letter to your teacher assignment

The Most Important Writing Assignment of the Year: Letter to My Teacher

At the start of any given school year, there are thousands of things on the to do list. On that list, we usually include a few formative writing tasks and pre-assessments, but after doing this for over a decade, there is one writing assignment that stands out from them all - Letter to My Teacher.

Your First 10 Days:

The first two weeks of school are precious, valuable, vulnerable, and creative real estate.  What you choose to place on these days sets the tone for the entire school year to come.  As you navigate the important choices that you have to make as you sift through the back to school clutter, remember these three things:  routines, rigor, and relationships .  

Using these three pillars to keep you grounded, select the kinds of activities that will serve multiple purposes.  Let’s outline the ways in which a Letter to My Teacher assignment can fulfill all of these pillars.  But before you assign this letter, there’s one critical thing that you must do:  you must exercise vulnerability first .  In my First 10 Days , I spend one day on myself sharing a Meet the Teacher presentation and “fireside chat” with students.  I frontload this writing assignment by giving students the chance to get to know me before I ask them to share about themselves.  I demonstrate this lesson in its entirety in my course , if that’s something you’d like to see!

Give a Close/Open Prompt

Assigning your students a “letter to my teacher” is not as simple as just asking them to write something to you.  In my experience, students respond best to an assignment that has clear directions, a list of ideas to include in the letter, and specific writing expectations.  Here are a few things that I’ve used and rotated through  over the years:

Begin your letter with a greeting

Compose a minimum of two paragraphs.  In each paragraph, discuss something about yourself that you’d like to share with me.  Here are some ideas:

What are your talents?  Tell me about the things that you’re good at, that make you feel proud, and that you’ve accomplished in your life.

What makes you weird?   Weird is wonderful -- and we’re all a little weird!  What are the strange things that you are into? 

Tell me about your family.  How do you get along?  Who are you closest to?  What are unique things that your family likes to do or traditions you celebrate?

Close your letter and sign off

This outline gives both specific guidelines AND options.  Students could write their two body paragraphs about ANYTHING, but by giving some ideas to get started, we limit the overwhelm that some students have when faced with completely open writing prompts.  This structure makes it easier for students to open up and for you to start building relationships with one another.

Use a Rubric

The rubric is the next step in teaching both routines and rigor.  The rubric can (and should!) be extremely simple, but starting right away with the practice of students understanding rubric language and learning your revision policies is critical to laying the foundation for writing during the school year.  Here are a few things you can evaluate on a rubric fairly and gently at the beginning of the year:

Organization:   look at the ways in which students structure their paragraphs and the letter greeting and closing

Purpose:  did the letter accomplish the purpose of introducing the student?  Did the student highlight two parts of themselves in the letter?

Use the collection of the letter and return of the rubric scores as another opportunity to teach routines in your classroom.

Write Them Back

To come full circle on building relationships with your students, here comes the last part:  write them back.  Grab a stack of lined post its and attach them to each letter, take the time to write a digital comment, or plan another format that works for you, but no matter what, plan into your agenda time to respond to each student.  This is your first chance to show students that they are heard, seen, and valued.  I’ll be the first to admit -- it take a while to do this, but it’s also something that leaves a powerful impression.  Planning ahead for a few time slots where you’ll accomplish this task will help you get it done in no time.

Further Reading:

Getting Started with Synthesis Writing

Writing a Manifesto

Back to School Rhetorical Analysis Writing

SPOTLIGHT RESOURCE:

If you’re ready to assign Letter to My Teacher and a few more gems, you’ve got to see the other powerful, meaningful, and fun activities in my first volume of Get to Know You Activities. Check it out here !

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amanda is the author of Mud and Ink Teaching   and a collaborative blogger on Teachwriting.org . 

A high school English teacher of every level from ESL to AP Language, Amanda has made it her life’s work to encourage students and teachers to join her on an adventurous teaching and learning journey. Amanda is a full-time teacher author after spending thirteen years in the classroom. She writes curriculum for the high school level, coaches teachers 1:1 , and travels with her family whenever possible. Amanda’s obsessed with poetry, argumentation, and showing students the power of taking chances in their writing. She is also the co-host of the podcast Brave New Teaching .

Visit Amanda on Instagram ,  Facebook , or Twitter  for English teacher inspiration and powerful community.

How To Write an Email to a Teacher About Homework

Communicating effectively with educators is a key skill for students. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to write an email to a teacher about homework . Whether you have questions, need clarification, or are facing challenges with assignments, this guide helps ensure your communication is clear and appropriate.

To write an email to a teacher about homework , include a clear subject line, a formal greeting, a brief introduction, the purpose of your email, an explanation if needed, a request for assistance or clarification, your availability, a closing thank you, and your signature.

