12 Things Kids Want from Their Teachers

Angela Maiers is an educational consultant who specializes in literacy, communication, and social technologies. She says that for twenty years, she has asked her students how she can be their best teacher, and added what they wrote to her ongoing list of how teachers can help their students be most successful.

Her list is simple, and yet profound. I urge you to read it, believe it, print it, and refer to it regularly. 

You may already be doing the things that students find most important for their success, but Angela's list can be a reminder that THEIR main things need to be OUR main things, every day.

Here is a paraphrased list of Angela's 12 Things Kids Want from Their Teachers:

• Greet me each day, and smile!
• Give me your attention - ask about me - notice me.
• Imagine with me; help me dream of things I might be able to do; not just the things I need to do now.
• Engage me...I came to you in love with learning, keep me excited, keep me wanting more.
• Give me challenging content and assignments - show me how to handle it. Teach me what to do.
• Let me have time...time to let things sink in. Time to think. Time to reflect, process, and play.
• Demand of me - hold me accountable to high standards. Don’t let me get away with what you know I am capable of doing better. 
• Trust me - believe that I can do it. Allow me the chance. I promise to show you I can.