Q&A for How to Write a Letter to Your Child's Teacher

Address your child's teacher by the same name that the student's use. For instance, if your child calls their teacher "Mrs. Brown," you'd start your email with "Dear Mrs. Brown."

Try to open your email with something positive. For instance, you might say, "I appreciate how you've stayed late to help Sam with her math homework." Then, move on to share your specific concern or request.

Make sure that your subject line reflects why you're sending an email. Teachers receive a lot of different emails, and a detailed subject line helps them prioritize their work.

Re-reading your email can help you decide if any changes need to be made in order to clarify your message. For instance, if you're discussing an emotional topic, you might wait an hour before re-reading and sending the email.

What do you want to say? What did the teacher say, or indicate? Is your child being accused of violence, or is he/she the victim? Maybe you should start by having a talk with the teacher. Write down all your thoughts and questions at home, and practice saying them out loud if you're nervous. If you're differing with the teacher, make that clear without being nasty. Try to keep it light as long as possible; if you or the teacher are seriously bothered, it may be time for a letter. Again, try not to be accusatory. If you feel your child has been punished or accused in error, say so without insults. Violence in schools is a serious issue, but people can overreact.

Address the teacher formally as "Mr./Ms./Mrs. [their last name]" and simply explain the reason for the absence, i.e., "Dear Mr. Smith, I am writing to inform you that my son, David Jones, will be absent the week of September 9th - 13th. There has been a death in the family, and we will be traveling to Tennessee to attend a funeral. Please set aside handouts and assignments for David to pick up when we return, or prepare them ahead of time so we can take them with us. Thank you for your understand, Anna Jones."

Politely! Address them formally, then say something like, "I sincerely apologize for my tardiness in paying for [your child's name]'s school fees. I have now sent the payment in full, and I greatly appreciate your understanding." Then sign off "Kind regards," and your name.

Address them formally as "Mr./Ms./Mrs. [their name]," then state your question about the grade. Be respectful (don't outright accuse them of being wrong), and suggest that you meet in person to discuss it further if you think that might be necessary.

If this is regarding a concern that you have, it may be best to first look up teaching requirements for your state and have a discussion with the teacher. Teachers' education teaches them the most research based ways to teach and it is likely people who have not taken those courses will not quite understand what the teachers are doing. The teacher can explain their method to you. If it is more regarding questions, then you should simply politely outline the questions you have in a nonjudgmental manner.