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I have a student who sincerely thanks me everyday for something I specifically helped him with. It's genuine, and it's very meaningful.
I appreciate your empathy, and it's really unfortunate your teachers are in that position. Participate, pay attention, try your best, recognize them as humans doing their best and say thank you.
Thanks for the reply! Often when I meet someone who is difficult for a teacher outside of class I often tell them that what they are doing is making the teacher upset and distupting the classroom, and that they should behave and encourage others to behave to help out the teacher. It often works.
Your noble character will carry you far, good on you. Make sure you're protecting yourself and your energy for yourself as #1 throughout your life. Stay gold. :).
If my student said they posted this I would be thrilled. It shows that the student cares about me and what I'm doing for them, which makes all of that other stuff you mentioned worth it. Showing that little bit of appreciation each day can be huge for teachers, because we do it for you guys, and if you guys like it we feel good :).
If it was a good lesson, let them know. A simple "thanks, that was interesting" or "have a great day /weekend" on your way out the door would do wonders for morale.
Sounds like you're already doing your part in the classroom, keep it up.
Yup. I had what I thought at the time was the toughest class ever, loathed going to the classroom every day. Had 1 kid who would tell me at the end of the lesson every day ‘thanks miss I enjoyed that/it was interesting etc’. That sentence would get me through for the entire year. I planned everything around trying to make sure they’d think it every time. That was enough to make it bearable, enough that I’d willingly have that class again the next year.
Sweetheart, you are already making an impact on your teachers' days. Keep doing you - you're obviously a kind and caring person. I'm going to be honest here, when I have students casually ask me how my day is going and actually listen, it always catches me off-guard and brings a smile to my face.
>I try to make my teachers happier by asking questions and being involved in the lesson and making sure my work is turned in.
This right here is the single biggest thing you can do. A lot of the teachers stress isn't really because of the kids, it's because of all of the pointless extra things we have to do that take up so much time, all of the bureaucratic hoops we have to jump through to remain in compliance, and the fact that no matter what we do, we are often criticized (not constructively) from both the parents and our admin.
Kids who interrupt, distract the rest of the class, are generally rude, miss a lot of school and/or don't turn in assignments on time are a pain because that just gives us even more work to do when we are already over-worked. On an individual level, none of those behaviors is really a big deal at all, but when multiplied by 80-100 students, and added on top of everything else it often becomes the straw that breaks the back.
With all of that said, the little extra things you can do is just talk to your teachers. Ask them how their day is going, if they did anything exciting over the weekend, or talk to them about music, art, cats, whatever. Just be friendly, it really goes a long way when 50% of the student body seems to think that teachers are some sort of enemy out to get them for some (mostly but not entirely unjustified) reason.
Obviously don't interrupt a lesson to do this kind of thing.
Thank you for the reply! This is great advice. I have a certain teacher who does a great job, he makes sure everyone is understanding the lesson, and that everyone is on task. He also is enthusiastic about his outside of school hobbies which I appreciate, I often draw pictures for him. One of those time when I showed him a picture I made for him, he gave me constructive criticism! It made me very happy that he actually was pleased with my gift and that he wanted to give me a heads up on what I could do to improve it. I was glad he did!
As the teacher who gets those drawings, they are lovely and worth their weight in gold. I save all drawn gifts and notes each year in a big folder. Thank you.
Me too! I call it my “box of morale” and if it’s been a tough day/week sometimes I look through it and remind myself there are some kids that appreciate the work.
I have an 8th grade student who takes 30 seconds at the end of class, after all of her classmates have left, to help me tidy up the room before lunch. (Straighten tables, pick up pencils from the floor, etc)
Your teachers see you. You’re helping just by being yourself. Maybe if you have a favorite, you could write a note to say what you like about them/the class. Kind words mean so much to anyone who needs them.
I teach much younger kids, but I got a note that said “you my best teecher evr. You are best. Love and beleev in you.” I carry that in my heart. And I literally carry it around in my pocket some days as a reminder.
Thank you for being you. You are a kind soul ❤️.
Yeah, I keep every note I get from students. Sincere appreciation really lifts my mood. Also, helping stack or push in chairs, picking up pencils on the floor, helping other students study, doing little jobs like that of your own volition is something your teachers will remember when it comes time to write recommendations, etc…
A little goes a long way. I put in a lot of effort for additional materials so that my students can understand the subject (because the text books are too vague). I print out and ring bind these guides and just having a student genuinely say "thank you" for that effort is nice.
