The Importance of Establishing a Strong Relationship With Teachers

Teachers, apart from giving lessons and evaluating students, can also be our mentors. Their position in the academic world allows them to know about multiple opportunities and resources that will help students succeed down the road. Sometimes they have these opportunities lying around, but most times they have to look for it, and of course, they probably won’t go out of their way unless they are sure that the student in question is serious, hardworking and deserving.

So how do you establish such a relationship where your teacher is always looking out for you? One simple but effective way is to acknowledge the teacher's existence. Teachers see so many students in one day, but the interaction is strictly limited to the lessons they provide and oftentimes students don’t utter another single word. To change this pattern, you can start by greeting your teachers every time you see them. When you enter their class and see them in the halls, a "good morning" or a nod will make all the difference. Of course, goodbyes are also important; when the class has ended, say a "see you later”, a “have a good day”, and if you truly feel it in you, thank them for their work. A simple thank you never hurt anyone nor does it cost anything but it sure helps someone feel acknowledged and leaves a good impression. A "hello", "thank you" and "goodbye" opens the ground for more conversation. Just bits of chatter on the weather, a lesson you found particularly interesting, and sometimes on recent events. All of this will let the teacher know more about you and allows the teacher to think more highly of you.You’re no longer just another ghost in the class but a genuine person. And with that, the teacher will be more compelled to look at emails they get about student opportunities and talk to other teachers about your abilities and how they can better help you.

I’m not asking you to become the teacher's pet or kiss up to your teacher. No, you just need to be polite. Being polite and acknowledging, and holding conversations are skills you will need in your professional life, so why not practice at school and maybe even get a reliable mentor out of it? I’ve seen multiple graduates come back to their high school teachers just to talk about their life or even get advice on their academics. A teacher is still a person no matter how you look at it, and when it comes to people, relationships of all values can be established. Make sure that with at least one teacher, you can create a long-standing mentor-mentee relationship and who knows where that may lead you.

Stay safe!