How to Write a Thank You Note to a Teacher

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Thank You Notes have always been a thoughtful way to express your gratitude and appreciation for a teacher. The best way to thank someone who has made a difference in your life is to state your feelings clearly and with sincerity. [1] Learn how to write a Thank You Note to your child’s teacher, or learn how to write one to your own teacher by following these easy steps.

Sample Thank You Notes

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Writing a Thank You Note to Your Child’s Teacher

PDF download Download Article
  1. Brainstorm and write down memories or words that come to mind when you think of this teacher. Use this time to organize your thoughts and really get to the heart of what you want to thank this teacher for, and why. Think about:
    • Your child’s experience in this class and any positive things they told you about this teacher.
    • Your own interactions with this teacher. What positive experiences have you had?
    • What you know about this teacher. What is this person like?
    • What words would you use to describe this person to someone else?
    • What might this teacher write in a Thank You Note to you, if they were to?
  2. Hand written notes add a personal touch that is often more treasured than a computer typed document. Office supply stores are a great way to find cheap stationery. Some stores also sell packs that include decorated cards and matching envelopes.
    • You can also use blank paper! This gives you and your child an opportunity to add artwork later. Personal art work is just as appreciated, if not more so, than stationery.
    Advertisement
  3. Start with “Dear _____,” It is always better to err on the side of professionalism when writing to a teacher. Address the teacher by the same name that students use. [2]
    • Say “Dear Mrs. Smith,” instead of “Hey, Diane!”
  4. Look back at the notes you made in step one to help you write your letter. Start by thanking them for something specific, then explain how that was helpful to your child. [3] Use words you are comfortable with and keep your sentences short. Try things like:
    • Thank you for an incredible year!
    • My son/daughter learned so much from you (you can include specific examples here if you have any)
    • We really appreciate (give a specific example of something the teacher did, or a fun memory you share)
  5. Think about ways you can customize this letter so that it couldn’t be for anyone else besides this specific teacher. Take the opportunity to be gracious. Even if you didn’t particularly get along with this teacher, there must be something specific you can praise them for.
    • If you and your student loved this teacher, sum up your positive experiences into just a few sentences like, “James really enjoyed the board game project. He still plays the board game he made in your class, even today.”
    • If you and your student had a frustrating year with this teacher, strive to find the things they did well, and thank them for those things specifically. You may be able to say something like, “Thank-you for all the extra time you spent with Maria on her math homework. She has always struggled with math and she has learned a lot from your class.”
  6. Thank the teacher again and sign your name. Add a formality to your signature like:
    • Sincerely
    • With Kind regards
    • Warmest regards
    • Yours truly
    • Best regards
    • Our deepest thanks
  7. No matter what grade your child is in, they can help add an additional personal touch to your letter. Individual drawings or artwork are great suggestions. A separate Thank You Note or phrase written by your child is also great. You can also help your child gather some cut outs from classroom received material to color, decorate, sign and include.
    • If your child is in Elementary School, help them write a short thank you (about ½ a page) at the best of their writing abilities. Or, if you’ve got an artist on your hands, help inspire them. Suggest they draw a portrait of their teacher, or pictures of things they remember from the class. Doodles are great too!
    • If your student is in Middle school or High school, help them write half to one page about their favorite memory from that class.
    • If your child has special needs, help them write notes or draw pictures to the best of their ability. [4] Decorate the card with them using stickers or glitter. You can also draw a picture for them to decorate.
  8. If you decide to include a gift, make sure to keep it small. Don’t spend a lot of money. There are a lot of great gift ideas for Thank You cards that don’t cost very much. Try:
    • Flowers. If you know a great place to pick wildflowers, you can arrange a bouquet with your child and present them to the teacher. Or, you can go to a local nursery and select a plant. You may want to consider a plant that thrives indoors. You may also want to include a self-watering pot or a small vase with your plant.
    • A goodie bag. Find a high quality tote bag from a bookstore or office supply store and work together with your child to fill the bag with goodies. You can include highlighters, post-its, etc.
    • Gift cards. What teacher wouldn’t appreciate a gift card to Starbucks? Make sure to keep the card value reasonable. $10-$20 is good.
  9. You can send the card in the mail, but delivering it by hand is great too!
    10. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Writing a Thank You Note to Your Teacher

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you can, a hand written note will likely be more appreciated. However, if you have ended the semester, graduated, or are unsure how to find your teacher again, you can type the letter and email it.
  2. Think about how this teacher made a difference in your life and what you want to thank them for specifically. Make a list of words to describe your experience with this teacher.
    • Keep your letter sincere and light.
    • Avoid stating the obvious or being redundant. You don’t need to say why you are writing the letter.
    • Avoid saying things like, “I’m writing to thank you for…” Just thank them!
  3. Begin your letter with a formal hello to your teacher. Address them the same way you would in class. If you have established a first name relationship with them, use that name in your letter. [5]
    • Saying “Dear” instead of “Hey” or “Hi” is more professional and respectful.
    • You may want to write your letter on a nice piece of stationery. You can purchase stationery for a cheap price at Target or any office supply store. [6]
  4. Take a few sentences to simply tell your teacher, plain and simple, why you are thanking them. Using specific examples and instances will make your letter more powerful and personal. Include phrases like:
    • You really helped me understand when I was struggling.
    • Thank you for tutoring me in algebra this year.
    • Your class taught me how to be a better student.
    • Thank you for your patience.
    • You helped me see what I could be.
    • You are the best teacher ever!
    • I will never forget you.
  5. Express to them how their class really impacted you. Often teachers go home wondering what, if anything, their students retained from their lecture. Tell your teacher how they matter. At the end of the day, everyone wants to be appreciated for their hard work.
    • If your professor inspired you to seek out more education in their subject, tell them!
    • Whether you are your teacher were best friends, or had your share if differences, they still performed a service for you. Let them know that you are grateful.
  6. Express to your teacher how much you would enjoy networking with them in the future. Invite them to contact you and offer methods for them to do so.
  7. Thank your teacher again and sign your name. Include your contact information if you would like to keep in touch. Add a warm sign-off to your signature, like: [7]
    • Sincerely
    • With Kind regards
    • Warmest regards
    • Yours truly
    • Best regards
    • Our deepest thanks
  8. Hand deliver your letter if possible. You may also be able to leave the letter in your teachers mailbox on campus, or mail it directly. If you have no other choice, email your letter.
    • If emailing your letter, make sure to use a recognizable email address (like a campus email if possible) and write a clear subject line like, “Thank You Note from Eric.”
    • If your teacher doesn't recognize your email, they may not open it.
    9. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Adding a Personal Touch