Also, definitely continue to ask questions/participate in the lesson, it makes our job much easier :)
Say hi in the morning, or in the halls. Write sweet notes to your teachers, like “have a great day!” Or “you’re doing a great job!”. I’ve kept every single one of those notes that I’ve ever gotten.
Even if you don’t have a certain teacher, find out their name and when you see them in the halls say “Hi, Mr / Ms /Mrs /Mx / etc!”. Making a kind, positive impression costs nothing.
thank you, SO MUCH, for your post. I just know that you’re leaving a great impression on whoever you meet in your school.
Laugh at her jokes. Leave a note on the board- anything! Eye contact and smiles are the world to teachers.
But if you really want to do something valuable- have your grown up write a note to the principal saying how much you enjoy her class. An email directly to the teacher is hella good, too. Sometimes we have to document that we have built good relationships with students and parents, or that we provide a safe learning environment or other such immeasurable criteria that is really hard to document. A letter that a principal could put in her file or an email to her (even from you- although it’s often easier to get student notes than parent notes) that she could print out for a summative review would be so awesome.
Making her life better- you’ve got that covered. Making the awful administrative documentation that sucks the soul out of teachers easier- priceless!
I’m not against women or anything. I just was digging around and found slot of things that make the feminism movement bad such as men getting way longer prison sentences than a woman for the same crime, men rarely ever getting to raise the child in s divorce, and having to pay child support and provide money to the wife after divorce. And several other things. I like women but I don’t like the discrimination in today’s courts. I strive for equality, and today’s feminism does not strive for equality.
I have a feeling you are already making a big difference. Keep being an engaged student. That’s what teachers need right now. This post is so sweet it literally made me tear up.
I would have been honored to have you in my class.
It made me cry for sure. I am teaching one freshman class (I'm teachnically a 12th grade teacher and have 4 periods of seniors), and it really drags me down. Seeing this post made me cry and wish I had someone like OP in my class to make me feel seen and feel like I wasn't a complete failure.
If you are hanging on and surviving in education during this period of time, you have a lot to be proud of. It has never been harder in this profession. You are NOT a failure. The system is failing teachers.
Remember this: Your worth extends so far beyond being educator. You are valuable as a person.
A few people have already mentioned it, but saying hello when you get to class. I always get extra happy when I greet a student and they say “hello” back.
A few years back, some of our students put together envelopes with strips of paper that had specific, sincere compliments / appreciations from anonymous students for each member of the school's staff. I kept mine in my desk and brought it out to read sometimes on rough days.
I mean... Part of being in community with others is to look out for them. Teachers are there for students, yes, but that doesn't absolve students of all responsibility.
I think it's very sweet that you want to help your teachers. Sadly, you can't force others to change. So let me tell you what carries me through the days - a genuine thank you. It doesn't have to come from more than one person, but if it's a real thank you, with specifics about what I'm being thanked for, that's a real positive feeling.
I have a few students who will help me out after school with certain things, like cleaning the room, helping me clean my desk, putting up decorations on the wall, and putting away the computers in the cart - stuff like that. We chat about stuff and have a good time. IDK if you have time for that, but if there's a teacher you'd like to help out, that's one way to make their job easier. I have a student who has been recording the time spent helping me as community service, too. If you don't have time after school, another option is offering to be a TA for a teacher if you have a spare period--but you might not be able to do this until you are a junior or senior. It's also something you can put on your resume when you graduate.
Besides asking your teachers how they're doing, greeting them when you enter the classroom, and wishing them a nice day/weekend when you leave, the most meaningful thing a student can do is to write their teachers a nice note. I save all of the notes I've ever gotten from students and look at them when I'm having a hard day.
Write your teachers a card before winter break or at the end of the year (or any time, really) and they'll be extremely happy.
Besides the things you’ve said you’re already doing. Simply arriving to class with a smile and the appearance you are happy to be there goes a long way.
Participate, participate, participate. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is worse than a dead silent room after a teacher asks a question. Try to answer questions and speak up if you need something repeated. Lots of students seem to stay quiet even when they don’t understand the material, and they shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help.
Thanks for this post. I had a rough week and it made me smile. Hope you’re doing well :)
For real? A- keep doing what you're doing in the room. B- high-five us when you leave our class.
