Letter about a teacher

[DVCisME]

Hi! I want to write a letter about my son's teacher to her superiors. I feel that she has done an outstanding job. She is a new teacher to the district and I want them to know what a valuable asset she is to them!

However, I don't know how to start the letter. I have a lot that I can put into it. I volunteer in the classroom twice a week, and am head room mom.
I also don't know what the would help the teacher the most.

So my questions are: How should I start? What should I focus on?
Thanks for your help!!!

 

[SnowWhite607]

I just wanted to chime in and say that my husband and I are both teachers and I think it is GREAT that you wold write a letter of appreciation about your child's teacher!

So many times, people are so quick to criticize when things go wrong but very slow to compliment when things go right. Good for you and THANK YOU!

 

[lovesmurfs]

Great idea!!! I would start out by introducing yourself and indicating that you've had a great deal of experience over the years in observing teachers, and that you wanted to take a moment to let the school administration know of how wonderful Ms. XYZ is in the classroom, and cite specific examples, etc.

You'll definitely make her day!

 

[tinkntraining]

I've done this twice, and both for outstanding teachers who I felt deserved a little public "pat on the back".

Here's how I started my letter:

Dear Mr. Principal (fill in name):

Another school year is quickly coming to a close. Too often, letters are only written to the principal to complain. Not this time. This time, I want to express my sincere appreciation, utmost support for, and to sing the praises of one of the wonderful teachers in the school district.

I then went on to be very specific about what made this teacher special. I sent cc's to the superintendent and the teacher. I received telephone calls from all of them, thanking me for taking the time to write. I honestly told them that my only regret was that I didn't have any more kids to send through his classroom.

Like you, I do think good teachers should be told they're appreciated and how important they are in our children's lives.

 

[OceanAnnie]

I think it's a wonderful gesture!

 

[amid chaos]

I have done something similar. Doing it now is a good time because contract renewals are coming up and with budget cuts, new teachers contracts can easily not be renewed.
I would send a copy to the principal asking that it be put in her file and a copy to the superintendant.

 

[dismom2]

I think it's a great idea to write the letter. I think extraordinary teachers deserve to be recognized. I wouldn't go into great detail, just mention a few examples of why you think this teacher has gone above and beyond---so much so that you were compelled to write them and let them know.

 

[okeydokey]

I have done that before at the end of a school year. I address it to the principal and I state the positive things that teacher has done and how my child has responded. I have also let the principal know what a great job she is doing. I get a response in return about how nice it is for them to hear from happy parents as most communication made to the school is negative.

 

[happygirl]

I think it great to hear a postive thing about teachers. So many times all we hear is people gripe and complain.

 

[Pigeon]

I always to this when we get an exceptional teacher.

Dear Principal Smith:

This year Pigeonsdaughter has had the pleasure of having Ms. Wonderful as her 5th grade teacher.... As you know, Happyville School has many fine teachers, but we think that Ms. Wonderful deserves special recognition...

Then we list Ms. Wonderful's many fine attributes with examples. We close by saying that we would be delighted if Principal Smith would like to share our appreciation with the school board. At one of the school board meetings, highlights of the letter are read into the minutes.

It's especially nice if it's a tenure year for Ms. Wonderful or if she's having a rotten year. We've had more than one teacher tear up when he or she gets a copy of the letter.