The Chicago Reporter

Deep breath people. You’re about to be faced with one of the most important steps in a teen's life … High School!

Now, it’s time for some tips that are going to save you from drowning in academic and social suicide. I’m going to go through stress, homework, types of teachers, grades, studying, friends, and project partners. This information can be used for all four years of high school, but it’s mainly for new freshmen and incoming students.

Okay, now in middle school you probably had the same teacher all day and switched for your gym, art, music, and drama classes. But in high school, you get a different teacher in every subject. So to help you out a little, I’ve made a list of teaching types so that way you can have an idea of the best ways to handle the teachers. And at the end of each description is a grade for that type of teacher. The system is like golf scoring, the least amount of stars is the best.

ORAL NOTES

• Give your teacher your undivided attention because you never know when they’ll give you a piece of information that you’ll regret not knowing.
• Always have a pen or pencil out and at the ready with lots of space for paper. (If you have large handwriting either A. Write smaller or B. Have lots of paper)
• Only write the main points of the statement and not every word
• 4 stars

STERN DEADLINE

• These types of teachers are reasonable but just a little scary during the first encounter.
• They are usually very serious about everything they say, so never hope for bizarre absences, forgetting due dates, or extensions on assignments.
• If you’re absent and miss an assignment deadline and get an extension then complete the assignment as soon as possible, in case they forget about your exception to their usual deadline rule.
• 3 stars   

EASY GOING

• This kind of teacher is very helpful and gives many opportunities to retake tests, turn in past due assignments, and give project extensions. Take these opportunities because when they say, “I will give everyone an opportunity to turn in any missing assignments,” they’re really saying, “If you turn in these assignments then your grade can be brought up in time for report cards.” Get everything you can in--that means projects, homework, class work, and anything else that you have to bring your grade up.
• These teachers usually don’t have a bad temper, but still don’t antagonize them.
• Most of the work is long, but is very interactive!
• Lots of mini-projects.
• 2 stars

LAZY GRADER

• These teachers give out very few and easy assignments.
• They don’t really care for grading papers often.
• Usually these teachers don’t put grades in until the very last minute--so you never really know where you stand in the class
• 5 stars - Frustrating!

MOTIVATING

• Does their very best to make sure everyone in the class passes.
• Gives grades for homework based on whether you tried and completed the task.
• These teachers also curve the grading system, if a majority of the class did poorly.
• These teachers usually teach math or foreign languages.
• 1 star - Perfect

DR.TEACHER AND MR.FUN

• These teachers are a little bit rare and very cool.
• They are easy to talk to, but when it comes to class they are very serious and the relationship between student and teacher becomes clear because instead of acing the course, you’re failing!
• Do the work and be friends when your work is done!
• 6 stars - Sneaky!

So until next time, remember teachers are your friends after class -- and during class, just keep your mouth shut.

--Franchesca