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Dealing with Teachers

How to Make a Good Impression on Your Teacher

Last Updated: March 23, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Ashley Pritchard, MA and by wikiHow staff writer, Christopher M. Osborne, PhD . Ashley Pritchard is an Academic and School Counselor at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Frenchtown, New Jersey. Ashley has over 3 years of high school, college, and career counseling experience. She has an MA in School Counseling with a specialization in Mental Health from Caldwell University and is certified as an Independent Education Consultant through the University of California, Irvine. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 15 testimonials and 95% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 156,288 times.

You’ve probably heard the saying “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” It's true, and quickly making a good impression on your teacher is an essential part of having a successful school year. And don’t worry — you don't have to be the smartest kid in the class to get a teacher to appreciate you. In reality, attitude and effort are usually the most important elements in making a good impression.

Things You Should Know

In addition to introducing yourself right away, make sure you're positive, helpful, and supportive of other students.
Show your teacher you're a great student by participating in class, keeping up with your work, studying, and getting help when you need it.
Follow your teacher's rules carefully, listen to your teacher when they're instructing the class, and let them know when a classmate is being disruptive.

Being Friendly and Helpful

Walk up to your teacher confidently, make eye contact, extend your hand, and say something like “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Reed. I’m Jane Smith, and I’m really looking forward to Algebra class this year. Actually, I think you had my older brother in class — do you remember Joe Smith?”

Some people recommend “dressing for success” as a student — that is, wearing slightly more refined, stylish clothes than comfy sweats, etc. — in order to make a good impression. This is an option, but a nice smile is the easiest (and cheapest) way to make a good visual impression.

If you get a “C” instead of the “B” you expected on a test, don’t gripe and groan about it for the whole class period. Use it as an opportunity and motivation for improvement, and let your determination and confidence show.

You can even offer to help out without the teacher asking for volunteers. It’s best to do this discretely, either before or after class. Otherwise, other students may become annoyed with you. Also, don’t insist upon helping out when the teacher says “Oh, that’s OK” — or you may begin to frustrate the person you’re trying to impress!

For instance, if you’ve finished with your classroom lab project, go up and ask your teacher if you can give a bit of assistance to a classmate who seems to be struggling with the project. Or, offer to do some peer tutoring outside of class if you’ve really got a good handle on the material.

Trying Your Best

Don't hesitate to ask questions if you don't understand something. Your teacher will be more than happy to help you. This implies that you want to learn and that you strive to do well in school.
However, it is possible to ask too many questions — if you seem to be interfering with class or frustrating your teacher, jot down your questions and bring them up after class or (if available) by email, etc. Generally speaking, though, it is better to ask too many questions than too few.

Dedicate yourself to turning in assignments on time. Late work can result in punishments, and your teacher won't be happy either. Turning in your first assignment late isn't a good way to make a good first impression. If you’re having trouble keeping up due to the difficulty of the work or some other factors, talk to your teacher about it immediately.

If your studying doesn’t seem to be producing the results you expect, seek out advice on improving your technique. Teachers are usually eager to give out study tips — but you have to ask first.

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you are determined to give your best effort — and teachers value all-out effort from students above practically any other quality. [10] X Research source

Following the Rules

Don’t test the rules to see what you can get away with. Let some other kid do that. Focus on impressing your teacher with your knowledge of and adherence to the classroom rules. This demonstrates maturity, respect, and diligence.

Step 2 Avoid tardiness and distractions.

You will be a distraction, and you won’t be ready to learn, if you show up late to class. Do everything you can to make it to class on time, if not early. Unless you have a truly legitimate reason for being late, don’t try to make excuses. Be as discreet and quiet as possible as you take your place in class, and give an apologetic look to your teacher.

If you’re having trouble keeping focused during class, ask to be moved to the front row. This is especially helpful if other students are distracting you, or if you have any kind of hearing or vision difficulties. Talk to your teacher about other possible solutions if necessary.

Step 4 Tell your teacher about problems in class.

Don’t raise your hand and blurt out “Mrs. Magowan, Sam and Max are talking instead of paying attention.” Instead, wait until after class and discreetly voice your concerns about the distraction they are causing you and others. If, however, Sam and Max are playing around recklessly with the Bunsen burner, inform your teacher right away.

Community Q&A

Reader Videos

Always keep a positive attitude. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 1
Know when it's time to speak, and when it's time to listen. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
Always do extra credit, especially the first extra credit project. Your teacher will see that you are a hard worker and want to do well. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 2

first impression to your teacher essay brainly

Trying to crack jokes in class isn't usually appreciated, unless your teacher is easy-going and doesn't mind it occasionally. He/she should also have a good sense of humor. Thanks Helpful 118 Not Helpful 11
Late work can result in punishments. Thanks Helpful 121 Not Helpful 13
Some teachers dislike or even hate gifts, so learn about them first before giving them something in appreciation for their hard work. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 1

Make a Good Impression on the First Day of School

↑ http://theteenagertoday.com/make-a-good-impression-on-your-teacher/
↑ http://www.stemjobs.com/make-great-first-impression-teachers/
↑ https://teacherscount.wordpress.com/2013/08/13/students-first-impression/
↑ Ashley Pritchard, MA. Academic & School Counselor. Expert Interview. 4 November 2019.
↑ https://counseling.uiowa.edu/self-help/tips-for-participating-in-class-discussions/

About This Article

If you want to make a good impression on your teacher, follow the class rules and answer questions throughout the day to keep class interesting. When you can, volunteer to help the teacher and other students with their work to show that you're engaged in class. If you have trouble with an assignment, show initiative by asking the teacher for help. Sometimes, you can ask to be moved to the front of the class if you think it will help you succeed! Keep reading for tips on being friendly and excelling in class! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Essay on My Teacher

List of essays on my teacher in english, essay on my teacher – essay 1 (300 words), essay on my teacher – essay 2 (400 words), essay on my teacher – essay 3 (500 words), essay on my teacher – essay 4 (750 words), essay on my teacher – essay 5 (1000 words).

Introduction:

Teachers are the ones who play a very vital role in shaping our future. From the Pre-Kinder Garden to your Post-Doctoral fellowships, they teach, impart knowledge, share ethical values, and imbibe morality, thereby shaping our personality as a strong one.

My Teacher:

Throughout our lives, we will be having many kith and kins who will hold a special place in our hearts. For me, one such person is my teacher. All of us, for sure, will definitely agree to the fact that the kinship between us and our kinder garden teachers could not be well-defined. I like my nursery teacher, so much. There is something very magical about her. Maybe, she was the first teacher in my life or maybe, she was very sweet in talking to all of us, I am unable to portray why she is always my favourite. I relied on her blindly.

Unforgettable Memories:

I have some cherished memories with my teacher. Whenever I think of those memories, it makes me blissful. On the last day of my nursery school, I started crying at the very thought of leaving her and having a new teacher. I had fallen sick due to crying for hours together. I skipped my food. My parents were not able to do anything. They called for her to make me feel better. My teacher travelled a few miles across the city and reached the hospital. She, then, said that she would never forget any of her students and asked me to write to her. I started writing to her every week from then on and she replied to every letter of mine. Till date, I look at my teacher as my second mother and she guides me in all my difficult situations.

Conclusion:

Having a good teacher who can share an amalgamated relationship with the students is a boon. A good teacher should be a good mentor, a philosopher, a guide, a friend and above all a surrogate parent to the children. I am lucky that I had gotten one in my lifetime.

My favorite subject is English and my most favorite teacher is Chitra Ma’am. She teaches us English. She likes me a lot and appreciates my hard work. She joined our school one year ago. Before that, I was not so good at English. But after attending her classes, we have all become much better at this subject.

