Respect for teachers should be automatic. This is so because they are in a position of authority, they are performing a valuable service that is acutely needed, and everyone deserves respect by virtue of the fact they are a person. Some teachers command respect and receive it, others demand respect and are scorned. And of course, teachers who abuse their authority in any way should not be teaching our young people.
How can teens show respect and even admiration for their teachers?
One of the easiest, simplest ways is by being attentive in class. If the teenager listens to the teacher when they are speaking, this is a showing of respect. This entails not only keeping one's mouth closed, but tuning in with the ears and the mind to what is being said. To sit and day dream is not listening. To be actively talking to others, texting, or doodling is not listening. But to sit upright and give full attention as the teacher speaks is one of the best ways to show respect. The taking of notes can assist the mind in paying attention.
Another good way is to address the teacher with the preface of Miss, Ms. or Mrs. with the ladies and Mister for the gentlemen, using their proper last name. And to say, 'Yes, Ma'am', 'No, Ma'am', 'Yes, Sir,' and 'No, Sir' when answering. It's also respectful to answer when asked a question as opposed to sitting silently brooding about being called upon for participation.
When the teen student hands in their assignment on time, this is showing respect to their instructor. When they are called upon to read in class or go to the board to write an answer and they do this willingly without complaint, they are showing respect. Another very fine way to show respect is to work quietly rather than acting out or being disruptive when the teacher has to leave the room for some reason.
Admiration is not the same as respect and therefore cannot be ordered up as one would fries and a shake. One cannot force another to show admiration as one can order respect. Admiration is earned by the teacher and given freely by the student. Admiration is not automatic for the adult as respect should be.
Admiration, by definition, is to like, to take pleasure in, hold in high regard, think highly of, value and prize. Respect can be a part of admiration, but it is not the whole of it. Therefore, if a teen admires the teacher, they will also respect that one, and will find it much easier to show it. A teacher can earn admiration but a student shouldn't be expected to admire those instructors who do not earn it. After all, you like someone because they are likeable, not because you are expected to like them or they want you to.
To sum it up then, teens who listen to their teachers, answer when called upon, address the teacher with appropriate titles, complete their assignments and behave in and out of their teacher's presence, are showing respect. And if they genuinely admire their teacher, respect will then be automatic.