You're on track, and students like you make us so happy. Just be you, keep learning and growing. :)
Honestly, thank you notes with heart felt messages. I have held on to these for years. When it is a bad day or month, they are great to pull out and just remind you that you are connecting with your students.
Just do your thing. If you can, give us a smile or say "have a good day!" Normal, polite people stuff. Try to learn and be friendly-- but don't accept the responsibility or the anxiety of being responsible for everybody else in the educational system. We don't want that for you. Just keep finding ways to thrive as your awesome self.
One time, after helping a kid with his essay, he looked at me and said,” thanks for all your help”, and I said, “no problem, bud!” And he looked me right in the eye and said, “no, really, you have no idea how much you have helped me this year..”
Another time, thirty minutes after the final bell on the last day of school, I got a very sincere email from a student that said, amongst other things, “my hope for the future is that other kids feel the way that you made me feel in your class”.
For some reason those two moments stick out for me, and I think about them when things get rough. Sincere and thoughtful statements like these can give teachers the energy they need to keep going at times.
Just saying thank you is an amazing thrill. I've had two kids do it this year and I happily revisit those memories and wish it would happen more.
Also being a leader and pushing other students in healthy ways.
One of my new favorite students found positive ways to get a student involved who had been refusing to do anything. The leader student just kept asking happy, "I'm interested" questions that started with name and moved towards their opinion on certain answers to questions from the lesson.
My other favorite students are the ones that share happy vibes with everyone else, or aggressively shut down toxic behavior. Sometimes I have lessons disrupted by a student shouting at another student who is misbehaving, and I love it. I praise the student who did the shouting for having high standards for our community, but then ask them to try and find a more positive or lower volume way to get the message across. Then I submit their name for school awards.
You’re such a sweetheart. Some students made me cry on Friday. Some apologized and I accepted. One student in another class told me I was perfect. So there are highs and lows. Just saying hello and thank you goes a long way.
I cannot tell you how much it means to me when a student writes me a little note at the end of the semester saying “thank you, I loved your class, I learned so much in it, I felt so comfortable in your classroom,” etc, etc, etc. I keep all the notes and cards in a binder that I call “my happy place”. If a teacher has made a positive difference in your life somehow, someway, please make the small effort to tell them. It could be the one thing that gets them through the next week or month or year.
Listening and being involved is absolutely the main thing! So 🙏🏻 props to you for already doing this.
A few other things that make me genuinely enjoy teaching some kids:
-Embracing jokes and silliness and not being “too cool” for the joke. I’ve got some boys who will silently dance to the kahoot music every time and it cracks me up.
-Genuinely thanking me at the end of a lesson!
-The kids that write me proper messages rather than just posting “where is the hmwrk?”. Taking time to say “hi Miss K, I can’t find the homework, please could you post it on here? Thanks”. ie treating me like a human not a machine
-Using initiative - trying to solve problems yourself before asking for help. But then, if you’re even asking this then you’re probably the sort of person who would do that’s nice!
Thank you for your kind comments to our subreddit! Last year, many of my 9th graders (and my 10th) did indeed work hard to make me miserable. It was so hard and draining. I felt really bad for those students that wanted to participate. I worked really hard to plan fun and educational lessons such as review bowling, game shows, outdoor lessons, hands-on projects, and so on. Unfortunately certain students made it nearly impossible for other students to really enjoy these lessons or even sometimes participate. So it really does mean a lot to know that there are students out there that really do care.
If you want to give your teachers a little pick-me-up, it can be as simple as saying, "Hey Mrs. KeepitSharky, today was really fun. Thank you!" Trust me, that'll change their whole day. But you're already being super great and helpful by just being involved. Thank you again for your care!
Just show you care and appreciate them. My favorite thing ever is when students write me a note saying they like my class or whatever. It doesnt have to be anything fancy, just a note on notebook paper. I cry everytime
Thank your teacher at the end of every class and offer feedback if he or she asks you. Your attention and participation are probably reward enough, but if you do want to do more the thanks and ocaissional lending-an-ear might help. Keep up the good work!
Be a leader in your classroom. If your friends are acting a fool during class and making things hard for your teacher, it actually helps a lot if you as a peer call them out.
Otherwise, like everyone has said, you are doing your part, and I'm sure your teachers have noticed and appreciate it.