I like her for many reasons. First of all, she teaches the lessons in a very interesting way. Even when we have doubts or questions, she never gets upset with us. Her best quality is her loving nature. She would come to school daily without missing a day.

Her dressing sense is nice. She wears simple salwar suits. She always speaks to her students softly and respectfully. I eagerly wait for her class and do my English homework on time. Chitra Ma’am puts a lot of effort in explaining every chapter.

There are many activities given at the end of every lesson and she makes us participate in all of them. Not only that, but she also encourages us to take part in drama and poem competitions. Since her first day, she made a rule for us.

All of us has to speak in English during the English period. Every student tries to talk in English even if the sentence sounds improper. She has taught us to never laugh at each other’s mistakes. This has improved our spoken English in a great way. Now, we are able to talk in English with more confidence.

Another great quality of hers is that she treats every child equally. After explaining the lesson to us, she asks each one of us different questions about the chapter. Sometimes, we also love to talk about our personal lives, like what do we like about our lives, how our parents work hard for us, and things like that.

When we get confused or need an emotional support, she is the best person to talk to. Her advice and suggestions are always positive. Last month, on teacher’s day, all the students wished her and brought presents for her. We also sang a song to her.

I made a beautiful greeting card for her and a red rose with it. She accepted it with a smile and thanked us for everything. I feel grateful to have such a gentle and great teacher in my life who supports me in every way.

In school, you tend to interact with a lot of people who can either impact your life positively or negatively. A teacher is one neutral person who will manage to strike a balance between the positive and the negative. Teachers have a huge responsibility that we students may not understand. All in all our teachers try their best to provide an education, guidance and discipline despite the challenges we might impose on them. The life of a student is entirely dependent on a teacher because most of their time is spent in school rather than with parents that is why teachers play a major role in shaping the lives of young children through school.

Who Is my favourite Teacher?

I have several teachers now that I am in high school but there is only one whom I can relate to as “the teacher” because of the impact he has made in my life. The teacher is male, of Indian origin and has a funny accent when he speaks. He is married and has three children. Actually, one of his children is my age and I know him through tennis practice because he comes to train with us sometimes. I like him because his sense of humor gives a good learning experience for the students. He is a math teacher and he is very good at what he does. Students tend to make fun of him because of his accent but he make fun of it himself, which gets even funnier. This teacher has been a great mentor to me and other student ever since we joined high school. I met him on a personal level one day after class when I needed clarification on a topic I had not quite understood. The teacher was kind to me and guided me through it. Since then, he took his own initiative to do follow-ups on me and I became really good in math due to his efforts.

Coincidentally, he also coaches my tennis team and we meet out on the field. We have won several awards as a tennis team under him. I feel connected to the teacher through his mentorship and he has become like a school parent to me because whenever I have an issue, he is free to help me out.

How the teacher has impacted my life in school .

Mentorship goes along way depending on the approach used. When I first joined high school, I did not have much confidence in myself. This teacher mentored me and made me believe in myself. The good thing is the attention he gives t is students because most of the times, he follows up on the performances and ensures that he does everything he can to help students improve academically. He has also been a role model to me through his way of doing things. He is dedicated to his work and he is an achiever. Through following his footsteps, I have been able to dedicate myself into studies and sports, which has helped me to achieve my goals.

In conclusion, good teachers are hard to find but when you find one, make the most out of them.

The word “teacher” depicts a person that teaches. English dictionary defines teacher as “a person who teaches, especially one employed in a school”. A more recent definition of teacher in the linguistics field is “a tutor that interacts with the learners in order to facilitate good learning”.

Types of Teachers

Old method teachers: the teachers found under this method adopt the rigid mode of impartation of knowledge. They control the class the way a king would rule over his subjects. Old method teachers are less concerned about the welfare of their learners, they are syllabus-oriented.

New method teachers: the tutors under this model are student-oriented. They are more concerned about their learners and their various levels of understanding. They accept and promote contributions in class unlike the old method teachers. New method teachers encourage the inquisitiveness of their students.

Attributes of a Teacher:

A standard teacher has all or most of the various characters imbedded in them:

Compassionate
Open-minded
A good counselor
Friendly and most importantly
Approachable.

Attributes of My Favorite Teacher:

Personally, I see my teacher as a mini-god because he leaves his mark on me. He influences my life in ways that enables me affect changes wherever I find myself.

He is a perfect example of the new model teachers. Basically, he is student-oriented. In the classroom, he employs the Eclectic mode of teaching (this is the combination of all the modes of teaching “discussion mode, play way mode, role play mode, question mode” so as to facilitate standard learning).

He comes into the classroom; starts the lecture with a recap of what was discussed in the previous class, gives room for the students to ask questions that arose from the last class, answers them and then starts a new topic.

To start a new topic, he starts with a mind-capturing introduction that attracts the attention of all students. Once he is through with introducing the topic, he gauges our reaction in order for him to know if his students are on the same page with him or left behind.

Then, he moves on to the discussion mode of teaching, whereby he throws questions to his students and accommodates both relevant and irrelevant answers, at the end of this model, he sieves through the answers provided, pick the relevant ones and add his own iota to it, he also always applaud the courage of all who answers his questions.

He moves either into the role play method or the play way method, here he selects students to either act out the lessons from the day’s topic or summarizes what he has taught for the day. The use of this particular mode enlightens the students more on the topic being discussed.

Finally, he moves over to the questions and revision mode, where he personally go through all he has taught over the course of the period. During this mode, he entertains questions from students on their personal areas of difficulties. Occasionally, he gives assignments to back up his teachings.

During his teachings, he pays close attention to the expression, mood, sitting posture and carriage of his students. This tells him when his students are lost, sad, worried, hungry, sick, away in dream land or simply tired.

Once he is done processing the information gotten from our faces, he either finds a way of brightening the mood of his students, bringing them back from the dream world, or ending his class without breaking his stride or alerting the whole population of students to what is currently going on.

It is only normal for a human being to reflect his mood whenever he is talking or interacting, but my teacher hardly ever allow his bad, horrible moods interfere with his teachings.

Outside the classroom, my teacher is approachable, fatherly, and jovial. He entertains all and no one is excluded from his open arms, smiles and affections.

He is a good counselor who is always ready to help me out of my tight corners. He gives twenty first century advises in a fatherly way.

Although, due to my teachers lenient ways with students, some students tend to be lazy, disrespectful, stubborn or rude. He has a way of being firm, maintaining class control while teaching.

In conclusion, my teacher has all the attributes and more of a new method teachers. He is capable of combining all modes of teaching, he is compassionate, passionate, and friendly. From my interactions with him, I can confidently say that he is one of the best teachers around.

A teacher plays a very important life in shaping your life as well as career. A good teacher is a blessing for the students in their early years and helps them understand the world; learn moral values along with education. Most importantly, a teacher helps you the art of survival and brings out the best of you.

Why a teacher is so important in a student’s life?

Teachers assume the essential job in our life to end up fruitful invocation and business. A decent teacher encourages us to end up great individual in the general public and great nation of the nation.

Teachers realize that students are the eventual fate of any country. So the future advancement of any country is in the hands of teachers. What we move toward becoming in life is relies upon teachers. Teachers confer the information and data in the mind of understudies to dissect. Investigating in the circumstance what is conceivable is the most essential thing that we gain from teachers. Energy about teachers is imperative since they are the most essential individuals in the nation. What we’re seeing today in business, legislative issues, and society all influenced by teachers. In this way, in India, we commend teacher’s day consistently on 5 September on the event of the birth Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

My Teachers, My Role Models

During my formative years, I have come across many teachers who have influenced my life for the better. Having being studies in a convent school, I got to face a much-disciplined environment during my school years. The teachers, although were very polite in their behaviour, at the same time ensuring that we all followed a disciplined life. We were taught how to inculcate these values in our daily life so as to be better human beings when we grow up and face the world. Although all the teachers were good, there is one teacher whose teachings I just cannot forget. She is Ms Kirti Bhushan. Her teachings have been so powerful and impactful that I can still feel them during my day to day decisions even today.

My Best Teacher

Ms Kirti was my class educator as well and took participation in the daily activities with us as well. She was a strict instructor anyway extremely amusing and mind in nature. At the same time, she was extremely restrained and dependable. She did her work perfectly with the class at a perfect time without getting late. I liked her, particularly as she attempted simple approaches to show us beneficial things. We made the most of her class. She taught us English subject as well. She even made us giggle by telling heaps of jokes in the middle of when she taught. She likewise managed us exceptionally well amid any school or between school rivalry of the move, sports, scholastic, and so on. She instructed us to share things in class among our associates, for example, lunch or other required things.

Her Background

She was from Varanasi and completed her initial studies there itself. She took her higher education degrees from the Banaras Hindu University. She was extremely friendly and kind in nature. She realized well about how to deal with little youngsters in the class. Her one of a kind style of educating is perhaps what I mostly recall her for. I even meet her at times at whatever point I have to explain some intense inquiries of my day to day issues, she advises me so easily and comfortably. She looks extremely savvy with shimmer eyes and fair hair.

Her Smiling Attitude

She generally smiled when she entered the classroom and first got some information about our prosperity. She additionally helped us in the games at whatever point our games instructor was missing. She had a smiling face even during the strict environment during the examination times. She constantly rebuffed to the students who were with fragmented home works. She was acclaimed for making loads of fun amid the class time and ensure there was a positive ambience all around.

She was an instructor with great aptitudes of educating, well-disposed nature, great comical inclination, understanding and nice. I am proud to be one of her favourite students, as she always said good things about me to other teachers. At times she gave us chocolates on doing great in the class tests and exams. She never gave us heaps of assignments at home. She was exceptionally eager and constantly spurred us for doing our best in the examination.

Teacher’s In Today’s Scenario

Today the general population are changing and their reasoning and advancement thoughts are more against nature. Presently for the world, a teacher is only a teacher. Various offices and departments only tend to remember them on teachers day during various events and usually do not remember them otherwise. Individuals also share few posts via web-based networking media with respect to teachers and after that just forget them. Individuals overlook a bigger number of things that they are gaining from teachers. Schools and students also praise the teacher’s day event and value the endeavours teachers are doing. This is incredible if individuals ought to pursue the exercises of teachers also.

The genuine present for teachers is when students turn into a decent individual, effective in their vocation and business. Not all teacher are great in instructing and comparatively, not all students resemble “Shishya and Guru” particularly in the advanced period. A few teachers are incredible and they are dependable in heart of students all life along.

Students admire teachers for counsel and direction. Students are inspired by scholastic exercises as well as they are intrigued to pursue their life exercises. That is the reason it’s exceedingly essential for teachers to motivate students to pursue great propensities not terrible by their own precedent. An instruction is critical in everybody’s life and assumes different jobs in various phases of life. It’s imperative that individuals understand the significance of teachers and pursue their teachers in the right spirit.

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EXPLORE Random Article

How to Impress Teachers With Your Essay

Last Updated: February 27, 2018

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 15 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 47,416 times.

Ever wonder what it takes to get the A? Course you have.

Essay Template and Sample Essays

Impressing Teachers with Your Own Essay

If you talk about something briefly at the very beginning of your intro, refer back to it quickly in your conclusion. It'll remind your teacher you know how to write an essay and you know what you're doing.

Step 3 Utilize sentence structures to your advantage.

Community Q&A

Never repeat yourself. Never repeat yourself. Never repeat yourself. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Be funny. It doesn't have to be laugh-out-loud humor (it can be though), but just say a little something here and there to make the teacher slightly smile when reading. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
Be creative. Creativity is your best friend, your best weapon, and your best gift. Express your creativity in your essay, and it'll rub off on your teacher. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Don't overdo the humor or emotion. Too little and it's not effective. Too much and the teacher sees right through your pitiful attempt at writing a good essay. Like a spoonful of sugar, it takes just the right dose to work. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
Don't include the teacher in your essay. Know who you're addressing, but don't say "And in conclusion, that's why you're reading this essay now and why if I don't say anything in this sentence, you won't give me an A." Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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Classroom Q&A

With larry ferlazzo.

In this EdWeek blog, an experiment in knowledge-gathering, Ferlazzo will address readers’ questions on classroom management, ELL instruction, lesson planning, and other issues facing teachers. Send your questions to [email protected]. Read more from this blog.

Reflections on Our Favorite Teachers

Editor’s Note: Obviously, the main thing on all of our minds is not the qualities of our favorite teachers—it’s the coronavirus and its impact on our society, our students, our families, and on us. Ed Week has been doing a tremendous job covering its impact on schools, and I have been posting related resources and advice every day at my Websites Of The Day blog (see The Best Advice On Teaching K-12 Online (If We Have To Because Of The Coronavirus) - Please Make More Suggestions! ). And, of course, I’ve been trying to figure out how to support my own students as our district shuts down.

Nevertheless, in this time of crisis, reading and thinking about non-coronavirus topics can be a welcome diversion now and then. I put thinking about and reading about our favorite teachers into that “welcome diversion” category.

(This post is the first in a multipart series.)

The new question-of-the-week is:

Who was your favorite teacher when you were attending school, and why was she/he your favorite?

We all had favorite teachers when we were going to school, and I suspect that most of us hope that our students feel that way about us.

This series will share reflections from educators on their favorite teachers and what qualities made them so memorable. Perhaps we can apply these recollections toward improving our own daily practice.

Students Share Their Best School Experiences & What We Can Learn From Them is the all-time most popular post from this column. Keeping that in mind, a number of columns in this series will also share commentaries from present-day students about their favorite teachers.

Today’s post will share responses from Elizabeth Villanueva, Jessica Levine, Betty Cárdenas, and Jenny Vo. You can listen to a 10-minute conversation I had with the four of them on my BAM! Radio Show . You can also find a list of, and links to, previous shows here.

“Love and dedication”

Elizabeth Villanueva is a Spanish teacher and world-language department chair at Luther Burbank High School. She has been recognized as the 2018 National Education Association Social Justice Activist Award Finalist; 2018 California Teachers Association, César Chávez “Sí Se Puede Human Rights Award"; and Sacramento City Unified school district, Teacher of the Year 2015-2016. Elizabeth is an Ed.D., candidate at the University of San Francisco in the Learning and Instruction Doctoral Program with an emphasis in heritage-language maintenance:

When I first came to Salinas, Calif., at the age of almost 18 not knowing any English, I had an ESL teacher whose love and dedication for her students’ success made her my favorite teacher. Her name is Rosa Montoya, who was, for the very first time in my life that I remember, someone who told me I was smart. Ms. Montoya was the first teacher I encountered when I first attended Alisal High School in Salinas. I remember her being tall and skinny with a very deep and strong voice speaking in a language that I had no clue of what she was saying. That made me be afraid of her, or it was just the fact that I felt lost in her class at first for not being able to understand and communicate in English. I was not the only one feeling that way, since most of the students in her class were in a similar situation as myself as a new English-language learner who had recently arrived in this country.

As time passed, a group of friends and I looked for a safe spot to meet during lunch, and we found out that Ms. Montoya kept her classroom open during lunch, and her students were welcome to come and hang in there. It was during lunch that we would go and sit by her desk and just talked about our families or any difficult situations we were facing due to the fact that we were far from our home country. She would ask us what was something we missed the most or what we wanted to do once we graduated from high school.