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you are writing a Thank You Note to an English or History professor, this is an especially great idea. Include a quote from the classroom reading that stuck with you.
  2. Make fun of something you learned in class. Target your joke to the subject matter. Or, include a fun memory you have of that particular class.
  3. Reminisce with your teacher about what the first day of class was like or how you felt before and after a difficult exam. Let them see their class from your point of view in an encouraging way. If your perception of them changed over time, in an uplifting way, express this to them.
    4. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I thank my teacher for helping me?
    Tami Claytor
    Etiquette Coach
    Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
    Tami Claytor
    Etiquette Coach
    Expert Answer
    Open your thank-you note with "Dear Mr. or Mrs." Then, on the first line, start with "Thank you for..." and be very specific about what you're thanking them for. On the second line, tell them how you're going to use whatever that person did for you. For instance, you might say, "Thank you for taking the time to work on my algebra with me after class. Because of your help, I'll do much better on the SATs." End with a warm greeting, like "Wishing you well," "Take care," or "With warm regards," then sign your name.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
  • Question
    What if I want to write letter my principal.
    Wilflory
    Community Answer
    Follow the same steps. It should be written in a formal way. Write your thoughts and a phrase that will make your principal smile.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 12 Helpful 37
  • Question
    Can I draw borders on my note?
    Community Answer
    This is your note and you may customize it however you like. Adding a border will demonstrate that you put time and care into your thank you note.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 41
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Remember that the note doesn't have to be long to be meaningful. It is the thought that counts.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • When writing your note, pay attention to grammar and spelling - even if it's a letter to your math teacher.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • Recounting a specific incident is much more meaningful than relying on glittering generalities. A precise description of, for example, the difficult process of learning the "Rule Against Perpetuities", will mean more to your teacher than statements like "You have helped me in so many ways."
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Never write a Thank You Note as a way to try to get a better grade in the class. This is considered disrespectful and likely won't work. Even if your grades were bad, you can still thank your teacher for their time, as long as you are sincere.
        Thanks
        Helpful 39 Not Helpful 5
      • Never buy an expensive gift from a teacher expecting to get something in return. Keep any gifts low cost and don’t purchase something that you can’t afford.
        Thanks
        Helpful 31 Not Helpful 6
      • Don't expect to get something back. Only write the letter to give the gift of appreciation to your teacher. They may not give you anything back and that's okay. Remember, they already gave you a whole class worth of time!
        Thanks
        Helpful 38 Not Helpful 10
      • Never use a Thank You Note as a place to blame or insult a teacher. If your letter isn’t completely sincere, don’t write it at all.
        Thanks
        Helpful 35 Not Helpful 9
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Write an Apology Letter to a Teacher
      How to
      Write a Thank You Letter
      How to
      Impress Your Teachers
      How to
      Become a Teacher's Pet
      50 Ways to Say “Thank You for Being There for Me” (with Responses)
      180+ Creative & Heartfelt Thank You Messages for Your Friends
      60+ Thank You Messages for After a Party or Celebration
      How to
      Tell Someone “Thank You for All You Do”
      60+ Funny & Heartfelt “Thank You” Notes for Your Coach
      How to
      Appreciate Someone's Effort and Care
      What to Write in a Thank You Note After a Funeral (& Who to Send Them To)
      How to
      Write a Thank You Card for Flowers
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.edutopia.org/groups/education-leadership/787686
      2. ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
      3. ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
      4. ↑ https://help.donorschoose.org/hc/en-us/articles/201936706-Guidelines-for-student-thank-you-notes
      5. ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.target.com/c/stationery-kits-invitations-party-supplies/-/N-5xt24
      7. ↑ Tami Claytor. Etiquette Coach. Expert Interview. 29 September 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To write a thank you note to your teacher, first address them with “Dear” followed by the name you use for them in class, like “Mrs. Brown” or “Susan.” Then, take a few sentences to thank them for what they’ve done. You can start with something like “You really helped me… “ or “I’m especially grateful to you for… “ Try to tell them how their class has affected you. Also, let them know you’d like to stay in touch and provide your contact information. Finally, thank your teacher again before you add a closing, like “Warmest regards,” and your signature. To learn how to add stories or jokes to make your thank you note more personal, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,035,184 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Kate Nguyen

        Jun 5, 2020

        "I love this! It helped me think of ideas of what I should write to my teacher for all the things she has done to ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement