by David Aaron White

Created on: April 06, 2009   Last Updated: March 30, 2010

Teachers deserve the respect of their students because they work hard to educate them and prepare them for the adult world. Students wouldn't get anywhere in life if they didn't have good teachers, so they shouldn't be taken for granted or disrespected; additionally, they should be admired to some extent (well, the good ones, at least). After all, if you weren't a teacher, do you think you could handle giving instructions to students aged 14-18, many of whom are probably bigger than you? It's a tough job that doesn't pay very well in high schools, and here are some ways to show your respect and admiration for your teachers:

Pay attention in class. Sit up straight, keep your eyes on your teacher, keep a notebook out, and come prepared with a pen or pencil each and every day. By doing this, you show your teacher that you are ready to learn, or that you "respect" that he or she is trying to teach you, and are doing everything possible to make his or her job just that much easier. The easiest ways to disrespect a teacher are to slouch in your seat, talk to the student next to you, refrain from taking notes, and to use a cellular phone in class. Folks, this is a "freebie" that allows your teacher to feel respected.

Ask questions in class. This gives the teacher your respect and your admiration, to some extent. Consider this: if someone is interested in learning more about you, or the subject that you teach, isn't he or she more likely to ask questions? By asking questions, you let the teacher know that you respect him or her enough to participate in class, and you also display curiosity for his or her subject, which is parallel with admiration. When you receive an answer to a question, you should say "thank you," or inquire further, for either one shows that you're genuinely interested in learning the subject (or at least learning enough to pass your examinations).

Go to your teacher for help if you are struggling in his or her class. Not only is this a good way for you to show that you respect your teacher, but this is also a way to earn your teacher's respect towards you. If you go for extra help, you're telling the teacher, "I need help in this class, and I respect you enough to come to you." This also shows that you respect the teacher enough not to take up class time asking questions that only you are dealing with, i.e., not holding back the class. Additionally, the admiration factor comes in when you consider that you're humbling yourself by admitting that you need help, and declaring that your teacher can help you. Don't people admire you when you help them out?

There's nothing wrong with saying hello. If you pass a teacher in the hallway, don't be afraid to wave and say, "Hi," or something along those lines. Many adults tend to think that teenagers only respect their peers enough to greet them, so in a sense, if you say "hello" to a teacher in the hallway, you're stating that you respect your teacher as an equal or superior. This is really just basic respect: if you pass someone you know, and are on good terms with, then you should acknowledge his or her existence anyway.

Those are the best ways to show that you admire and respect your teacher. You don't have to be a brown-noser, suck-up, teacher's pet, or whatever they're called these days; just be a good kid, and you'll be fine. In fact, a way to look at this would be to treat your teacher like a friend; a friend who's much older than you and you can't say curse words around. You would pay attention to your friends, ask them questions if you don't follow what they're saying, ask them for help when you're struggling, and, of course, say hi to them when you run into each other, wouldn't you? Teachers can be your friends too!

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