These Are Great Ways to Impress Your Teacher (2024)

Updated on August 14, 2017

Pay Attention to Details

If your teacher asks you to bring in a specific book or workbook to class, bring it. Write reminders if you have to, but come prepared. Turn in your assignments on time, and beprepared for tests. Take a few minutes each evening to study what you learned in class. And, don't be afraid to ask for additional feedback from the teacher once she has graded your test. Doing so shows that you care and are paying attention.

Do Your Homework

If your teacher asks you to complete a homework assignment, do it completely and neatly. Your work will stand out from the others, even if there are errors, as it will be obvious that you did your best. If you find that the assignment requires you to do some extra research or seeking tutoring help, do it. Remember that the more effort you put into your work, the more you'll get out of it. And, the teacher will notice your diligence.

Be Attentive in Class

Make an effort to listen each day and be involved in the lesson. Even though there will be boring topics covered in class, realize that it is the teacher's job to teach and your job to learn the information presented. Raise your hand and ask pertinent questions -- questions that are germane to thetopic and show that you are listening. Most teachers love input and feedback, so provide it.

Answer Questions

And, while you're at it, answer questions that the teacher poses. This goes back to the first three items -- if you do you homework, listen in class and study the material, you'll be well prepared to answer the teacher's questions with pertinent and interesting points that add to the classroom discussion. For example, if you're studying a particular state, such as Oregon, ensure that know the facts that the teacher might question the class about: What was the Oregon Trail? Who were the pioneers? Why did they come west? What were they seeking?

Be Considerate

As noted, teachers are human, just like you. If you see that your teacher has dropped something when you are in -- or even outside -- of class, help him by picking up the item or items. A little human kindness goes a long way. Your teacher will remember your consideration long after your generous act -- when giving grades (especially on a subjective essay, for example), handing out classroom assignments or writing you a recommendation for a club, college or job.

Be Helpful in Class

If you have an activity in class that requires the desks to be rearranged, cubbies to be organized, beakers to be washed or even trash to be taken out, volunteer to be the one to help them move the desks, clean the cubbies, scrub the beakers to discard the trash. The teacher will notice and appreciate your help -- in the same way that your parents or friends would appreciate your extra effort.

Say Thank You

You don't have to say thank you every day. However, throwing in a heartfelt thank you to a teacher for teaching you a lesson is valued. And your thank you does not have to be verbal. Take a moment outside of class to write a brief thank you note or card if the teacher has been particularly helpful to you in giving advice or providing after-school help on that difficult essay or seemingly impossible math test. Indeed, there are many ways that you canshow your teacher that you appreciateher efforts.

Give an Engraved Item

If your experience during the year in class has proved memorable, consider having a brief plaque engraved. You can order a plaque from a number of companies; include a brief, appreciative comment such as: "Thanks for the great year. -- Joe Smith." A great time to give the plaque might be onNational Teacher Appreciation Dayor during Teacher Appreciation Week that is celebrated annually in early May. Your teacher will likely save the plaque for the rest of her life. Now that's showing appreciation.