As a high school teacher, one of my favorite things about my job is working with students one-on-one after school. However, in talking to parents, I often learn that students are too shy to ask for help.

Remember, it's the teacher's job to help you, and nothing makes a teacher happier than feeling like he's doing his job well.

Use these tips to feel more comfortable approaching your teachers and making this a school year to remember!

First: Time your approach

If you're nervous about approaching your teacher, wait until she has some free time; the very beginning of class when she's trying to take attendance and deal with half a dozen student needs isn't the best time. Stop by her classroom before school, after school, or at lunch, when she's able to focus her full attention on you.

Ask to set up an appointment at a specific time later in the week. This will ensure that she will block out some time for you, and will also give you a chance to think about what you want to work on.

Second: Use your time wisely

When you do meet with your teacher, ask for help with a specific problem; this will make your extra help session more productive and will show your teacher that you're serious about your schoolwork.

Bring in a test or essay that you did poorly on, or a list of questions about the material that you're working on in class. Your teacher will appreciate that you've taken the time to think about your weak areas and prepare for the meeting.

Nothing is more frustrating for me than students showing up simply because their parents told them to go for extra help; there's not much I can do to help in that kind of situation.

Third: be willing to work

Show a willingness to spend significant time with the teacher; a student who comes in with the attitude of "I have practice in fifteen minutes" is difficult for me to help.

Also, keep in mind that extra help often means extra work; a teacher isn't going to simply give you a magic pill to bring your grades up. Showing that you understand this will demonstrate your maturity, and your extra effort will pay off in a better grade.

Ask to set up a follow-up meeting to discuss your progress.

Keep in mind that going for extra help will have benefits that go well beyond a higher test grade. Your teacher and parents will respect your extra effort.

Finally, the relationship you build with your teacher outside of school will help your confidence in class, and put you on the road to success!

Learn more about this author, Heather Russell.
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