One day in specific, during the spring semester a few weeks before summer break, I remember at the beginning of her lesson she was very happy and excited sharing something that I couldn’t understand much except for the word “Paris.” It is a cognate in Spanish, and that last syllable sounds the same in both languages. We didn’t know then that she spoke Spanish; we knew that she understood because we would speak to her in Spanish, and she would respond in English. After she explained in English her summer plans, she switched to Spanish to let us know that she was going to Paris for her summer break. I was amazed and speechless because it was the first time that I knew someone who was going to Europe, specifically Paris. Then during lunch, we came back to her classroom, and I asked her so many about her upcoming trip. Then one of her answers was, “Elizabeth, when you go to college, you will travel to Paris and so many other countries yourself.” That was the first time that I heard the word “college.” I didn’t know what exactly that meant, but the way that she said it with such determination and a belief in me made me believe that one day I would travel like her.

My hopes and dreams that one day I could be “someone” in this country flew up to the sky. That was just one example of the many times she would instill in me motivation and guidance so that I would apply myself to graduate from high school in two years. She was the one who introduced me to my counselor to ensure that I was getting the right classes that would help me learn English faster and complete the high school requirements. She gave me academic tools, guidance, and an English and Spanish dictionary that I still have. She motivated me by saying that if I studied and received a college education, I could also travel the world like her. Her trust, commitment, simplicity, and interest influenced me tremendously later on in college to decide to become a teacher. Ms. Montoya’s passion, love, and patience to teach her subject matter and students were transmitted instantly. I believed her. I was very fortunate to have had her.

She not only cared for my academic success but also for my well-being. Even when I was not in her class anymore because my second year in high school as a senior I was taking regular English classes, she was constantly checking in on me. That fear and intimidation that I first felt in her class became admiration and respect for her and her profession. She was intentional and purposeful. Now, I have become a passionate teacher and world traveler, hoping one day my students will get inspired and expand their horizons as well.

“She advocated for me”

Jessica Levine is an innovative educator who strives to provide exceptional learning experiences for students and adult learners. She has presented on multiple topics focused on effective technology integration and innovative practices at the national and local level. Connect with her on twitter: @SCTechJess:

I want you to reflect on your career as an educator. When designing lessons, implementing classroom-management strategies, and connecting with your students, do you find yourself thinking about your childhood experiences? To this day, I often think about the experiences I had as a student. Even though I’ve had some amazing teachers throughout my elementary, secondary, and postsecondary school years, there are two teachers who have played an integral part in my professional and personal life. It has been close to 20 years since I’ve been in middle school; however, the qualities Mr. Tagg and Mrs. Bendell displayed are unforgettable.

Mr. Tagg was my Algebra 1 Honors teacher in 8th grade at Berkeley Middle School. Math has always been my favorite subject in school, but having Mr. Tagg as a teacher made my math class even better. He was very approachable and enthusiastic about teaching. There was never a dull moment in his class. I remember engaging in fun lessons and learning practical strategies to solve complex algebra problems. The most memorable part of my class was when Mr. Tagg turned the topic of probability and statistics into a game-based baseball unit. We also went on a field trip to a minor-league baseball game in Charleston. It was a remarkable experience because I had an opportunity to see what I was learning in school right before my eyes in the real world. As an educator, I strive to re-enact moments like this for students and other educators in the classroom and through my professional-development sessions.

Another phenomenal teacher I had was Mrs. Bendell. She also taught at Berkeley Middle School where she was my 6th grade Honors English teacher. I can truly say she instilled a love for writing and public speaking within me. She provided me with so many strategies to develop great speeches and writing samples. She was my only English teacher who allowed my classmates and me to share all of our writing samples with one another. I used to look forward to delivering my speeches and hearing from my classmates to get new ideas. As an adult, I have had an opportunity to deliver a Ted talk at the 2019 ISTE Conference. I’ve also presented at multiple national, state, and local conferences.

When I think about Mrs. Bendell, I also remember her being an advocate for me. The first couple of weeks in middle school, I was in the wrong classes. Before coming to middle school, I was in gifted and talented classes. For some odd reason, my schedule did not reflect this when I went to middle school. One day I spoke with Mrs. Bendell and shared with her my concerns. I told her that I was not in the right classes and that I should be in her Honors English class. Instead of brushing it off, she advocated for me. She went to the guidance department to share this information with them. She also told them how she felt it was necessary to change my schedule. Long story short, Mrs. Bendell was able to get my schedule changed within two weeks. I will never forget what she did for me. This is why I make sure to advocate for all of my students. Every child needs educators who will have their best interest at heart.

Abdul Kalam said, “Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber, and future of an individual.” Educators must be mindful that everything they do has a lasting impression on their students. I’m thankful for the experiences I’ve had with Mr. Tagg and Mrs. Bendell for they have shaped my life. Thank you for being exceptional educators. You are my favorite teachers.

She helped me “establish my purpose”

Betty A. Cárdenas was a Texas bilingual educator for seven years and has most recently been serving as a bilingual/ESL & special education specialist for the Region One Education Service Center in the Rio Grande Valley. With a passion and dedication to the educational field, she is now pursuing doctoral courses in bilingual education at Texas A&M Kingsville. She seeks continuous learning experiences for herself that can help her provide all students with a feeling of success and enjoyment in school:

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” I remember being asked that question numerous times as a child. Now I wonder, is it possible that the knowing of who we aspire to be is the most important question to know the answer for? To me, this question never held more weight than it did my 4th grade year with Ms. Pérez.

I distinctly remember dividing my paper in half to draw a singer on one side (Selena Quintanilla was my idol) and a teacher on the other. Like any great teacher would, Ms. Pérez had us write the explanation for our choices underneath. Both reasons dealt with how these two actions made me feel. Singing gave me a sense of liberation and expression. Although I quickly realized that singing along to the radio or in the shower was enough singing satisfaction for me, I enjoyed dancing more, too. Teaching, though, teaching was another story.

Ms. Pérez gave us multiple group-work opportunities in which I would often take the leader role to help others, or she herself would assign us to assist. Being able to help others made me feel productive and useful, like I was making a difference. This feeling created a sense of purpose that went beyond completing my work. It was a sense of accomplishment to know I had made a difference in someone’s understanding. That’s what I was after when I decided to become a teacher.

Now as an educator, I’ve been asked the question, “Who was your favorite teacher?” multiple times. Usually, this question leads up to the importance of teaching the whole child. While my answer has always been, “Ms. Pérez,” and I rationalized my decision with her granting me the opportunity to realize the direction I wanted my life to take, I slowly realized it was much more than that. I have jogged my memory and discovered she stands out to me for more reasons than one.

Ms. Pérez was the patient type of teacher that always had encouraging words, she had high expectations, and rewarded our efforts. Even when we happened to break the rules, she would calmly inquire the reason for our behavior and helped us to see the importance of taking alternative steps. Moreover, as I went down memory lane, another profound memory I stumbled upon was my first day of school with Ms. Pérez. Like other parents, my dad walked me to her doorway. She greeted us with her genuine smile and communicated to him in Spanish that this would be my first school year to be in an all-English class but not to worry because she would still be giving me assistance as needed. “ Le va ir bien ,” she said, “she will do well.” I remember feeling the sense of importance in what she was saying, but at nine years of age didn’t realize why it was such a big deal. Hadn’t I already been receiving English instruction? I knew I had been receiving instruction in both languages and I had always been made to feel like both languages were valued and important. With Ms. Pérez, it was no different, but it did mark my transition year during which, in retrospect, being successful in her class only provided further validation.

Ms. Pérez did much more than present me with the opportunity to think of what I wanted to be when I grew up. She emphasized the importance of aspiration through her dedication to ensure I had a successful year since day one. She found my strengths and built upon them. Overall, she helped me believe—believe that I could be what I set out to be. Yet most importantly and unknowingly, by valuing me as whole, she marked the beginning of my need to provide students with the same empowering feeling that she provided me. With Ms. Pérez, I knew the answer not only to the most important question, but subconsciously I had also established my purpose: my why .

“Emotional support and love”

Jenny Vo earned her B.A. in English from Rice University and her M.Ed. in educational leadership from Lamar University. She has worked with English-learners during all of her 23 years in education and is currently an ESL ISST in Katy ISD in Katy, Texas:

I’ve had many amazing teachers during the years I was in school. A number of them still hold a special place in my heart—my 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Logsdon, my 5th grade teacher Mr. Wooley, and my 9th grade English teacher Mrs. Vurlicer are just a few. However, the title of my favorite teacher goes to Mrs. Virginia Newcomb. Mrs. Newcomb has been my favorite teacher ever since I met her in 3rd grade at Robert F. Elementary School in San Jose, Calif. Mrs. Newcomb was actually the school librarian, but she also served as the gifted and talented teacher for our campus. My relationship with Mrs. Newcomb started when I qualified for the GT program in 3rd grade.

I started at Kennedy Elementary as a 2nd grader in 1981. We had just arrived in the United States that year—my dad and I. My mother and younger siblings were still in Vietnam. My dad and I had been reunited with my grandmother and uncle, who had come to the United States in 1985. At that time, we were living in a two-bedroom apartment with another family. I did not know much English—only a few words that I had learned from a few classes on the refugee island. But I was a voracious learner, soaking up everything like a sponge. I stayed after school and joined one of the 3rd grade classes when they had tutorials. I picked up the language quickly and was recommended and qualified for the GT program the next year in 3rd grade. From then on, this motherless girl found a mother and a second family in the form of our school’s sweet librarian and my GT teacher—Mrs. Virginia Newcomb.

Once I started the gifted and talented classes, Mrs. Newcomb and I were pretty much inseparable. I stayed after school helping her to shelve books (and reading all of them as I shelve!) and inventorying and tagging books in the summer. My love for reading blossomed under her tutelage. Our summer weekends were spent at church and garage sales. I still vividly remember driving around in her convertible with the top down and feeling the breeze blowing on my face.

Even though my family moved to another area when I started junior high, my weekends and summers with Mrs. Newcomb continued. Vacation bible school sessions were my favorite because I saw her every day! One summer, she even took me to Disneyland! I so cherished those days with Mrs. Newcomb and her daughter, Linda! My uncle and dad were busy working so we didn’t go anywhere, so my time with Mrs. Newcomb were a reprieve from those lonely Saturdays and Sundays cooped up in the apartment. Sadly, those weekends ended when my family moved to Texas in 1986. However, Mrs. Newcomb and I still kept in touch through letters and phone calls. The frequency got less and less as I grew older, but the love was still ever present. When I got married in 1994, Mrs. Newcomb and Linda flew over from California to attend my wedding. When I gave birth to my daughter, I received an ABC book that Mrs. Newcomb had painstakingly created for Kaitlin. We exchange Christmas cards and letters every year. I hope to bring my two children to visit her soon! Mrs. Newcomb will always be my favorite teacher because of the emotional support and love she gave me when I needed these things so desperately.

Thanks to Elizabeth, Jessica, Betty, and Jenny for their contributions!

Please feel free to leave a comment with your reactions to the topic or directly to anything that has been said in this post.

Consider contributing a question to be answered in a future post. You can send one to me at [email protected] . When you send it in, let me know if I can use your real name if it’s selected or if you’d prefer remaining anonymous and have a pseudonym in mind.

You can also contact me on Twitter at @Larryferlazzo .

Education Week has published a collection of posts from this blog, along with new material, in an e-book form. It’s titled Classroom Management Q&As: Expert Strategies for Teaching .

Just a reminder; you can subscribe and receive updates from this blog via email or RSS Reader. And if you missed any of the highlights from the first eight years of this blog, you can see a categorized list below. The list doesn’t include ones from this current year, but you can find those by clicking on the “answers” category found in the sidebar.

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Race & Gender Challenges

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Ace Your First Day: 5 Ways to Impress Your Teacher

As you embark on your academic journey, it’s important to remember that your teachers are here to support and guide you. While you may be nervous about starting a new school or class, impressing your teacher doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

If your teacher doesn’t like you, it’s important to first figure out why that is. Have you been misbehaving in class or not doing your work? If so, you should start by changing your behavior and doing your best in class .

Once you’ve done that, here are some tips to help you make a positive impression:

Participate in class

One way to impress your teacher is to actively participate in class, engage with the material by answering questions and asking thoughtful questions. Doing this shows that you are taking the class seriously and are eager to learn.

Listen and be respectful

Be present: show up to class on time and be attentive. Avoid distractions like your phone or socializing with friends during class. Your teacher will appreciate your dedication and focus on the material.

Listening helps you understand . “Seek first to understand,” as Stephen Covey reminds in his 7 Habits of Highly Successful People .

When you want to impress your teacher, it’s important to first try to understand them. That means listening carefully to what they say and asking questions if you don’t understand something.

You should also pay attention to how your teacher teaches and how they interact with the class. This can help you prepare better for class and be more engaged during lessons.

It’s also a good idea to listen to your classmates and their ideas. By being an active listener and participating in class discussions, you can show your teacher that you are committed to learning and doing well in school.

By doing all these things, you can impress your teacher and show them that you are a great student who cares about their education.

Regardless of the teacher’s behavior towards you, it is important to always demonstrate respect in your interactions with them: use a polite and professional tone, maintain eye contact, and avoid interrupting them even if they are clearly misinformed. This behavior displays maturity and professionalism, particularly in challenging situations.

Always be polite and respectful to your teacher, even if they’re not being nice to you. Say “please” and “thank you” when appropriate, and avoid talking back or being confrontational. You do not need to admire your teacher if they have not earned your respect, but refuse to lower your own standards of conduct. Continue to be polite and respectful even if the teacher is immature or shows character defects. Everybody is on their own journey.

Your teacher wants to see you succeed and will appreciate your efforts to make a positive impression. By being present, participating, doing your best, showing respect, and seeking help when needed, you can make a great impression on your teacher.

Timing: Show up prepared; do your homework or assignments

Arrive prepared and on time . Ensure that you arrive on time for class and have all the necessary materials, such as textbooks, notebooks, and writing instruments. Being organized and prepared demonstrates that you are committed and responsible.

Make sure you complete all your assignments on time and to the best of your ability. This will show your teacher that you’re willing to put in the effort to succeed in their class.

Ask for clarification or help

If you’re struggling with the material or have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask your teacher for help. They want to see you succeed and will be happy to provide guidance.

Schedule a meeting with your teacher during office hours or reach out to a classmate for assistance. Demonstrating a willingness to put in extra effort to succeed can strengthen your relationship with your teacher and will show them that you’re committed to learning and improving.

Be positive and do your best

Produce high-quality work : do your best. Put in effort and take pride in your work. Turn in assignments on time and always strive for excellence. Your teacher will notice your hard work and dedication.

Try to maintain a positive attitude in class, even if you’re not enjoying the subject or your teacher’s teaching style. Smile, participate, and show your teacher that you’re willing to work hard and do your best.

Remember, it’s important to be patient and persistent. Winning over a teacher who doesn’t like you may take some time, but if you’re committed to improving your behavior and working hard in class, you’ll eventually earn their respect and admiration, or at least you’ll have your own!

