yourself with people who have a similar interest in the class 

• Make sure you surround yourself with people who are also interested in the class and want to do well. It pushes you to do better in the class, helps you stay engaged in the material, and demonstrates to the teacher that you want to learn.

Teachers are humans 

• They have a life beyond their classroom just like you do, so try to discuss things beyond just school. These conversations will happen naturally throughout the year as you all get to know each other. Additionally, when there are misunderstandings between you and your teachers, remember that they’re humans, and they have other things going on in their lives. 

Don’t jump to conclusions

• Just because you don’t like a certain class subject doesn’t mean you won’t like the teacher. So when you walk into the classroom your first few weeks, do so with an open mind. 

The teacher’s pet trap

• No one likes a teacher’s pet, including teachers. Being overly phony in order to create a good relationship is not a solution and is in bad taste. Instead, be genuine and show your personality.