BY MIKAYLA STEARNS
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I am not a student who hates their class because of a heavy workload. Infamously difficult curriculum, homework, projects or finals aren’t what drives my opinion of the class – it’s the teacher who makes it or breaks it for me.

My favorite teachers (and then consequently, favorite classes) have been characterized by two things: their strictness and their enthusiasm for the class. You can pinpoint these kinds of teachers if they won’t nonchalantly accept your late work, they don’t slow down the class for anyone and they have high expectations for every student. A ridiculously easy-to-pass class is often ruined by a scatter-brained teacher who haphazardly enters grades and occasionally sticks to deadlines.

However, a teacher who has their act together, knows what they are doing and has clear expectations for you, even if that is accompanied by a difficult workload, is much more favorable. I’m a high-achieving student, but oftentimes I, like any other student, am prone to procrastination.

I have had my fair share of showing up to class empty-handed and unprepared.These strict teachers are the ones who catch me slacking and give me my bad grade. I’m not complaining. I have so much appreciation for teachers not letting off high-performing students, because while I may be getting a deservedly lower grade in the class in the meantime, I have faith in the way the class is run. So I’ll take that missing assignment if it means I can count on them to grade my essays/DBQs/homework fairly and to input the grades quickly. It’s the consistency I respect.

However, do not get strict teachers confused with mean teachers. There is a huge difference. Strict teachers get things done and I can count on them. Mean teachers can get things done sometimes but not consistently, and are also prone to making students feel like trash. See? Different.

I have three favorite teachers from my high school career in mind. They all ran a tight ship and called me on my shenanigans. The level of difficulty of the curriculum varied from “I could probably just sleep instead and get an A” to “I’m going to practice every problem on the homework twice, just in case.” No matter the level, I wholeheartedly believe I succeeded in the class because of the teacher. I know, at least personally, my efforts are going to mirror the teacher’s energy and efforts.

Similarly, in order for me to be engaged in a class, my teacher needs to be present and excited about what they’re teaching, which was also a characteristic of my favorite teachers. That sounds basic, and yes, it is, but students can sense when a teacher is tuned out. A teacher just knowing the lesson plan script and spitting it out does nothing to further my yearning for knowledge.

A teacher who goes out of their way to read content that’s not necessarily in their curriculum outline because they are personally excited by the class is the best cure for an unmotivated student. Just as an unorganized, distant teacher can completely kill a student’s drive to succeed in the class.