How to Impress a Teacher Who Hates You?

Impressing a teacher who seems to dislike you can be a difficult task, but there are ways to turn the situation around. Remain calm, respectful, and committed to doing your best. While you may not be able to change their opinion of you overnight, you can work on improving your relationship and showing them that you are a dedicated and hardworking student.

Being a good student means being committed to your learning goals. Your commitment is impressive to your teachers and inspiring to your classmates. Stay attentive in class, participate by asking and answering questions when appropriate, listen to your teacher, and follow directions carefully. Don’t settle for just achieving a passing grade by doing the minimum work required. That kind of thinking is short-sighted and demotivating

Why should you strive to impress your teacher? Teachers have the power to either make your educational pursuits less enjoyable or open doors of opportunity for you. Life is all about building relationships, and while you should never treat people as means to an end, it’s important to remember that everything you receive in life is due to the actions of someone else.

Have a Growth Mindset for Learning: Be Courageous Enough to Try Something New

By now you’ve heard of Dweck’s two learning mindsets:

the Fixed mindset: “I was born this way and therefore no amount of practice is going to change my natural ability” and
the Growth mindset: “I can learn anything if I focus and consistently practice this new skill.”

To impress your teacher, you need to adopt a growth mindset for learning.

This means being courageous enough to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Don’t be afraid of failure or making mistakes; instead, embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning.

Show your teacher that you are willing to take risks and challenge yourself. When you approach learning with a growth mindset, you are more likely to persevere through difficult tasks, learn from your mistakes, and ultimately achieve success — no downsides except for possibly the short-term discomfort you feel before seeing the results over the long-term.

Be brave and don’t shy away from new challenges. Your teacher will be impressed by your willingness to learn and grow.

And don’t do it for your teacher, do it for yourself. A life well-lived is the greatest revenge anyway.

Try it out for yourself. The classroom is for learning. Learning is a process of trial and error. Be willing to make mistakes and look dumb; if you do your best and push through the fear of social judgment, you will surpass your expectations and leave naysayers in the dust.

Impress Your Teacher on the First Day of Class

As you prepare for the first day of class, remember that impressing your teacher is not just about showing off your intelligence or academic abilities; being an inspiring element in the classroom is about demonstrating your dedication, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn.

Arrive on time, dressed appropriately, and with a positive attitude.

Introduce yourself confidently and make eye contact.

Participate in class discussions, ask questions, and engage with the material.

Take notes and show an eagerness to learn.

Be respectful to your teacher and classmates.

First impressions are important, and by showing your teacher that you are serious about your education and committed to doing your best, you are setting yourself up for success throughout the semester. So, go ahead, impress your teacher on the first day of class, and set the tone for a successful academic year.

Y ou are rewarding a teacher poorly if you remain always a pupil. nietzsche

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Impressing Your Teacher

It is a fact of school life that your final grades are assigned by your teachers. Teachers base your grades on performance measures such as homework completion, test scores, written papers, and oral presentations. Beyond these performance measures, teachers also take into account their impression of you as a member of their class.

Here are 25 things you can do to create a favorable impression with your teachers.

Show a positive attitude about the class.
Ask relevant questions.
Participate in discussions.
Arrive in class on time.
Maintain consistent attendance.
Pay attention.
Ask for help when needed.
Help the teacher when appropriate.
Dress neatly.
Be pleasant.
Maintain good personal hygiene.
Show self-control.
Put forth your best effort.
Follow directions.
Keep your desk or work space neat.
Take notes.
Avoid confrontations with your teachers.
Unless otherwise directed, turn off all electronics such an iPod or cell phone.
Be a good listener.
Show respect.
Turn in assignments before their due date.
Do extra credit assignments.
Show concern for the other students.
Show that you have learned from your teachers’ feedback.

Creating a favorable impression is a good thing to do in any aspect of your life. Creating a good impression with your teachers can help you achieve better grades.

How to Make a Good Impression on Your TEACHER

Mayleen Dolores

August 31, 2018

That’s what we always say when teachers call our names at the start of each class. But are we really present? Physically, we may be in the class, but are we really there mentally and emotionally?

As a former teacher, I can sense if a student is in my class or drifting far away to Neverland, where they imagine being young boys and girls playing and doing whatever they want, whenever they want.

“School is your second home.”

“Teachers are considered your second parents.”

Have you heard these lines a thousand times? I have. And I take these seriously. Majority of your day is spent in school with your classmates and teachers. If that’s the case, you might as well enjoy every minute of it.

My fondest memories as a teacher were being with my students more than preparing the lesson plan, materials, or the PowerPoint presentation. (Haha! Who here still knows what that is?)

If you were to ask me how you can have a good and lasting impression with your teachers, here you go:

Be present physically.

Being in class on time is a very good start. Frequent tardiness and absence communicate disinterest. It’s just like saying, “I don’t like your subject,” or “You’re too boring.”

Your teacher knows if you’re just making an excuse every time you’re absent or late. They make mental notes of each student.

Suggestion:

If you find your teacher boring, try to approach him or her without anyone hearing you. Give constructive criticism and suggestions that can make the class more interesting and engaging. A great teacher knows how to listen and appreciate good suggestions.

Instead of boycotting, be there!

“Inform your teachers of your learning style. Tell them if you’re a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner.”

Be present emotionally.

I once taught History and Filipino classes for a year; my schedule was one after the other. Imagine being in a class for two hours each day, teaching two different subjects right after another. I was handling three classes at that time!

One day after teaching History, it was time for Filipino. This class was composed mostly of boys, and this was their last subject for the day. Everyone was restless. Maybe they were tired, but who wasn’t?

So I stood in front of the class quietly and looked at each one of them. After five minutes of being ignored, “Let’s have a short break,” I said as my voice was breaking. I went to the faculty room and began to cry on my desk. I was spent for that day. I just wanted a release before going back to my class. After a few minutes, one of my students went into the room and said, “Teacher, I am so sorry. We were very rude.” And another student came and another and another. Each one came to faculty room apologizing. I was overwhelmed with joy. We went back to the class with more love and respect for one another. I treasure those students for life!

Being a teacher means pouring out your time, energy, and emotions to each class you have and each student you handle. After being a teacher for five years, I have great respect for all the teachers who see teaching not just as a profession, but a calling—a noble calling of investing your life to the next generation, believing that through the time and love you give, you help shape a better future for your student and this nation.

Mayleen is part of the administrative staff of Victory Fort Bonifacio. She was reached out to and discipled in UP Los Baños. Although she is not a full-time missionary, she has always had a heart for the next generation. She likes watching movies and seeing the beauty of God’s creation. She feels privileged to be a part in making an impact in the lives of the next generation.

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The student teaching experience: being a cooperating teacher.

I have a friend whose daughter just started her student teaching experience. She had met her cooperating teacher for the first time—it sounded like it went well, but one comment stood out. She said, “I shared an idea with the cooperating teacher, and she said she really liked it!”

What an early impact this can make in the formation of a new teacher! By simply validating an idea, the teacher started building a connection, encouraging her enthusiasm, and setting a tone of reflective practice for the semester. It didn’t take much, but there is already a positive connection being built between the student and the teacher.

