How to Become the Teacher's Pet

Who reading this has never sneered and jeered at the "teacher's pet," boss' "golden child," or coach's favorite player? If you have, it's time for you to realize the wonders and benefits of becoming that person. If you have not, you probably are that person, and do a variety of things, consciously or unconsciously to become that person. However, not all people can be the benefactors of natural attributes that authority figures typically have an affinity for. If you are not blessed with disarming charm, uncanny wit, uncommon intellect, or an appealing appearance, this sequence of behaviors will take you to a new level of favor with your teachers, or other authority figures, that no amount of brown-nosing or apple-related gifts could ever afford you. Keep two things in mind: First, the title and article focus on becoming the "teacher's pet," but these techniques can be used and adapted for any authority figure. Secondly, these tips are listed in specific, chronological order, and should be applied in a like manner. If you choose to use these none-sequentially, results may vary.

Eye Contact
Teachers start preaching "active listening" in about grade one, but most of the time it just does not stick. Starting in grade two and running through collegiate level classes the primary component of active listening, which is eye contact, truly becomes a lost art. In most high school classes, I would guess that not even half the students in a class make eye contact with the teacher regularly, and only a fraction of those students will make it continually. As soon as you start to practice maintaining eye contact with the teacher, you will notice them looking back. Show your interest in the class by engaging the teacher, and I promise they will return the favor by seemingly speaking directly at you for larger portions of class time.