Teachers play a critical role in shaping the lives of their students. Their relationships with students can have a profound impact on academic performance, social-emotional skills, and more. However, teachers are only human. Like anyone, they have preferences and more natural connections with some students over others.
In this article, we will explore the types of students that teachers tend to like the most. What qualities engender positive teacher-student relationships? How can students get into their teachers’ good graces? What steps can teachers take to build strong bonds with all students, not just their favorites?
Students Who Are Engaged and Participate in Class
One of the fastest ways for a student to get on a teacher’s good side is by being engaged and participating in class. Teachers feed off the energy of their students. If they are met with blank stares or silence after posing a question, it can be demoralizing. On the flip side, when students actively listen, contribute thoughtful answers and ask good questions, it motivates and excites teachers.
Students who participate don’t necessarily need to be the first with their hand up for every question. Even small signs of engagement like making eye contact, nodding along or giving visual cues that they are following the discussion are helpful. Of course, verbal participation is also appreciated. Students who offer interpretations, build on others’ comments and aren’t afraid to be wrong often stand out to teachers.
Why do engaged students tend to be teacher favorites? A few reasons:
- They make the teacher’s job easier by responding to questions and furthering discussions.
- Their interest motivates the teacher and validates their effort.
- Engaged students are more likely to understand the material being taught.
Students shouldn’t force engagement they don’t genuinely feel. But avoiding distractions, actively listening and contributing when possible are simple ways to get on a teacher’s good side.
Students Who Are Respectful
Beyond just being engaged, students who are respectful also tend to be appreciated by teachers. Respect can be demonstrated in many ways:
- Raising a hand versus shouting out answers
- Following classroom rules and not disrupting others’ learning
- Treating the teacher and other students with kindness
- Listening attentively to the teacher and peers
- Not packing up early while others are still working
Showing respect benefits student-teacher relationships because it makes teachers feel valued and establishes an environment where meaningful learning can occur. Disrespectful behavior like interrupting, ignoring rules or acting rudely doesn’t just irritate teachers in the moment. It can sow seeds of resentment that damage the relationship long-term.
Of course, teachers should be understanding that all students slip up occasionally. But in general, students who consistently act respectfully have an advantage when it comes to getting on a teacher’s good side.
Students Who Show Effort and Improvement
For many teachers, it’s not just about who gets the right answer quickly or participates the most. Teachers often favor students who show real effort and improvement in their work. A student who struggles at first but pushes themselves to get better will likely be appreciated.
Why do teachers value student effort and growth so much? A few reasons:
- It reassures them that students are actively learning, not just coasting by.
- It shows the student cares about doing well in their class.
- Their teaching is having a tangible impact.
Some ways students can demonstrate effort and improvement include:
- Taking notes and asking questions to further understanding
- Participating more in class over time
- Showing persistence through difficult assignments
- Using teacher feedback to improve work
- Coming in for extra help
- Showing increasing test scores or other benchmarks
Rather than compare themselves to peers, students should focus on their own growth. Teachers will recognize and appreciate progress over time, even if scores aren’t yet tops in the class.
Students With Curiosity and Passion
Students who demonstrate curiosity and passion for learning also tend to catch teachers’ eyes. Traits may include:
- Asking thoughtful follow-up questions
- Doing extra research about class topics
- Sharing interesting related facts or news stories
- Making connections to prior knowledge and experiences
- Getting excited when delving deeper into subjects
When students show curiosity and passion, it reenergizes teachers. Seeing students intrinsically motivated to learn for sheer enjoyment is hugely rewarding. Teachers aim to spark that curiosity and fuel passion for their subject. So when it’s organically there, teachers undoubtedly take notice in an appreciative way.
That said, teachers know not every student will be interested in every topic. Staying engaged on less exciting topics still earns respect. But extra curiosity and passion when personal interest aligns with the material will get a teacher’s attention.
Students Who Ask For Help When Needed
Some students are reluctant to ask questions or come in for help, perhaps for fear of signaling they are struggling. But generally, teachers have the opposite response. Students who aren’t afraid to ask for clarification or assistance tend to be looked upon positively. Why is that?
- It shows the student cares about understanding the material, not just checking off assignments.
- The student trusts the teacher enough to be vulnerable about needing help.
- It allows the teacher to provide targeted support.
Of course, asking too many unfocused questions that already got answered can frustrate teachers. But students who advocate for themselves and are specific about what concepts they don’t fully grasp give teachers important information. The teachers can then tailor their approach to fill those gaps in understanding.
Some ways for students to appropriately ask for help include:
- Raising their hand during class confusion but not interrupting others
- Coming up after class or during office hours to ask clarifying questions
- Sending a polite email expressing exactly what is unclear
- Asking about additional practice problems or resources on tricky topics
- Scheduling a time for more individualized help
Rather than struggle silently, students should remember teachers are there to assist. Asking sincere questions shows maturity and initiative that will be respected.
Students Who Have a Positive Attitude
Beyond mere participation, teachers are drawn to students with overall positive energy and attitude. Traits may include:
- Smiling, laughing and engaging happily with others
- Bringing a cheerful vibe to the classroom
- Saying “Good morning” and being generally friendly
- Complimenting others’ ideas in discussions
- Being encouraging during group work
- Having an uplifting response to setbacks or challenges
It’s not about being artificially peppy. But students who project warmth, optimism and humor tend to become teachers’ favorites. Why?
- They liven up the classroom atmosphere.
- Other students enjoy being around them.
- It is easier for teachers to be happy and energetic themselves.
Teachers have to manage many different moods and personalities all day long. So students who spread positivity themselves take unspoken weight off a teacher’s shoulders. Their vibe not only makes the teacher’s day better but also fosters a classroom culture of mutual happiness and cooperation.
Students Who Are Reliable and Dependable
Teachers also appreciate students they can count on consistently. Traits of dependability include:
- Turning in homework and projects on time
- Following through on commitments
- Staying organized and not losing materials
- Coming to class prepared
- Listening to and following directions
Dependable students make a teacher’s job smoother. They don’t need constant reminders or nudging. The teacher can count on them to be ready to learn each day. Kids who are disorganized or chronically late may irritate teachers and require extra management. Reliable students avoid those headaches.
Being dependable also conveys maturity. Following through shows students are developing key life skills like responsibility. Teachers appreciate chance to witness this growth.
Lastly, reliability indicates respect for the teacher. Students who disregard deadlines or directions signal they don’t take the teacher seriously. Dependable students show the teacher’s time and policies matter.
Students Who Overcome Challenges and Adversity
Life throws challenges at everyone. Teachers often look fondly on students who press forward through adversity. Examples include:
- Continuing to learn amidst physical or mental health struggles
- Persisting academically even with difficult family circumstances
- Working to overcome past trauma or loss
- Pushing to succeed despite economic disadvantages
- Standing up to bullying, prejudice or other mistreatment
Students facing tough situations yet still showing up to class eager to learn demonstrate incredible resilience. Teachers root for these students and gain hope seeing them take positive steps forward. Overcoming challenges to pursue an education shows inspirational strength.
Teachers should be careful not to patronize such students. But quietly applauding their perseverance and providing a compassionate classroom environment will be appreciated.
Students Who Share Common Interests
It’s human nature that teachers will feel a closer bond with students who share common interests and experiences. Common ground might include:
- Enjoying the same sports, books, TV shows, video games, etc.
- Having similar cultural backgrounds or values
- Living near each other
- Supporting the same causes
- Having children around the same age
Relationships thrive when people discover unexpected connections. It sparks memorable conversations and inside jokes. Students who share niche interests with a teacher get to enjoy that insider status.
Does this mean teachers play favorites based just on common interests? Responsible teachers avoid overtly displaying preferential treatment. But students with shared interests will likely have an easier rapport with teachers.
Takeaways for Students
While unfair, every teacher has students they naturally connect with more. But don’t assume teachers only like the obvious teacher’s pets. Many qualities make students appealing to teachers, including:
- Being engaged and participating
- Acting respectfully
- Putting in effort and showing improvement
- Demonstrating curiosity and passion
- Seeking help when needed
- Projecting a positive attitude
- Being reliable and dependable
- Overcoming challenges
- Sharing common interests
Rather than worry about getting teachers to like you, focus on developing these traits. Being authentic and showing your best student-self will help positive teacher relationships happen organically.
Takeaways for Teachers
As a teacher, be aware that you likely have subconscious biases toward particular students based on qualities like engagement and respectfulness. However, all children deserve equal opportunities to thrive. Ways to ensure you support every student include:
- Creating an inclusive classroom culture
- Getting to know each student’s story
- Complimenting small acts of effort and improvement
- Checking in with shy or struggling students
- Emphasizing the value of mistakes and growth
- Expressing why their participation matters
With extra care and effort, teachers can develop affirming bonds with all students – not just the most charismatic, outgoing or familiar. Every child has strengths needing nurturing.
Key Takeaways
- Teachers naturally tend to favor students who are engaged, respectful, passionate and reliable.
- But they often also appreciate those who try hard, show improvement, overcome challenges and ask for help.
- Students should focus less on being teacher pleasers and more on developing their best student qualities.
- Teachers should get to know each child and intentionally foster positive relationships with all.
Conclusion
Student-teacher relationships have profound impacts. While teachers shouldn’t play overt favorites, they are bound to appreciate certain qualities and feel closer bonds with some students.
The good news is that many teacher favorites share traits open to any student – things like engagement, curiosity and positivity. Students can focus on developing their own scholar character rather than envy seemingly ideal peers.
Meanwhile, teachers should look beyond the most obvious teacher’s pets. Every child has potential needing nourishment. With extra care, teachers can build positive connections with all types of students across the classroom.
What qualities make a student most appealing to you as an educator or learner? How can we foster supportive student-teacher relationships for every child?