The student teaching experience can be really great or really bad (I have witnessed both). Because so much hinges on a great relationship between the cooperating teacher and the student teacher, it is important to be as positive and proactive as possible when starting out. Here are some helpful hints for the cooperating teacher to remember as they get started on this amazing journey:

If you want to be listened to, you need to listen: It may seem hard—new teachers have idealistic concepts of how the classrooms are “supposed” to work. Much of this comes from their courses in college. If cooperating teachers don’t listen to the student teacher, the enthusiasm for the profession will quickly be lost. The relationship between student teacher and cooperating teacher is vital to success, and the onus is on the cooperating teacher to keep that relationship a positive one.
Remember who they are: This sounds really simplistic, but it is key to see student teachers as both students and teachers. They need to be given the reins of the classroom to gain the experience, but they are still students. They need to be taught, at times directly and explicitly. It is easy to fall into the trap of treating them like another teacher, but remember to focus on teaching them skills they need and refining skills they already have.
Model reflective practice: Great teachers reflect often. For new teachers, this may not come naturally. Early on in the student teaching experience, the cooperating teacher should model how to adjust a lesson after reflecting on it. This should be done aloud and with intent so the student teacher can see and hear how it looks and sounds.
Be honest: This is not the same as being cruel. Being honest can be done in a respectful and professional manner. It doesn’t mean that feedback is negative, but if there is something that needs improved, do a future principal a favor and give the honest feedback that they need to hear.
Encourage them to expand their awareness and experience: Having a student teacher can feel like having a shadow sometimes. After a few months, the cooperating teacher might feel like they need some space. This is natural, but cooperating teachers need to fight the urge to limit the student teaching experience to “just teaching.” By being open to letting them tag along to professional learning, IEP meetings, staff meetings, and parent meetings, student teachers gain an exposure that is needed for their career. Be sure to remember confidentiality concerns when doing this—I encourage cooperating teachers to check with parents first to make sure it is okay to have the student teacher present at a meeting.
Don’t stifle their enthusiasm: Many student teachers are really excited to begin their experience—and it makes sense why. After thousands of dollars and many hours committed to becoming a professional teacher, they are finally there. We want to make sure they keep that excitement and passion since it is so important to have for all teachers. This enthusiasm can turn into ideas that are probably less than stellar. Even so, don’t discourage them to try. With a true growth mindset in place, failure is how we learn. Without failure, we probably aren’t stretching ourselves and getting out of our comfort zones. It is okay for a student teacher to bomb a lesson or make a mistake—as long as the reflective practice is in place and the cooperating teacher can help them adjust to improve.

Student teaching is a formative experience for the student teacher, but hopefully the cooperating teacher can also learn from it. By remembering some of these helpful tips, the cooperating teacher can support the student teacher as they enter into an amazing profession and a long, successful career.

Looking for additional support, ideas, and tips from other educators? Join MimioConnect, an online educator community that allows you to share ideas, lessons, and much more.

Topics: Administrator Resources , tips for teachers

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How to Make a Great First Impression

Rebecca Knight

Prepare talking points ahead of time.

The saying “You only have one chance to make a first impression” holds true in many situations, from job interviews to sales calls. How can you make sure that you start off on the right foot in any of these scenarios? What should you actually say? And what’s the best way to follow up?

RK Rebecca Knight is a journalist who writes about all things related to the changing nature of careers and the workplace. Her essays and reported stories have been featured in The Boston Globe, Business Insider, The New York Times, BBC, and The Christian Science Monitor. She was shortlisted as a Reuters Institute Fellow at Oxford University in 2023. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade as an editor and reporter at the Financial Times in New York, London, and Boston.

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What are the first impressions in your school(s)?

Joe Nathan / 2012 , Columns (J. Nathan) /

What do you see when you first walk into a school? Every week I visit several schools in this or other states. The differences are dramatic. First impressions and important, whether for individual or an institution, I think what a school chooses to display in its “front hall” or entry area tells you a lot about what the school values most.

Some schools, whether elementary, middle or high school, focus on pictures of young people who are excellent athletes. I’ve walked into a number of schools that feature pictures of young people have been named “all conference” or “all state,” or have helped the school win an athletic championship.

Some schools have pictures that display a broader range of accomplishment. In these schools, a visitor encounters young people who have won art, agriculture, dance, drama, math, music, history, science, spelling or special education competitions, as well as those who are outstanding athletes. The teachers/coaches who worked with these teams often are included.

Some places have “student of the month” awards for various accomplishments. Some will honor “most improved” students.

To be fair, sometimes students are excel in academics also are outstanding in academics or some form of artistic expression.

Sometimes school have pictures of students who are carrying out some form of community service. I’ve seen young people helping help to clean up a forest, working with senior citizens, tutoring younger students or creating booklets and oral histories of their community.

Some schools display trophies or other forms of recognition that students have won. Once again, the range of recognition varies. Sometimes the trophies are only from athletics, and sometimes there is a broader array presented.

Some schools also have pictures of family and community members who have provided outstanding service to the school. And you sometimes find pictures of outstanding graduates. I’ve seen pictures of former legislators, pro football or hockey players, governors and a Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court.

A growing number of schools highlight the two and four year colleges that their graduates are attending. These schools also note which students have graduated from these programs to help promote and encourage the value of ongoing learning.

The wisest schools honor a wide range of accomplishment. They recognize and convey the value of arts, academics, athletics and service. They honor families and other community members who have made important contributions to the school and its students. And they include the teaches/coaches who have helped young people achieve, often more than the young people thought possible.

First impressions often are lasting impressions. Since schools aim to help young people develop an array of talents and knowledge, shouldn’t they make this clear as people first walk into their building?

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How to Make a Good First Impression On Your Students

The first day of school will soon be upon many teachers. We’ll spend the night before tossing and turning, our brains sparking with anticipation, excitement, and anxiety. We know how important it is to get the first day right.

We’re setting a tone, establishing a culture, and sending messages with everything we say and do. At the very least, we want to make a good impression on our students. They’re going to be spending more time with us than with their parents over the next ten months, and it’s important they like us enough to want to come back each day.

About a month ago, a teacher who had just been hired for her first job wrote me and asked what I do to make a good first impression on students. Here’s what I told her:

Table of Contents

Dress Professionally

I always wear a tie on the first day, even if it’s 95 degrees and we’re going outside for an icebreaker. People judge others based on their appearances. We don’t have to like this fact to know that it’s true. Kids are people, and they are especially harsh and honest critics. Don’t look like a slob. If you want to be treated like a professional, dress like one. If you want authority (and you should), wear the uniform .

Know Your Students’ Names

When I was a kid I was a huge baseball fan. I knew stats, the value of almost every rookie card I owned, and the jersey numbers of every player on the Detroit Tigers. It’s easy to memorize stuff that’s important to you. Knowing your students names on the first day is important. To the extent possible, know your students’ names before they walk in on day one. Get hold of a yearbook, highlight the kids on your roster, and study their names and faces. You’ll be able to call on them by name that first day, and your continual use of their names will make it easier for classmates to learn them. It will also prevent you from needing to play that horrible name game that wastes time and makes students uncomfortable.

Note: If you’re looking for good icebreakers, check out this article from Cult of Pedagogy

Project Confidence and Authority

Confidence and authority come from experience, but lacking that, fake it if you must. Preparation will give you confidence and confidence lends you authority, so over-prepare. Speak assertively, even if you don’t feel assertive. Leave no doubt that you believe 100 percent in what you’re saying, even if you suspect you might be full of shit. Students want to feel like they’re being led by someone who knows what they’re doing. They also want to feel safe, and having a confident, assertive teacher that sets limits sends the message that their learning will be protected.

Part of the confidence you display can be in how relaxed you are in front of your students. Smiling breaks down barriers and conveys the message that you’re comfortable and nothing will ruffle your feathers. Smiling makes people more likable. It also makes you seem more intelligent . And you can be assertive without being a grump. When a kid asks you if they’re allowed to [fill-in-the-blank], tell them assertively, “Nope.” Then smile.

Use Your Hands When You Speak

Research shows that people like speakers who use their hands. They find them more charismatic. A study of TED Talks found a correlation between the number of hand gestures and the number of views. A cardinal sin is putting your hands in your pockets. Even if you don’t gesture, keep your hands visible. It makes you seem more open and approachable.

