Tips for teachers
As a teacher, you have a unique perspective on each child’s interests and ability. You also have more access to students than counselors have.
The list below offers several tips for encouraging your students to pursue an education that goes beyond high school.
- Encourage all students to aspire to go to college. Resist the temptation to look at students as either “college-bound” or not. You don’t want to discourage a student who may be the exception to the rule.
- Set the bar high. Have high expectations of your students and they will likely strive to meet or exceed them. The great American author John Steinbeck once said, "It is the nature of man to rise to greatness, if greatness is expected of him." We agree.
- On the other hand, don’t put down vocational or community college programs or praise only the most competitive universities. The most important thing is that your students pursue some kind of education after high school.
- Realize that some students, particularly those from lower income families, are not encouraged to go to college and may receive very little information about it. These students need your advice and guidance.
- Integrate college discussions into your lessons whenever possible. In math, pose word problems that involve college situations, such as: If a student takes out a $5,000 college loan with an annual interest rate of 5%, how much will the student pay in interest if the loan is paid off in 5 years. In science, relate science lessons to real-world professions. Discuss the importance of biology and anatomy and physiology to doctors and nurses or the importance of physics to engineers. In history, discuss the history of land grant institutions in the United States or the important role that the Ayers case has played in achieving parity for the Historically Black Colleges and Universities in Mississippi. In reading and language arts, have students write a practice college entrance essay.
- Correct the misperception that college costs are much higher than they really are. False beliefs about college costs and financial aid can keep lower income students from even considering higher education.
- Communicate the importance of higher education. Make sure students understand that a college education is becoming increasingly important in today’s society.
- Make sure your students understand which classes they need to take now to be prepared for college.
- Help your students understand the relevance of their classes. Look for ways to relate their studies to their personal interests and goals.
- Work hard to make math, science, and technology exciting. College freshmen are often poorly prepared in math and science and discouraged from pursuing related majors. As a result, our country is falling behind in technology.
- Encourage your students to talk to a guidance counselor or teacher adviser at your school and to take advantage of resources, such as www.riseupms.com.
- When you meet with parents, remind them of resources, like this website, www.parentguide2college.com.