| Have you ever heard the phrase, "It's all about who | | | | applications, or may even take you on a |
| you know"? Every adult could probably tell you about | | | | once-in-a-lifetime trip. |
| some opportunity that arose because they knew the | | | | My husband is a high-school teacher who takes a |
| right person at the right time. | | | | small, select group of students to New York for a |
| As human beings, relationships influence everything | | | | marketing convention every year. The selection |
| we do! Why do you think golf is such an integrated | | | | committee chooses students based upon their |
| part of the business world? Because golf gives | | | | applications and, most importantly, their reputation. |
| business-people the opportunity to build trust and | | | | When they are on the floor of the New York Stock |
| develop relationships that are vital for successful | | | | Exchange, they cannot risk having a student who |
| business deals. This same principle applies in school, | | | | may violate national security! |
| too. | | | | *** Action Plan *** |
| I am not suggesting you take your teachers out for | | | | How do you make a positive impact on your |
| a few rounds of golf. However, you can get better | | | | teachers? It is actually quite simple! Try a couple of |
| grades, and many other benefits, from developing | | | | the following: |
| positive relationships with your teachers. First, I will | | | | - Raise your hand to ask or answer questions at |
| explain WHY you should make the effort to connect | | | | least three times a week. |
| with your teachers, then I will give simple suggestions | | | | - If there is something you do not understand in your |
| for HOW to do it. | | | | homework, circle it and ask about it the next day. |
| "Why Bother?" | | | | - If you are not comfortable raising your hand in |
| Most middle and high-school teachers see 90-170 | | | | front of others, stay after class to ask for |
| students everyday! This makes it impossible for | | | | clarification on an assignment or to check your |
| teachers to know and provide individualized attention | | | | grades. |
| to everyone. You must stand out in the crowd and | | | | - If you notice a common interest with your teacher, |
| make a positive impression! | | | | let him know. My husband has a few Star Wars |
| A positive impression can boost your grades. Most | | | | posters in his classroom, which prompts several |
| teachers have "participation points" that allows them | | | | students to share their interest in Star Wars, too. |
| to add points to students' scores, if they have | | | | This has helped my husband initiate conversations |
| earned the privilege. For example, when I calculated | | | | with these students before, and even during, class. |
| grades for report cards, several students were only | | | | - Always be polite to your teachers. Thank them as |
| a few points away from earning a higher grade. If a | | | | they pass papers to you, wish them a "good day", or |
| student had been rude or irresponsible in class, I let | | | | simply give them a smile and say "Hello" anytime you |
| him keep the grade he earned. However, if he | | | | see them. |
| demonstrated that he cared about his work and was | | | | These simple actions will encourage your teachers to |
| a responsible student, I would often add two or | | | | notice you in a positive light and will benefit you in |
| three points to increase his grade from, for example, | | | | ways you may not realize for a long time! |
| a "B+" to an "A-". | | | | *** In Conclusion... *** |
| If you have taken the time to make a positive | | | | Teachers have A LOT of students and need you to |
| impression on your teachers, they may also be willing | | | | stand out in the crowd of faces they see each day. |
| to bend the rules for you on occasion. For example, | | | | Raising your hand, asking questions, being polite, and |
| they may extend a due date (once) if you forgot an | | | | initiating small conversations with teachers encourages |
| assignment or give opportunities for extra credit. | | | | them to notice you in a positive way. As they get to |
| Many teachers do things like this because we know | | | | know you, they may help boost your grades or open |
| that the amount of points earned does not always | | | | new opportunities for you. |
| give a complete picture of what a student has | | | | Helping teachers notice YOU is also very rewarding |
| accomplished. | | | | for your teachers. After all, 99.9% of them went into |
| Like the saying, "It's all in who you know," teachers | | | | the profession to make a positive impact, but it is |
| can also open windows of opportunity. They may | | | | easy to get overwhelmed with so many students. |
| connect you with business-owners who are looking | | | | TEACHERS appreciate your efforts to connect with |
| for part-time employees (many employers ask | | | | them because your efforts make their days much |
| teachers to recommend reliable candidates), may | | | | more rewarding! |
| provide a good letter of recommendation for college | | | | |