Why being a "Teacher's Pet" is something to be proud of!

How many times have you been poked in the back and heard-

"Well isn't somebody the teacher's pet?"

 

 

Unfortunately, the average 21st century  kid (unlike us leaders, dreamers, and believers out there) have been conditioned by society to correlate being a "good student", to a "suck up, insincere, goody-two shoes". What we know today in pop culture as "The Teacher's Pet".

 

A bully's definition of "Teacher's Pet": a suck up, fake, pretender, etc.

 

Well, guess what my fellow Teacher's Pets?

 

IT IS A GOOD THING! BE PROUD!

 

My definition of a "Teacher's Pet"- a student who goes above and beyond to show respect, compassion, and appreciation for the teacher, subject, and their own personal academic career.

 

 

Have no fear (for all you bullies with a change of heart or shy freshmen), there is always time to work on your "Teacher's Pet" Skills

 

5 Essential "Teacher's Pet" Skills:

 

 

1. Be yourself- Teachers appreciate when their students engage in class and contribute their own personal experiences and opinions (even if they are against the status quo or the popular vote of the class, especially college professors). It shows you're willing to be yourself and put your ideas on the table. A skill that will be asked of you as a business professional.

 

 

2. Keep your eyes peeled- I know. When you are sitting in Math at 8am it is hard to look at anything but the back of your eyelids. But try to imagine  how you would feel in the teacher's shoes. No one, no matter what time of day, wants to be disrespected or feel unimportant.

 

If you find yourself slipping into dream land, take a moment to stretch, remind yourself about the teacher's feelings, take a deep breath, and refocus. It can be hard, but it makes the biggest difference when the teacher notices that you are THE ONLY PERSON who is giving them your attention. Trust me. (Not to mention it pays off on exam day too!)

 

3. Visit the Teacher outside the Classroom- Some of my best mentors are past professors and teachers who I established relationships with during my time in their class and beyond. Take the time to swing by their office and maybe say something you were scared of saying in class  (or make up a question, that's fine too, we all get nervous). You will often find that you learn about who they are as a person and how they work, which can be very helpful when trying to understand how they want assignments completed.

 

More than that, they often appreciate your extra effort, and like I said, some of the best advice (and career building opportunities) have come from inside those "Office Hour" walls.

 

4. Respect your classmates- The teacher isn't just watching your interaction with them, but your classmates as well. SO IF YOU ARE TRYING TO PULL A "FAKE YOU" ON THEM, THEY WILL NOTICE BY THE WAY YOU ACT AROUND YOUR FRIENDS/CLASSMATES.

 

-I know most of you don't have issues with this, but just keep that in mind the next time you want to say a crude joke to your "bro".

 

5. "Work Hard"- One of my past  professors gave me a great piece of advice, "Do good work and the result you want will follow."

 

So while working on your "Teacher's Pet" skills will help, just:

"Do good work, your best work".

...and that leaders, believers, and dreamers, will be enough.

 

Best Wishes,

 

Meredith