I’m just starting high school and know that some day I will need to have teachers write me recommendations for college. Is there anything I can do to prepare for that?
You are so smart to be thinking about teacher relationships at this early stage of your high school career. To begin with, having good relations with teachers will make your high school experience an overall better one. While this won’t be true for all, at least some teachers can have a special place in your life ranging from role model, to mentor, to good friend during and even after high school. Here are some things you can do: • During the first week of class, make a point of introducing yourself so that teachers know who you are. • In and outside of class, be polite to your teachers. Say hello when you see them in the hallways or wherever you might bump into them. • Always arrive at classes on time. • Engage in class discussions. Speak up when teachers ask questions, but don’t “hog” classroom discussions. • Always complete homework and papers on time. To get teacher’s special esteem, go beyond their normal expectations and do extra assignments. • As soon as you find that you don’t