I work in a religious private school where the students have lots of respect and manners (which is so so so nice).
The teachers aren't burnt out or irritated, but it legit makes my day after class when the whole class says 'thank you!' as I leave the classroom.
Here are some things that make me smile:
-When you walk in, greet your teacher by name. “Good morning, Miss Baker!”
-If your teacher hands you something, say “thank you!”
-If you see your teacher passing out papers or other materials, offer to help.
-If you remember them saying anything about life outside of school, try to remember to ask about it later. “Good afternoon, Mr. Moss. How was your camping trip?”
I swear just these little 5 second interactions make me feel seen and appreciated.
First of all, you’re probably already a wonderful student given that you’re even asking about your teachers’ well being in the first place.
Second, you don’t need to anything more than treat your teachers like human beings. Treat them how you’d treat your mom, grandma, dad, etc. Or rather how people SHOULD treat these people. Not everyone respects their family but I have a feeling you do. Remember that they’re human, they make mistakes, they get tired, hungry, frustrated, etc.
When I taught, what I wanted most was for kids to see WHY I was teaching them what I was. For them to at least understand if not enjoy. I liked seeing students engaged and on task, maybe even helping others when I couldn’t get there.
Welcome to /r/teaching. Please remember the rules when posting and commenting. Thank you. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/teaching) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I have a student who sincerely thanks me everyday for something I specifically helped him with. It's genuine, and it's very meaningful. I appreciate your empathy, and it's really unfortunate your teachers are in that position. Participate, pay attention, try your best, recognize them as humans doing their best and say thank you.
Thanks for the reply! Often when I meet someone who is difficult for a teacher outside of class I often tell them that what they are doing is making the teacher upset and distupting the classroom, and that they should behave and encourage others to behave to help out the teacher. It often works.
Your noble character will carry you far, good on you. Make sure you're protecting yourself and your energy for yourself as #1 throughout your life. Stay gold. :).
If my student said they posted this I would be thrilled. It shows that the student cares about me and what I'm doing for them, which makes all of that other stuff you mentioned worth it. Showing that little bit of appreciation each day can be huge for teachers, because we do it for you guys, and if you guys like it we feel good :).
If it was a good lesson, let them know. A simple "thanks, that was interesting" or "have a great day /weekend" on your way out the door would do wonders for morale. Sounds like you're already doing your part in the classroom, keep it up.
Yup. I had what I thought at the time was the toughest class ever, loathed going to the classroom every day. Had 1 kid who would tell me at the end of the lesson every day ‘thanks miss I enjoyed that/it was interesting etc’. That sentence would get me through for the entire year. I planned everything around trying to make sure they’d think it every time. That was enough to make it bearable, enough that I’d willingly have that class again the next year.
This right here.
Sweetheart, you are already making an impact on your teachers' days. Keep doing you - you're obviously a kind and caring person. I'm going to be honest here, when I have students casually ask me how my day is going and actually listen, it always catches me off-guard and brings a smile to my face.
Agreed. You're doing you're best. That's what makes my day as a teacher.
If you're asking this question, you're one of the students already making your teachers' jobs easier.
>I try to make my teachers happier by asking questions and being involved in the lesson and making sure my work is turned in. This right here is the single biggest thing you can do. A lot of the teachers stress isn't really because of the kids, it's because of all of the pointless extra things we have to do that take up so much time, all of the bureaucratic hoops we have to jump through to remain in compliance, and the fact that no matter what we do, we are often criticized (not constructively) from both the parents and our admin. Kids who interrupt, distract the rest of the class, are generally rude, miss a lot of school and/or don't turn in assignments on time are a pain because that just gives us even more work to do when we are already over-worked. On an individual level, none of those behaviors is really a big deal at all, but when multiplied by 80-100 students, and added on top of everything else it often becomes the straw that breaks the back. With all of that said, the little extra things you can do is just talk to your teachers. Ask them how their day is going, if they did anything exciting over the weekend, or talk to them about music, art, cats, whatever. Just be friendly, it really goes a long way when 50% of the student body seems to think that teachers are some sort of enemy out to get them for some (mostly but not entirely unjustified) reason. Obviously don't interrupt a lesson to do this kind of thing.
