Write a Letter to Your Teacher

You may want to write a letter to your teacher to express appreciation for what he or she has done for you. On the other hand, you may also want to write a letter to your teacher to discuss a disagreement. This article will help you to craft a letter that is appropriate for either situation.

Steps

Sample Letters

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Write a Letter of Appreciation to Your Teacher

  1. Use the appropriate stationery and a pen. Take the time to buy a nice card in which to enclose your letter.
  2. Write the date in the upper right corner.
  3. Start the letter off by writing 'Dear Mr. or Mrs. ________," This is a personal letter, so you want to end the salutation with a comma.
    • You can be more informal if your teacher will find it appropriate. For example, if you call your teacher "Coach Sue," then call her "Coach Sue" in the salutation.
    • Avoid calling your teacher by his or her first name unless you are truly on a first-name basis. Make sure that you show the appropriate level of respect.
    • Avoid starting out with "Hey" or "Hi." This is a letter to your teacher, not to your Facebook friend.
  4. Skip some space and then start your introduction.
    • If you haven't spoken to this teacher in a long time, then take some time to remind your teacher who you are. Teachers have so many students that they may not remember names initially, but they will remember unique things that you have done or unique personal characteristics.
    • If you are just transitioning out of this teacher's class, then you can simply start your note without any extra introduction.
  5. Be specific when you thank your teacher. Don't say, "You were a great teacher. I liked your class." Instead, say something like, "You had a simple way of helping me understand a really difficult subject" or "Your influence helped me to become more confident."
  6. Tell your teacher something that you will always remember about him or her. Teachers need to know how their specific actions and unique personalities make a difference for their students.
  7. Close the by writing "Thank you," or "Sincerely," and then signing your name.
  8. Use your own handwriting for an appreciation letter. Typing the letter will make it appear too distant and formal.
  9. Mail the letter to the teacher or hand it to him or her personally.

Write a Letter to Your Teacher to Resolve a Conflict

  1. Write or type the date in the top right corner.
  2. Leave some space and write, "Dear Mr. or Mrs. _____,"
  3. Double-space and then type your first paragraph. If you are handwriting the note, leave a bit of space between your greeting and the first paragraph.nbbj
  4. Address the issue immediately. Start by saying, "I want to discuss" and then describe the issue in clear and concise language.
    • Avoid unkind or passive-aggressive language. Try to be as emotionless and as clear as possible. Also, write in polite language even if the teacher doesn't deserve your respect. Always be the bigger person.
    • Talk about yourself only. Don't say something generic and untrue, such as "Everyone hates this class." This letter is about you, so explain your viewpoint and don't avoid responsibility by drawing other people into the letter.
  5. Give specific examples. A good example would be, "I was frustrated last Thursday when our class was left waiting in the corridor for 15 minutes after the bell rang."
  6. Describe the effect that the teacher's action had on you. "I already struggle in your class, and I lost valuable class time when I had a lot of homework questions."
  7. Tell the teacher how you would prefer that he or she behave. Don't try to give advice or talk down to someone who has a lot more life experience than you do. Instead, say, "I would have preferred ______" and state your opinion rather than trying to sound helpful.
  8. Make sure to sign the note. Always stand by for your opinion if you write a note to a teacher.
  9. Hand the letter to your teacher at a time when you are not surrounded by other students. You should respect the teacher's privacy when you are writing him or her a critical letter.
  10. Avoid telling all of your friends that you gave the teacher a letter. You want to avoid spreading gossip about the teacher because that will make you look immature.
  11. Be realistic. The teacher may or may not change. If the issue is serious, then escalate it to your parents or to an administrator. If the issue is minor, then learn to overlook it.

Tips

  • Do not use words such as 'I think' or other words that isolate you and your opinion from the truth.
  • Keep at least one copy of your letter if you are writing to the teacher about a serious issue.

Warnings

  • Always proofread. If the letter is negative in tone, then ask another adult that you trust to proofread it for you.

Things You'll Need

  • Pen or word processing program
  • Paper
  • Card and envelope (if needed)

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Sources and Citations

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