If your child loves going to school, you’ve got a teacher to thank for that. And even if that’s not the case, writing a letter to your child’s teacher, appreciating their efforts, might motivate them to work harder. Expressing gratitude to another person is always a win-win, and in this case, it goes to someone whose job is one of the toughest, and often thankless. Here are a few ideas on what to include in a thank you letter to a teacher from a parent:
Some Parental Homework
Before you begin, some planning will help personalize your letter. Sit with your child and outline the things she likes about her teacher and ask her to relate her story about how she helped her. To a teacher, little could be more touching than to hear appreciation in the words of their students.
Acknowledge their Importance in Your Lives as a Family
As we grow, we may not remember all the lessons we were taught, but we never forget the feeling of having had a good teacher. Let them know they’re an important part of your lives as a family, especially if they’ve been teaching your child for a long time.
Appreciate their Attention to Your Child’s Special Needs
Every child is a universe of their own with unique learning needs, some present greater challenges, often involving going an extra mile to ensure inclusion in a diverse classroom, while keeping everyone equally engaged. Be sure to mention the special way the teacher worked with your child in particular to make learning easier for them and make them feel they belonged.
At the end of your letter, and if you feel you can, you may want to offer to stay in touch and update them on your child’s progress in the future.
Sample Thank You Letter to Teacher from Parent
November 27, 2016
Ms. Leona Willis
English Teacher
Lake View Elementary
3267 Walkers Ridge
West Chicago, IL 60185
To the Wonderful and Kind Ms. Willis,
My husband and I can’t thank you enough for teaching our daughter Jenny all these years. We are excited for her moving on to middle school, yet sad that you won’t be her teacher anymore. As you know her so well, Jenny can’t understand emotions, so you can imagine how deeply touched we were when she came home from Lake View Elementary for the last time with brimming eyes, and said: “Why can’t Ms. Willis be my teacher in the new school?”
Thank you for giving Jenny a wonderful 6 years of warmth and inspiration along with your great teachings.
Because you are such an amazing teacher, and a good-hearted person, that you went out of your way to make Jenny’s classmates understand her Asperger’s and not pick on her, we are so lucky to have you in our lives.
We will miss you!
Warm regards,
(Signature)
Nancy E. Martin