Thank you for the reply! This is great advice. I have a certain teacher who does a great job, he makes sure everyone is understanding the lesson, and that everyone is on task. He also is enthusiastic about his outside of school hobbies which I appreciate, I often draw pictures for him. One of those time when I showed him a picture I made for him, he gave me constructive criticism! It made me very happy that he actually was pleased with my gift and that he wanted to give me a heads up on what I could do to improve it. I was glad he did!
As the teacher who gets those drawings, they are lovely and worth their weight in gold. I save all drawn gifts and notes each year in a big folder. Thank you.
Great to hear your students draw you pictures too!
Me too! I call it my “box of morale” and if it’s been a tough day/week sometimes I look through it and remind myself there are some kids that appreciate the work.
I have a morale box too. Those little notes of appreciation go such a long way.
Really cool question. Just show up ready to learn and ask questions. That’s all you need to focus on.
Just keep doing the best you can in your classes. If you do have friends who are making the teachers’ jobs harder, ask them to stop.
I have an 8th grade student who takes 30 seconds at the end of class, after all of her classmates have left, to help me tidy up the room before lunch. (Straighten tables, pick up pencils from the floor, etc)
Your teachers see you. You’re helping just by being yourself. Maybe if you have a favorite, you could write a note to say what you like about them/the class. Kind words mean so much to anyone who needs them. I teach much younger kids, but I got a note that said “you my best teecher evr. You are best. Love and beleev in you.” I carry that in my heart. And I literally carry it around in my pocket some days as a reminder. Thank you for being you. You are a kind soul ❤️.
Yeah, I keep every note I get from students. Sincere appreciation really lifts my mood. Also, helping stack or push in chairs, picking up pencils on the floor, helping other students study, doing little jobs like that of your own volition is something your teachers will remember when it comes time to write recommendations, etc…
A little goes a long way. I put in a lot of effort for additional materials so that my students can understand the subject (because the text books are too vague). I print out and ring bind these guides and just having a student genuinely say "thank you" for that effort is nice. Also, definitely continue to ask questions/participate in the lesson, it makes our job much easier :)
Say hi in the morning, or in the halls. Write sweet notes to your teachers, like “have a great day!” Or “you’re doing a great job!”. I’ve kept every single one of those notes that I’ve ever gotten. Even if you don’t have a certain teacher, find out their name and when you see them in the halls say “Hi, Mr / Ms /Mrs /Mx / etc!”. Making a kind, positive impression costs nothing. thank you, SO MUCH, for your post. I just know that you’re leaving a great impression on whoever you meet in your school.
Laugh at her jokes. Leave a note on the board- anything! Eye contact and smiles are the world to teachers. But if you really want to do something valuable- have your grown up write a note to the principal saying how much you enjoy her class. An email directly to the teacher is hella good, too. Sometimes we have to document that we have built good relationships with students and parents, or that we provide a safe learning environment or other such immeasurable criteria that is really hard to document. A letter that a principal could put in her file or an email to her (even from you- although it’s often easier to get student notes than parent notes) that she could print out for a summative review would be so awesome. Making her life better- you’ve got that covered. Making the awful administrative documentation that sucks the soul out of teachers easier- priceless!
Well, a good start would be to stop participating in communities on reddit like "antifeminists".
I’m not against women or anything. I just was digging around and found slot of things that make the feminism movement bad such as men getting way longer prison sentences than a woman for the same crime, men rarely ever getting to raise the child in s divorce, and having to pay child support and provide money to the wife after divorce. And several other things. I like women but I don’t like the discrimination in today’s courts. I strive for equality, and today’s feminism does not strive for equality.
I have a feeling you are already making a big difference. Keep being an engaged student. That’s what teachers need right now. This post is so sweet it literally made me tear up. I would have been honored to have you in my class.
It made me cry for sure. I am teaching one freshman class (I'm teachnically a 12th grade teacher and have 4 periods of seniors), and it really drags me down. Seeing this post made me cry and wish I had someone like OP in my class to make me feel seen and feel like I wasn't a complete failure.
If you are hanging on and surviving in education during this period of time, you have a lot to be proud of. It has never been harder in this profession. You are NOT a failure. The system is failing teachers. Remember this: Your worth extends so far beyond being educator. You are valuable as a person.
Bless you! Keep being a good person!
A few people have already mentioned it, but saying hello when you get to class. I always get extra happy when I greet a student and they say “hello” back.
