Typical Teachers

Who: Most of the adults you see every day. They're good at their jobs, they're tired, and they mostly want to teach their class and go home.

Power: Two kinds. First, their classroom: homework, deadlines, seating, how strict they are about the rules. Phones used to be a classroom call too, but now many schools, districts, and states set phone policy, so your teacher may not be able to change it even if they agree with you. Second, a quiet veto. Teachers have almost no formal say over school-wide policy, but if they grumble about an idea in the staff room, the principal hears it, and plenty of proposals die there.

What they care about: Time, stability, and not getting stuck with extra work. Most have watched shiny initiatives come and go, so they're skeptical of change that sounds like more meetings.

How to work with them: Ask for something that costs them nothing and doesn't put them on the spot: 30 seconds at the start of class to make an announcement, or five minutes of feedback on your proposal ("What would make this a headache for you?"). Don't ask them to sign a student petition; it can put them crosswise with their boss. Show how your idea makes their day easier, with fewer disruptions or more engaged students. Their union rep is often a teacher in your building, so what you say here travels.