Table of Contents

Preparing to Write the Email

Before composing your email, gather all relevant information about the homework in question. This includes the assignment’s details, deadlines, and specific areas where you need assistance. Organize your thoughts so your email is concise and to the point.

What to Include in The Email to Your Teacher About Homework

• Subject Line : Be specific and concise, e.g., “Question About [Assignment Name] Due [Date].”
• Greeting : Address your teacher formally, using “Mr./Ms./Mrs. [Last Name].”
• Introduction : Start by introducing yourself, especially if it’s early in the school year. Mention your class and the period/session you are in.
• Purpose of the Email : Clearly state the reason for your email. If you have questions or need clarification on the homework, specify what parts you are struggling with.
• Explanation : If you’re facing challenges (e.g., illness, lack of understanding), briefly explain without making excuses.
• Request for Assistance : Politely ask for the help or clarification you need. Be specific about what you’re asking.
• Availability : Mention when you are available for a meeting or extra help, if necessary.
• Closing : Thank your teacher for their time and assistance.
• Signature : End with a polite closing, such as “Sincerely,” followed by your full name and possibly your class/section if it’s a large school.

Email Templates – Emailing a Teacher About Homework

Template 1: seeking clarification on homework.

Subject: Clarification Needed for [Assignment Name] Due [Date]

Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. [Teacher’s Last Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am [Your Name] from your [Class Name, Period/Session]. I am writing to seek clarification on the [specific aspect] of our current assignment, [Assignment Name], which is due on [Due Date].

I have reviewed the instructions, but I am still unclear about [specific part you are struggling with]. Could you please provide some additional guidance or examples?

Thank you for your time and assistance. I look forward to your response.

[Your Full Name] [Your Class and Section]

Template 2: Requesting Extension Due to Illness

Subject: Extension Request for [Assignment Name] Due to Illness

My name is [Your Name], from your [Class Name, Period/Session]. I am writing to inform you that I have been unwell for the past few days and have been unable to complete the [Assignment Name] that is due on [Due Date].

I have made considerable progress on the assignment, but due to my illness, I am unable to complete it by the deadline. I respectfully request an extension until [Proposed Extended Date] to submit my work.

Thank you for considering my request. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Best regards,

Template 3: Asking for Help with Difficult Homework

Subject: Assistance Needed with [Assignment Name]

Hello Mr./Ms./Mrs. [Teacher’s Last Name],

I am [Your Name] from your [Class Name, Period/Session]. I am reaching out because I am having difficulties with [specific aspect] of our homework assignment, [Assignment Name].

Despite reviewing the class notes and textbook, I am still struggling to understand [specific problem or topic]. I would appreciate any additional resources or guidance you could provide.

Could we possibly arrange a time to discuss this further, maybe during your office hours or a free period?

Thank you very much for your help.

Yours sincerely,

Writing an email to a teacher about homework requires clarity, respect, and a willingness to seek solutions. By approaching your teacher with a well-structured email, you can effectively communicate your needs and foster a positive learning environment.

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• Education and Communications
• Letter Writing

How to Write a Letter to Your Teacher

Last Updated: August 25, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Katie Styzek . Katie Styzek is a Professional School Counselor for Chicago Public Schools. Katie earned a BS in Elementary Education with a Concentration in Mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as a middle school mathematics, science, and social studies teacher for three years prior to becoming a counselor. She holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling from DePaul University and an MA in Educational Leadership from Northeastern Illinois University. Katie holds an Illinois School Counselor Endorsement License (Type 73 Service Personnel), an Illinois Principal License (formerly Type 75), and an Illinois Elementary Education Teaching License (Type 03, K – 9). She is also Nationally Board Certified in School Counseling from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,844,259 times.

Your teacher plays an important role in your life, and sometimes you want to show your appreciation by writing them a letter. While writing a good letter might seem hard, it's easy once you get started. Your teacher will be very happy that you took the time to share your thoughts. If you want to write your teacher a letter, start by greeting your teacher. Then think about what you want to say and write that down in the main part of the letter. Finally, close your letter and sign it.

Sample Letters

Starting Your Letter

• Ask your parents or guardian if they have any cards you can use. They may also be willing to take you shopping for a new card.
• You could also make a card for your teacher using either plain printer paper or construction paper. Your teacher will appreciate the effort you put into the card.

• Your teacher may cherish the letter for years to come. Including your name and the date will help them remember who wrote the letter.

• Use the name your teacher prefers. If your teacher has asked you to call them by their first name, then it’s fine to use their first name in your letter. For example, if you call your teacher Coach Sue, then you can say, “Dear Coach Sue.”
• Don’t start your letter with “hi” or “hey.” It’s too informal.

Writing the Body of Your Letter

• Say, “I am writing this letter to tell you how happy I am to be in your class because you are the best teacher. This year has been hard, but you helped me do my best.”