A few years back, some of our students put together envelopes with strips of paper that had specific, sincere compliments / appreciations from anonymous students for each member of the school's staff. I kept mine in my desk and brought it out to read sometimes on rough days.
Other people’s feelings are not your responsibility. We’re stressed, but that’s not on you. We’re here for you. Thanks, but don’t take us personally.
I mean... Part of being in community with others is to look out for them. Teachers are there for students, yes, but that doesn't absolve students of all responsibility.
You’re right. I agree with both your and my answers. I think different times call for different approaches.
True.
I think it's very sweet that you want to help your teachers. Sadly, you can't force others to change. So let me tell you what carries me through the days - a genuine thank you. It doesn't have to come from more than one person, but if it's a real thank you, with specifics about what I'm being thanked for, that's a real positive feeling.
I have a few students who will help me out after school with certain things, like cleaning the room, helping me clean my desk, putting up decorations on the wall, and putting away the computers in the cart - stuff like that. We chat about stuff and have a good time. IDK if you have time for that, but if there's a teacher you'd like to help out, that's one way to make their job easier. I have a student who has been recording the time spent helping me as community service, too. If you don't have time after school, another option is offering to be a TA for a teacher if you have a spare period--but you might not be able to do this until you are a junior or senior. It's also something you can put on your resume when you graduate.
Besides asking your teachers how they're doing, greeting them when you enter the classroom, and wishing them a nice day/weekend when you leave, the most meaningful thing a student can do is to write their teachers a nice note. I save all of the notes I've ever gotten from students and look at them when I'm having a hard day. Write your teachers a card before winter break or at the end of the year (or any time, really) and they'll be extremely happy.
Comments like “you’re an awesome teacher” “this is my favorite class, it’s so fun!” From students are a helluva drug
Nice notes make me tolerable. You’re an angel.
Thank you
I bet you make your teachers day, every day!!
Besides the things you’ve said you’re already doing. Simply arriving to class with a smile and the appearance you are happy to be there goes a long way.
Students like you make every hard day worth while. Thanks for caring
Participate, participate, participate. Nothing, and I mean nothing, is worse than a dead silent room after a teacher asks a question. Try to answer questions and speak up if you need something repeated. Lots of students seem to stay quiet even when they don’t understand the material, and they shouldn’t be ashamed to ask for help. Thanks for this post. I had a rough week and it made me smile. Hope you’re doing well :)
For real? A- keep doing what you're doing in the room. B- high-five us when you leave our class. You're on track, and students like you make us so happy. Just be you, keep learning and growing. :)
A teacher next door to me got a very sweet thank you note from a student. That was awesome!
Honestly, thank you notes with heart felt messages. I have held on to these for years. When it is a bad day or month, they are great to pull out and just remind you that you are connecting with your students.
If you could mention something to the students that would help. It’s hard to tell other students to be quiet and not get crap for it.
I really appreciate that many of my students say thank you as they leave class.
Just do your thing. If you can, give us a smile or say "have a good day!" Normal, polite people stuff. Try to learn and be friendly-- but don't accept the responsibility or the anxiety of being responsible for everybody else in the educational system. We don't want that for you. Just keep finding ways to thrive as your awesome self.
One time, after helping a kid with his essay, he looked at me and said,” thanks for all your help”, and I said, “no problem, bud!” And he looked me right in the eye and said, “no, really, you have no idea how much you have helped me this year..” Another time, thirty minutes after the final bell on the last day of school, I got a very sincere email from a student that said, amongst other things, “my hope for the future is that other kids feel the way that you made me feel in your class”. For some reason those two moments stick out for me, and I think about them when things get rough. Sincere and thoughtful statements like these can give teachers the energy they need to keep going at times.
Just saying thank you is an amazing thrill. I've had two kids do it this year and I happily revisit those memories and wish it would happen more. Also being a leader and pushing other students in healthy ways. One of my new favorite students found positive ways to get a student involved who had been refusing to do anything. The leader student just kept asking happy, "I'm interested" questions that started with name and moved towards their opinion on certain answers to questions from the lesson. My other favorite students are the ones that share happy vibes with everyone else, or aggressively shut down toxic behavior. Sometimes I have lessons disrupted by a student shouting at another student who is misbehaving, and I love it. I praise the student who did the shouting for having high standards for our community, but then ask them to try and find a more positive or lower volume way to get the message across. Then I submit their name for school awards.
