Back to School Basics: How to Be a Teacher's Pet

While being a teacher's pet isn't for everyone, becoming one can be a great way to get the inside scoop on assignments, receive helpful recommendation letters, and make a new, professional friend. Being a teacher's pet can be a challenging but rewarding task that is not for the weak at heart.

As a current teacher, I hope to give insight into a few well-kept secrets about being a teacher's pet. There is no way to be a perfect teacher's pet, but there are a few guidelines you can follow to make your chances of becoming one much higher.

Do Your Assignments

Doing your assignments is the most boring step, but it is also the most crucial. You can exceed in all other areas of being a teacher's pet, but if you don't participate in class you will go from teacher's pet to teacher's worst nightmare.

If you want to get extra cool points from the teacher, you can actually do the assigned readings. While most students pretend to have read the material, you can really wow your teacher by proving that you actually read it and didn't just look at the Cliffnotes. Many of my favorite students were the ones who pointed out quotes in the text or provided information in the discussion that was not included on Cliffnotes.

Bring a Gift

While teachers like to pretend they can't be bribed, the truth is that they can. Bringing your teacher extra presents is a sure-fire way to get on their good side. The best part is that these gifts don't have to be tangible, although those gifts are great.

If you see a funny math joke on Tumblr, tell it to your math teacher. If your favorite television show had a hilarious Shakespeare reference, tell your English professor. You will get major points for knowing what your teacher likes and showing you care.

Confide in Your Teachers

When you feel comfortable with a teacher, confide in them. Whether you are telling them things about your future or worries you have at home, confiding in your teacher creates a bond that not many people have. Most teachers care about your well-being and are more than happy to talk to you. Many of them have gone through similar things that you have and can provide insight you may not get somewhere else, particularly with information about the future, colleges and how to be prepared.

The students I remember most from my first year of teaching were the ones who came to me when they had problems they needed help with outside the classroom. Confiding in your teacher shows that you trust them and will make them see you in a new light.

There is no tried and true method to becoming a teacher's pet, but with a little practice and by following these few, easy steps, you can be having lunch in the teacher's lounge in no time.

Special thanks to losing control. and silent hearts. for editing!