How to Write a Teacher Appreciation Letter

The Pinterest boards are full of ideas for cute, homemade teacher appreciation gifts.

 

Mason jars filled with candy, personalized hand sanitizer bottles, and teachers’ initials made out of crayons.

 

Been there, done that.

 

You know what teachers really want?

 

(Hint: It isn’t more stuff to clutter up their desks. It isn’t a gift card to a store they never visit. Or flowers that wither and die in two days.)

 

What Teachers Really Want

Teachers want cash (who doesn’t?), and they want sincere appreciation in the form of a card or letter.

 

They want you to recognize their hard work and acknowledge the ways they’ve impacted your child’s life.

 

For some parents, the task of sitting down and writing a heartfelt letter comes naturally. For others, it feels like a chore.

 

If you’re looking for guidance, here are six simple steps to writing a genuine thank-you note to the teachers in your life. It’ll only take you about ten minutes from start to finish.

 

Writing a Letter of Appreciation

Step 1. Take out a piece of paper and brainstorm words or memories that come to mind when you think of this teacher.

 

2. Get some pretty stationery or note cards. Target has some nice ones that are inexpensive.

 

 

3. Start with “Dear __________,” It’s best to keep the tone respectful and on the formal side, rather than beginning with something like “Hey, Diane!” Stick to using the same name her students call her (i.e. Mrs. Smith or Miss Diane).

 

4. Use the list of words and memories from step 1 to help you write your note. There’s no need to use flowery language or include quotes and poetry. Just say what’s on your mind and in your heart. Here are some phrases to help you:

Thank you for an incredible year!

Jenny’s learned so much from you…(give specific examples)

We appreciate that you (how you)…

We’re going to miss…

We’ll never forget…

 

5. Put it all together. Here’s an example with some additional words/phrases to use:

 

Dear Mrs. Brown,

Thank you for helping to make fourth grade so special for Jack.

You were patient and understanding when he fell behind in math, and we appreciate that you stayed after school to give him extra support.

We’ll never forget how he came home beaming with pride from the A he received on his final exam! We’ll miss you next year. Have a great summer.

Sincerely,

Jane & John Smith

 

Haven’t had the best relationship with the teacher?

You can politely acknowledge this, and still find something to appreciate about her. For example, “Although we don’t see eye to eye all the time, I always know you have the students’ best interests in mind.”

or

“While we’ve had our differences, I appreciate that you were willing to talk things over with me in a respectful way.”

 

6. Hand-deliver the note, if possible.

 

Click here for more tips on The Best Ways to Show Teacher Appreciation. How do you show teacher appreciation? Did you find these letter-writing tips helpful? Leave a comment below!

 

 

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