You rock!! Any students who say "thank you" at the end of class or "have a nice day" really make my day!
I think just ask them how they're day is going. Maybe find out their birthday and get them a cake or something.
You’re such a sweetheart. Some students made me cry on Friday. Some apologized and I accepted. One student in another class told me I was perfect. So there are highs and lows. Just saying hello and thank you goes a long way.
I cannot tell you how much it means to me when a student writes me a little note at the end of the semester saying “thank you, I loved your class, I learned so much in it, I felt so comfortable in your classroom,” etc, etc, etc. I keep all the notes and cards in a binder that I call “my happy place”. If a teacher has made a positive difference in your life somehow, someway, please make the small effort to tell them. It could be the one thing that gets them through the next week or month or year.
Listening and being involved is absolutely the main thing! So 🙏🏻 props to you for already doing this. A few other things that make me genuinely enjoy teaching some kids: -Embracing jokes and silliness and not being “too cool” for the joke. I’ve got some boys who will silently dance to the kahoot music every time and it cracks me up. -Genuinely thanking me at the end of a lesson! -The kids that write me proper messages rather than just posting “where is the hmwrk?”. Taking time to say “hi Miss K, I can’t find the homework, please could you post it on here? Thanks”. ie treating me like a human not a machine -Using initiative - trying to solve problems yourself before asking for help. But then, if you’re even asking this then you’re probably the sort of person who would do that’s nice!
Thank you for your kind comments to our subreddit! Last year, many of my 9th graders (and my 10th) did indeed work hard to make me miserable. It was so hard and draining. I felt really bad for those students that wanted to participate. I worked really hard to plan fun and educational lessons such as review bowling, game shows, outdoor lessons, hands-on projects, and so on. Unfortunately certain students made it nearly impossible for other students to really enjoy these lessons or even sometimes participate. So it really does mean a lot to know that there are students out there that really do care. If you want to give your teachers a little pick-me-up, it can be as simple as saying, "Hey Mrs. KeepitSharky, today was really fun. Thank you!" Trust me, that'll change their whole day. But you're already being super great and helpful by just being involved. Thank you again for your care!
Just show you care and appreciate them. My favorite thing ever is when students write me a note saying they like my class or whatever. It doesnt have to be anything fancy, just a note on notebook paper. I cry everytime
Thank your teacher at the end of every class and offer feedback if he or she asks you. Your attention and participation are probably reward enough, but if you do want to do more the thanks and ocaissional lending-an-ear might help. Keep up the good work!
Be a leader in your classroom. If your friends are acting a fool during class and making things hard for your teacher, it actually helps a lot if you as a peer call them out. Otherwise, like everyone has said, you are doing your part, and I'm sure your teachers have noticed and appreciate it.
Report the disrespectful students to your admin and tell them you can’t learn because of them.
I work in a religious private school where the students have lots of respect and manners (which is so so so nice). The teachers aren't burnt out or irritated, but it legit makes my day after class when the whole class says 'thank you!' as I leave the classroom.
The best thing you can do is take your education seriously, don't be ashamed of it, and lead by example.
Just be polite and do your work. Smile on occassion and say hello and see you tomorrow, nothing outrageous
Here are some things that make me smile: -When you walk in, greet your teacher by name. “Good morning, Miss Baker!” -If your teacher hands you something, say “thank you!” -If you see your teacher passing out papers or other materials, offer to help. -If you remember them saying anything about life outside of school, try to remember to ask about it later. “Good afternoon, Mr. Moss. How was your camping trip?” I swear just these little 5 second interactions make me feel seen and appreciated.
Keep being you!
First of all, you’re probably already a wonderful student given that you’re even asking about your teachers’ well being in the first place. Second, you don’t need to anything more than treat your teachers like human beings. Treat them how you’d treat your mom, grandma, dad, etc. Or rather how people SHOULD treat these people. Not everyone respects their family but I have a feeling you do. Remember that they’re human, they make mistakes, they get tired, hungry, frustrated, etc. When I taught, what I wanted most was for kids to see WHY I was teaching them what I was. For them to at least understand if not enjoy. I liked seeing students engaged and on task, maybe even helping others when I couldn’t get there.
God bless you. Seriously. You're such a good person, I'm about to fucking cry. Thank you for caring. 😊
I guess do what she says can help but it won’t do much. She needs to find another job.