Elevate your academic and personal success with these techniques.
Have you ever stayed after class to talk to your teacher? Building genuine relationships with your teachers and counselor can have a number of benefits, including increased academic success, improved communication, and greater support and guidance. Here are some tips for building genuine relationships with your teachers and counselor:
Be respectful and professional: One of the key foundations of any relationship is mutual respect. Make sure to always be respectful and professional in your interactions with your teachers and counselor. For example, if you have a question about a grade, bring it up during a quiet moment and appear presentable. They’ll be more likely to consider your request.
Communicate openly and honestly: It's important to be open and honest with your teachers and counselor about your needs, concerns, and goals. This will help them better understand you and support you in your academic and personal development.
Show appreciation and gratitude: A little appreciation and gratitude can go a long way in building positive relationships. Make sure to thank your teachers and counselor for their help and support, and let them know how much you value their guidance. An amazing opportunity to do this is during the holiday season: consider giving your favorite teachers a personal card, or at the very least, a store-bought one. Even small gifts like candles or cookies can go a long way in showing that you care.
Seek out opportunities to connect: Building genuine relationships requires effort and commitment from both parties. Seek out opportunities to connect with your teachers and counselor outside of class or counseling sessions, whether it's through email, phone, or in-person meetings. Don’t be shy to talk about other subjects than school—chances are that your teachers would love to hear about your day or extracurricular activities!
Be open to feedback and constructive criticism: Feedback and constructive criticism can be an important part of building genuine relationships. Make sure to listen carefully to what your teachers and counselor have to say, and be open to their feedback and suggestions for improvement. Whatever you do, do not raise your voice or act aggressively if you disagree with what they say.
By following these tips, you can build genuine, positive relationships with your teachers and counselor that will support you in your academic and personal development. Remember, these relationships are built over time, so be patient and don't be afraid to put in the effort to make them strong and meaningful.