Introduce yourself after you’ve moved or your child is starting in a new school Discuss a problem Ask questions about assignments or your child’s performance Request a meeting Inform the teacher about special circumstances such as disabilities or family issues Excuse your child because of illness or an appointment.
Ask your child what she calls her teacher or search the school’s website for her name. Have copies of any supplemental documents ready. For example, if your child has a disability, you may want to include a copy of the doctor’s diagnosis and any educational placements documents. [4] X Research source
Avoid writing the email address in the “to” field so that you don’t accidentally send the first draft. Keep the draft as concise and brief as possible. [6] X Research source Keep the tone of the email personal, polite, and professional. [7] X Research source Include a brief introduction with your and your child’s names and why you’re writing. For example, write “Dear Mrs. Maier, My name is Teresa Lutz and I am Sophia Lutz’s mother. I am writing because she is having difficulty in math class. ” Aim to keep the body of the email between 1-3 paragraphs. Address any issues or concerns you like. You may also want to consider asking the teacher how you can help support her and your child in a constructive manner. Close the email by thanking the teacher for her consideration and offering your contact information for further consultation. For example, “Thank you for your consideration about Sophia’s difficulties. Feel free to contact me any time by email or phone at (555) 555-5555. I look forward to working with you to find a solution to Sophia’s problem. ”[8] X Expert Source Kathy Slattengren, M. Ed. Parent Educator & Coach Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
Avoid using any accusatory language with the teacher. Use verbs such as understand, collaborate, and talk. Use adjectives such as positive and proactive. Combine words in phrases like “I understand from Sophia she’s having a difficult time with math. She and I would like to make a proactive change to this and we are wondering how we can work with you to improve her performance. ”
Be direct. For example, “I have a work trip to a museum and would like to take him with me for an extra-curricular learning experience. Could you please let him and me know what homework he will need to complete when he returns to class on Friday?”
Check that the revised email has an introduction, body, and closing that are honest and as positive and proactive as possible. Read the letter out loud to yourself, which can help you notice possible mistakes or phrases that may say accusatory or negative. [10] X Research source Consider asking a friend, your spouse, or other educational professional to read the letter. This person can make suggestions on the letter to make it stronger or more positive.
Write the greeting how your child addresses her teacher. For example, “Dear Mrs. Maier” followed by a comma. If you are not sure if the teacher is married, use “Ms. ” Instead of “Mrs. ” Avoid using the teacher’s first name unless you’ve met her before and she’s extended the offer to call her by her first name. Close with “Sincerely” followed by a comma. Consider also writing “I look forward to hearing from you” followed by sincerely to prompt the teacher that you’d like a response. Include your name and how the teacher can contact you.
Make sure to the files are in an easily accessible format.
Copy any other necessary parties such as your spouse or another teacher involved in the matter. Consider blind copying yourself to have an extra copy of the email as well as make sure the email successfully sends.
Specify a date if you need a timely response. [13] X Research source Follow up on your email or letter if you haven’t received a response within a week.
A thank you note [14] X Research source A brief introduction An excuse to leave class or for illness.
Write slowly if you have bad handwriting. This may help you more clearly form your letters. Avoid using pencils or pens that smudge easily. A ballpoint pen is likely your best option. Consider writing a preliminary draft on your composing and transferring the text by hand for your note. This may help you think in more detail about what you’d like to write. Print out your note from the computer and sign it by hand if you prefer.
Use personalized stationery if you have it. If not, use a clean and unwrinkled piece of plain paper. Write the date at the top of the paper. Put your greeting under the date. For example, “Dear Mrs. Maier” followed by a comma. Use the same elements as you did in the email. Remember to keep the note as brief and concise as possible. For example, “Dear Mrs. Maier, My name is Teresa Lutz and I am Sophia’s mother. I would really like to thank you for helping her in math class. She’s been experiencing some difficulty with math and I truly appreciate that you took the time to meet with her after school to explain the problems in greater detail. If I can help you in any way, please let me know. Sincerely, Teresa Lutz. ” Sign the note with your signature and include a printed version of your name below it if need be.
Rewrite the letter if there are considerable mistakes.
By mail. Make sure you address the letter to the teacher and then put the school’s information under it. By hand. Drop off the note in the office for the staff to deliver to the teacher. With your child. You can also send the note with your child. Just be aware that she may forget to deliver it. Consider pinning it to her coat where the teacher can see it if you want.
