Teacher’s pet. By definition, a person who falls under this category is a “suck-up” and someone who can do no wrong in a teacher’s eye. In today’s world, that can seem like a death sentence to a student in school. Chanting and sneering classmates can make it seem like the worst thing. Yes, if a child is truly trying to become the favorite just so they can snitch on anyone as soon as they sneeze when they weren't supposed to, then that child needs a wake up call. However, during all my years of school, I do not think there was a year that I was not called a “teacher’s pet,” and you know what? That was the best thing that could have happened to me in school.
Being brought up with the parents I have, if I caused trouble for a teacher or anyone at school, I had better be praying the whole rest of the day until I got home that my mom and dad had not found out. Otherwise, any punishment I received at the school for the wrongdoing I had done would be a walk in the park compared to what I got when I came home that day. No, my parents were not abusive in any way, but they sure did know how to put fear in a child and I will agree that 99.9 percent of the time, I deserved it. After a couple of minor incidents at school when I had gotten in some sort of trouble or got caught in the incident, I learned fast that I wanted to be the best person I could be away from home. Not very far after this, I earned the name of “teacher’s pet." That category is what I would remain in until the day I graduated high school. In my senior yearbook, the Who’s Who page has me as the “Most Likely To Stay a Teacher’s Pet,” and you know what? To me, that is the best reward anyone could be given.
In my case, at first, the term “teacher’s pet” meant a person who tried their best in school and constantly received praise from the teacher, which might not be that far off from the original definition. As I got older though, my teachers became far more than just educators to me. My friends were limited, being that my school had around 175 kids pre-k through 12th, so sometimes teachers were the closest thing to a friend that I had. One of the most important things that a student can learn is that teachers are people, too. They were once students, they have a life outside of school and yes, believe it or not, they have feelings. Yes, this is an obvious observation, but a lot of students forget or skip over this fact. As the years passed, I already got along very well with most of my teachers, so naturally I formed close bonds with them.
Today, I am graduated from high school and starting my second year of college this fall. I have many college friends and former classmates that I am very close to, but some of my friends that are the closest to me still to this day are former teachers. I go visit them, I ask them for advice, I listen to what’s going on in their lives, we text, laugh about silly nonsense and so much more. They are my friends. I love them with all my heart and would risk a lot for them, as I am sure they will be there for me if I ever need them.
So students everywhere, take a minute and listen to some advice. The educator standing at the front of the room is a person. They have a life. This life could include so much more than what you realize. Maybe they found the love of their life and are getting married, they could be going through losing someone close, or maybe they are just having a bad day. Above all, they are standing at the front of the room for a reason. They are smarter than you. Learn from them. Teachers are so under appreciated anymore, if you have a teacher that is clearly devoted to helping you learn, consider yourself lucky. I know I do.
This might be the craziest idea of this whole article, but maybe even take some time out of your schedule to be a friend to a teacher. That does not mean invite them to the next big bash you and your high school friends are having. This could simply be you asking them how their day is going and then stopping to listen to their answer. They will be grateful and they will remember what you did. It may help you in the long run if you ever run into problems of any kind.
You might even be lucky enough to earn the title of Teacher’s Pet. I know I am blessed to be one. I wouldn't change it for anything.
