11 Reasons Why Teachers Make the Best Students
Organized, engaged, and eager to learn — teachers make the best students. But do they secretly take over? Let’s find out!
Teachers may complain when they’re back in the student seat, but let’s be honest — when we study, we excel. Years of managing classrooms, creating lesson plans, and dealing with every possible problem and excuse make us uniquely qualified to be top-tier students.
So, why do teachers make the best students? Here are 11 great reasons.
1. You Actually Do the Reading
Unlike most students who pretend to read the textbook, you actually do it — and sometimes even highlight key points.
Sure, you might not read every word (skimming is a skill), but you never show up to class clueless. You know exactly how frustrating it is to teach a room full of blank stares.
Besides, you can’t shake the guilt of not doing your homework — it’s in your DNA.
2. You Take Notes Like a Pro
Your notes are next-level. Color-coded, bullet points, even margin comments — your notebook looks like a teaching masterpiece.
While other students scribble three words and call it a day, you’ve got organized summaries, key concepts, and arrows connecting ideas.
If the professor forgets something, you are the one they ask. And let’s be real — you probably already have a backup copy ready to share.
3. You Respect the Instructor
You might judge their teaching methods (internally), but you always show respect.
You listen, nod, and participate. You know firsthand how painful it is when students just stare at you, waiting for the lesson to end.
You even laugh at the professor’s bad jokes — not because they’re funny, but because you know the struggle.
4. You Never Miss a Deadline
Teachers don’t need extensions — we are the deadline enforcers.
While others scramble at 11:59 PM, you’re already done. You don’t procrastinate (okay, not much), because you know how chaotic last-minute work can be.
And let’s be honest — you’ve given too many “no late work accepted” speeches to even consider asking for an extension. Haven’t you?!
5. You Participate in Every Class Discussion
No awkward silence when you’re in class. You always have something to say.
In fact, you probably have to hold back so other students get a chance. You’ve spent years forcing students to talk — now, you finally get to be the eager one.
Sometimes, the professor even tries to move on, but you’re already halfway into another insightful point.
6. You’re a Master of Group Work
Unlike regular students who either disappear or do nothing, you know how to lead a group project.
- You assign tasks.
- You set deadlines.
- You make sure everything actually gets done.
While others are panicking the night before, you’ve had the final draft ready for days. Your groupmates either love you or fear you — but either way, they know you’ll carry them to an A.
7. You Ask the Best Questions
You don’t ask, “Will this be on the test?” You ask, “How does this concept connect to [insert other topic]?”
You listen, analyze, and then hit the professor with a question so good, that they pause and say, “That’s an excellent point.”
And let’s be real — sometimes, you already know the answer. You just can’t resist guiding the discussion (old habits die hard).
8. You Can Handle Any Kind of Feedback
Unlike students who take feedback personally, you actually want constructive criticism.
You know that comments like “expand on this” or “clarify your argument” aren’t insults — they’re helpful. You’ve given enough feedback to appreciate a well-placed suggestion.
Plus, when you see a vague “good job” on your paper, you’re the first to demand, “Okay, but why?”
9. You Thrive Under Pressure
Tight deadlines? Heavy workloads? Surprise pop quizzes?
Please. You’ve managed 30 kids, answered emails, graded assignments, and broken up a pencil-throwing fight all before lunch.
Stress doesn’t scare you. If anything, you perform better under pressure — because nothing is as stressful as teaching.
10. You Know How to Play the Game
You get school. You know how grading works, what teachers want, and how to phrase an answer just right.
If participation is 20% of your grade? You’re raising your hand every class. If a professor wants long essays? You add an extra page, just in case.
You’ve been on the other side of the desk — you know how to win.
11. You Actually Enjoy Learning
At the end of the day, you love knowledge. That’s why you became a teacher in the first place.
You find ways to make the material interesting, even if it’s dry. You ask questions, dive deep into discussions, and appreciate every “aha” moment.
Because learning isn’t just about grades for you — it’s about growth.
Final Thoughts
So, do teachers make the best students? It could be argued that teachers make the worst students because they question everything, but we actually make the best students because we genuinely care about learning.
We’re organized, disciplined, and engaged — basically, a professor’s dream. And while we might overanalyze every lesson, at least we show up, ready to learn.
Sure, we may annoy a few classmates by answering too many questions or accidentally taking over group projects, but deep down, we just want to make the most of the experience. After all, we spend our lives teaching others — it’s nice to be on the learning side every once in a while.
Now, go ahead — share this with your fellow teachers and see who relates. And if you’re currently back in school, try not to take over the class… at least for one lesson!
He’s traveled to over 30 countries, lived in 3, and taught English in Chile and online. James is passionate about helping others fulfill their own dreams through teaching and traveling abroad.
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