Make Eye Contact

A problem I had early in my career was not looking at my students. I’d look over them, but not actually at them. Good speakers make a personal connection to listeners by looking them in the eyes as they talk. Try to make eye contact for three seconds with a student before moving on to another one. Looking at your students sends two important messages:

You’re talking for their benefit, not just to hear yourself.
You’re “with it.” Students will realize you’ll notice if they’re not paying attention.

Show Vulnerability

One way to quickly connect with others is to share something personal. Showing vulnerability makes you authentic. You’ll immediately humanize yourself. Nobody likes people who act like they’re perfect. Be willing to tell your students something that embarrasses you a little. You might start by telling them how nervous you are. Since they are nervous too, this will help them relate to you and begin to erode walls that exist between teachers and students.

What else do you do to establish rapport, build relationships, and make a great first impression on your students? Let us know in the comments or on Facebook.

COMMENTS

write an essay about my teacher and my hero
My teacher is my hero. What sets my coach separate is their ability to introduce a love for education. They create each lesson charming and stimulating, sparking interest and artistry in their students. Beyond the lecture room, my scholar serves as a example, demonstrating the significance of generosity, completeness, and difficult labor.
Write an essay on your experience to show how one of your teachers has
Write an essay on your experience to show how one of your teachers has left an indelible impression on your mind. ... The profound impression the teacher left is not only tangible in terms of the student's considerable literary prowess but also, more subtly, in their approach to understanding and interpreting the world around them. Learn more ...
Write a paragraph on MY FIRST TEACHER
Answer: Here's an essay on the topic 'My First Teacher'. Explanation: Everyone has their favorite teacher during their school days and even after finishing school. Likewise, my first and my favorite teacher was my chemistry sir in class 11 and class 12. That's because, he was really different from all other teachers handling subjects.
3 Ways to Make a Good Impression on Your Teacher
Some people recommend "dressing for success" as a student — that is, wearing slightly more refined, stylish clothes than comfy sweats, etc. — in order to make a good impression. This is an option, but a nice smile is the easiest (and cheapest) way to make a good visual impression. 3. Keep a positive attitude.
Essay on My Teacher: Top 5 Essays on My Teacher
Based on your requirements, you can select an essay, written both in long and short form. Contents. List of Essays on My Teacher in English. Essay on My Teacher - Essay 1 (300 Words) Essay on My Teacher - Essay 2 (400 Words) Essay on My Teacher - Essay 3 (500 Words) Essay on My Teacher - Essay 4 (750 Words)
How to Impress Teachers With Your Essay: 6 Steps (with Pictures)
1. Be creative. The intro will make or break your essay. The key is to attract the teacher's attention away from the TV or computers screen and fully onto your essay. In the intro, be creative. Use an analogy, tell a personal experience story, whatever you do, start out with a something different! 2. Add emotion.
First Impressions Matter. For teachers and students, too
2. Show Your Personality and Passion. Don't be afraid to show your personality and passion for what you are teaching. A little self-disclosure can go a long way.
Reflections on Our Favorite Teachers (Opinion)
Educators must be mindful that everything they do has a lasting impression on their students. I'm thankful for the experiences I've had with Mr. Tagg and Mrs. Bendell for they have shaped my ...
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Your teacher wants to see you succeed and will appreciate your efforts to make a positive impression. By being present, participating, doing your best, showing respect, and seeking help when needed, you can make a great impression on your teacher. Timing: Show up prepared; do your homework or assignments . Arrive prepared and on time. Ensure ...
Impressing Your Teacher
Here are 25 things you can do to create a favorable impression with your teachers. Come to class prepared for that day's session. Show a positive attitude about the class. Ask relevant questions. Participate in discussions. Arrive in class on time. Maintain consistent attendance. Pay attention. Ask for help when needed.
How to Make a Good Impression on Your TEACHER
Give constructive criticism and suggestions that can make the class more interesting and engaging. A great teacher knows how to listen and appreciate good suggestions. Instead of boycotting, be there! "Inform your teachers of your learning style. Tell them if you're a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner.".
Making A Good Impression On Your Teacher
And it goes without saying, no juice stains, no creases or folds, and no teeth marks (canine or otherwise). 5) Be on time. There's no easier way to impress than by being in your seat, ready to learn, when the bell rings. There are few things more glaring than interrupting your teacher midsentence to do the "walk of shame" from the classroom ...
The Student Teaching Experience: Being a Cooperating Teacher
Early on in the student teaching experience, the cooperating teacher should model how to adjust a lesson after reflecting on it. This should be done aloud and with intent so the student teacher can see and hear how it looks and sounds. Be honest: This is not the same as being cruel. Being honest can be done in a respectful and professional manner.
Descriptive essay is to describe the first impressions ...
Answer: Explanation: Entering my imaginary early learning environment for the first time filled me with excitement.The brightly lit room was full of children engaged in various activities, with supportive teachers creating a warm and creative atmosphere.The environment was designed to encourage exploration and discovery, with a rich array of materials and resources available.
Why are introductions important?
Introductions in essays are important for several reasons. Firstly, they provide the first impression of your essay to the reader. Much like a 'get-to-know-you' conversation, it sets the tone and can either engage or dissuade the reader from continuing to read on. Secondly, introductions provide the topic of your essay. This gives the reader a ...
How to Make a Great First Impression
How to Make a Great First Impression. by. Rebecca Knight. September 12, 2016. Save. The saying "You only have one chance to make a first impression" holds true in many situations, from job ...
Presonal Writing: My First Impression Of My Teacher Miss Vicki
Presonal Writing: My First Impression of My Teacher Miss Vicki. My first impression of Miss Vicki was a highly authorative figure towering over me. Her voice boomed and the earth shook whenever she marched. She seemed like such an unapproachable and distant person. That was in the first year of High School.
What were your very first impressions about your teacher ...
Answer:frick. Explanation: ela4 hes chill . cunsumer math excuse me ? psychology not again;c . physics yay wait y isnt he purple . library aid shes cool
What are the first impressions in your school(s)?
The differences are dramatic. First impressions and important, whether for individual or an institution, I think what a school chooses to display in its "front hall" or entry area tells you a lot about what the school values most. Some schools, whether elementary, middle or high school, focus on pictures of young people who are excellent ...
How to Make a Good First Impression On Your Students
Use Your Hands When You Speak. Research shows that people like speakers who use their hands. They find them more charismatic. A study of TED Talks found a correlation between the number of hand gestures and the number of views. A cardinal sin is putting your hands in your pockets. Even if you don't gesture, keep your hands visible.
Can u give me an essay on first impression can be misleading
First impressions can be misleading. Why are initial perceptions often inaccurate? Human beings are wired to form quick judgments based on limited information when encountering new people or situations. This tendency leads to the phenomenon where first impressions can be misleading.
fluffybunnycat9284 is waiting for your help.
First impressions matter and can provide valuable insights but they are not always correct. It's important to consider first impressions, but equally important to remain open to changing these views as we gather more information. Explanation: First impressions, in my view, carry substantial weight, but they're not infallible.
Recall a time when your first impression turned out to be ...
The first impression about a new neighbor was they were antisocial, but after they hosted a party, it became clear that the initial impression was wrong, reminding the importance of avoiding premature judgements. Explanation: I recall a situation where I had a first impression about a new neighbor that turned out to be wrong. When they first ...

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What are the first impressions in your school(s)?

How to Make a Good First Impression On Your Students

Dress Professionally

Know Your Students’ Names

Project Confidence and Authority

Use Your Hands When You Speak

Make Eye Contact