The term “suck-up” has always carried negative connotations, as a way to insult a person for doing or saying things to earn an advantage over your peers. Though the term is negative, the benefits of being a suck-up in a school environment far outweigh the cons. Here are six ways that you can suck up to authority figures at school to make your high school career smooth sailing.
Be respectful and kind:
When adults tell you respect goes a long way—it does. In reality this shouldn’t be something that gets you the label of being a suck-up, but it does. When a teacher asks you a question, answer them. If you’ve done something wrong, admit it without putting up a fight. Causing a distraction in a class isn’t cute, and it gets you zero points. There are a million-and-one ways that you can demonstrate respect and kindness in your classroom, school and community, but your basic values that your parents, grandparents and guardians taught you will suffice.
Find teachers and admin who share interests with you:
Though finding a friend versus finding a teacher to talk to throughout the day is different from an authority perspective, it’s similar in the idea that if you have something in common, it will open up a door for conversations to happen that has the ability to stem into a much deeper teacher-student relationship, and once a relationship is established, you have a lot more leeway with someone who knows they can trust you because they know you.
Converse:
Piggybacking off of the last tip is engaging in conversation with your teachers and staff. They are people too, who have lives and emotions outside of the classroom, so act like it. Staff enjoy working with kids—that’s a part of the reason they chose the job they did. Talk to your teachers, admin, lunch ladies, and custodians. When you show people kindness, they remember your face, and that can work to your advantage, especially when needing a recommendation or an extension.
Offer help:
Whether it be for volunteer hours or just out of the kindness of your heart, offer up your help. Many teachers have hectic schedules at home and in school. If you have time on your hands and can help grade, grab copies or do some cutting; whatever can check tasks off their never-ending list is appreciated.
Bring your teachers gifts:
Obviously not required, but who doesn’t love a gift? If something catches your eye that reminds you of your favorite teacher or staff member, think about picking it up and gifting it to them. If you can’t think of a physical gift, maybe ask whoever you need to suck up to what their favorite Starbucks drink or candy bar is; whatever gets you those brownie points.
Introduce yourself (be well known):
When the semester starts or when a new staff member joins the staff, this is the time to set your first impression. First impressions mean the most, as they set the precedent for the rest of the semester or the remainder of your time at school. When teachers and staff know they can trust you and know you’re not roaming the halls making trouble, they’ll be more likely to ask you, “How are you doing?” rather than “What are you doing?”
Though the title of this article is “How to be a Suck-Up,” this is more of a guide on how to be respectful in a way that’s going to make your high school years easier not only for you but for your favorite teachers and staff as well.