• You could write, “I appreciate the time you spent tutoring me after school. I felt like I would never understand multiplication, but you never let me give up. I’m so happy you’re my teacher!”
• If you’re having trouble deciding what to say, grab a sheet of scratch paper and do some brainstorming . Write down reasons why you like your teacher, times that they’ve helped you, or what you’ve learned from them. Then pick a few of your favorite reasons and use those in your letter.

• You could say, “Thank you for being a great teacher this year. I’m so happy I got to be in your class. I hope you have an incredible summer!”

Closing Your Letter

• Your closing should look something like this: “Sincerely, Brian.”

• You may be able to fix some small mistakes. However, if you find yourself crossing out whole sentences, it’s probably a good idea to start fresh so your letter looks nice and neat.
• White-out can be helpful in correcting mistakes.

• The envelope should include your teacher’s address in the center and your own address in the top left corner.
• If your handwriting is a little messy, it might be a good idea to ask an adult to write your teacher’s address for you so your letter doesn’t get lost in the mail.
• Don’t forget to ask your parents or guardian for a stamp.

Community Q&A

• You may want to keep a copy of your letter. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 3
• Ask a parent to read your letter, so they can help you find and fix spelling and grammar mistakes. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 4

• Never send a letter without having a parent or other trusted adult look over it first, especially if you are writing about a serious issue. Thanks Helpful 48 Not Helpful 21

Things You'll Need

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

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/groups/education-leadership/787686
• ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/business-communication/how-to-write-a-formal-business-letter/1/#
• ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/writing/articles/introduction-letter-writing
• ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-messages-letters-lists/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/business-letters/

About This Article

To write a letter to your teacher, start by writing your name and the date in the upper right corner of the page so your teacher knows who the letter is from. Then, open your letter with "Dear" followed by your teacher's name, like "Dear Ms. Brown." After the greeting, write 1-2 sentences letting your teacher know why you're writing to them. For example, you might write something like, "I'm writing to tell you how happy I am to be in your class this year. You're one of my favorite teachers!" In the body of your letter, include a few examples of why you appreciate your teacher, like a time they tutored you after school or helped you do well on a test. Once you've written everything you have to say, end your letter with a polite closing, like "Sincerely" or "Best." Finish your letter by signing your name underneath the closing. For tips on how to proofread your letter before giving it to your teacher, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Write A Good Letter To Your Teacher

Writing a letter to your teacher can be an effective way to express your thoughts, address concerns, or simply show appreciation. Whether you want to discuss a specific assignment, ask for clarification on a topic, or share your gratitude for their support, a well-written letter can leave a lasting impression. Here are some tips on how to write a good letter to your teacher:

1. Start with a Polite Greeting

Begin your letter by addressing your teacher respectfully. Use their formal title (e.g., Mr., Mrs., Miss, or Ms.) followed by their last name. This sets a respectful tone and shows that you value their role as an educator.

2. Clearly State the Purpose

Be clear and concise about the purpose of your letter. If you have multiple topics to discuss, it may be helpful to list them in bullet points or separate paragraphs to ensure your teacher can address each point separately.

3. Provide Specific Examples and Details

When sharing your concerns or expressing gratitude, provide specific examples or instances that illustrate your point. This allows your teacher to understand the context and the impacts of their actions better.

4. Use Appropriate Language

Use professional language and avoid using slang or informal expressions. Write in complete sentences with proper grammar and punctuation. This shows your teacher that you are taking the letter seriously and respect their time.

5. Be Respectful and Courteous

Even if you are addressing concerns, it is essential to maintain a respectful and courteous tone throughout the letter. Avoid using accusatory language or making personal attacks. Remember, the goal is to have a constructive conversation.

6. Express Gratitude

If you are writing a letter to express appreciation or thank your teacher for their support, be genuine and specific about what you are grateful for. Acknowledge their effort, dedication, and the positive impact they have had on your learning experience.

7. Proofread for Clarity and Accuracy

Before sending your letter, take the time to proofread it for any errors or confusing phrasing. Ensure that your thoughts are well-organized and your points are conveyed clearly.

8. Consider Delivering a Hard Copy

While emailing your letter is convenient, delivering a printed copy in person can make a more significant impact. It shows that you have taken the time and effort to prepare a physical document.

9. Follow-Up If Necessary

After sending your letter, allow your teacher ample time to read and respond. If you do not receive a response within a reasonable timeframe, it is appropriate to follow up politely in person or through a follow-up email.

10. Maintain Professionalism

Remember that your letter is part of your academic and professional journey. Keep in mind that your teacher plays a significant role in your education, and it is important to maintain a professional relationship with them.

Writing a good letter to your teacher can facilitate open communication, build mutual respect, and foster a positive learning environment. Whether you are seeking clarification, addressing concerns, or expressing gratitude, following these tips will help you craft an effective and respectful letter.

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16+ Write a Letter to your Class Teacher for Absent Templates

• Letter Writing
• February 1, 2024
• Leave Letters

Write a Letter to your Class Teacher for Absent : There are times when students may need to communicate their absence to their teachers due to various reasons such as illness, family emergencies, or personal matters. Writing a well-crafted leave letter to your teacher not only shows respect and responsibility but also helps in maintaining a good student-teacher relationship. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to write an effective letter to your teacher for an absence.

Also Check:

• Going to Temple Leave Letter 
• School Leave Letter Format

Write a Letter to your Class Teacher for Absent – Writing Tips

Content in this article

Writing Tips: Write a Letter to Your Class Teacher for Absent

• Be polite and respectful: Maintain a courteous tone throughout the letter.
• State necessary details: Include your name, class/grade, and date(s) of absence.
• Briefly explain the reason: Provide a concise explanation for your absence.
• Express apologies: Show genuine remorse for missing class.
• Request missed work: Politely ask for any assignments or class materials you missed.
• Offer to catch up: Assure your teacher of your commitment to catching up on the missed work.
• Proofread: Check for errors and maintain a concise and professional tone.
• Express gratitude: Thank your teacher for their understanding and support.

Apologizing for absence in a letter to class teacher – Sample 1

The below sample format shows how to write a letter to your class teacher for absent:

[Your Name] [Your Class/Grade] [Date]

[Class Teacher’s Name] [School Name] [School Address]

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to sincerely apologize for my absence from class on [date(s)]. I understand the importance of attending every class and the disruption my absence may have caused.

The reason for my absence was [provide a brief explanation, such as illness, family emergency, or any other valid reason]. I deeply regret missing out on the learning opportunities and interactions with my classmates during that time.

I kindly request your understanding and assistance in providing me with any materials, assignments, or notes that were covered in class during my absence. I am committed to catching up on the missed work promptly and ensuring that I am up to date with the class progress.

Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your support in helping me make up for the missed class. Thank you for your understanding.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Requesting missed assignments in a letter to class teacher – Sample 2

Request letter example for “Write a Letter to your Class Teacher for Absent”.

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to request the missed assignments and any materials that were covered in class during my absence on [date(s)]. I apologize for not being present and understand the importance of keeping up with the coursework.

Due to [explain the reason for your absence, such as illness or a family emergency], I was unable to attend class and complete the assigned tasks. I am eager to catch up on the missed work and ensure that I stay on track with the class curriculum.

I kindly request your assistance in providing me with the details of the missed assignments, any handouts or notes, and any additional instructions I need to follow to complete the work. I am committed to dedicating the necessary time and effort to ensure that I fulfill the requirements.

Thank you for your understanding and support. I appreciate your help in facilitating my catch-up process. Please let me know if there are any specific deadlines or any further information I should be aware of regarding the missed assignments.

Follow-up on missed lessons or classwork in a letter to class teacher – Sample 3

Sample format for “Write a Letter to your Class Teacher for Absent”.

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to follow up on the missed lessons or classwork that occurred during my absence from class on [date(s)]. I apologize for not being present and understand the importance of staying up to date with the class material.

I wanted to inquire about the topics, discussions, or assignments that took place during my absence. I kindly request your assistance in providing me with the necessary information or materials to ensure that I can catch up on the missed content.

If there were any handouts, readings, or notes shared during my absence, I would greatly appreciate receiving copies or any available digital resources. Additionally, if there were any specific instructions or tasks given, please let me know so that I can complete them accordingly.

I am committed to making up for the missed lessons and ensuring that my learning progress is not hindered. I value your guidance and support in helping me stay on track with the class curriculum.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. I look forward to your response and the opportunity to catch up on the missed lessons.

Write a Letter to your Class Teacher for Absent – In Email Format – Sample 4

Subject: Sincere Gratitude for Understanding my Absence

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for your understanding and support regarding my recent absence from class. Your understanding of my situation has meant a great deal to me, and I am truly grateful for your kindness and compassion.

I apologize for any inconvenience my absence may have caused and understand the importance of attending every class. Your patience and willingness to provide assistance and guidance during my absence have made a significant impact on my learning journey.

I would also like to thank you for the opportunity to catch up on the missed assignments and lessons. Your understanding and flexibility have enabled me to fully engage with the class material and maintain my progress.

Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and understanding. Your dedication to your students’ success is truly commendable, and I feel fortunate to have you as my teacher.

[Your Name] [Your Class/Grade] [School Name]

Writing a letter to your teacher for an absence demonstrates your maturity, responsibility, and commitment to your education. By following these step-by-step guidelines, you can effectively communicate your absence , express your apologies, and request the necessary materials to stay on track with your studies.

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