Does my email to my counselor about changing my schedule good enough?

Question

I've been hearing from individuals that the math teacher I'm going to have this year is mean, rude, and not good at teaching. Since I will be a senior, I don't want to tolerate someone who is "unfit" as a teacher. I had experience in my junior year, where I was unpleasant to a teacher to a point where I almost got kicked out of class (couldn't teach, a bit rude, and basically incompetent). HERE IS MY DRAFT:

Dear Mrs. Sherman,

I want to change a few things in my schedule, such as my math teacher and elective (interior design). I want to change my math teacher because I'm uncomfortable of having someone who I heard is mean and not good at teaching. I know it sounds dumb but I've had experience like that in the past where I was real unpleasant towards a teacher. And I don't want to experience it again, especially in my senior year. As for interior design, I want to change it to Health (need it to graduate) or Individual and Family Life because they're more important. Thank you!

** BEST ANSWER GETS 10 POINTS!

Answer 1

You need to come up with a better reason to change math classes.  The note as written looks like you are making a request based on rumors rather than facts.

At the very least, you would want to say something like, "Based on the experiences of classmates who took the class last year, I know I would have a better educational experience in a different teacher's class."  If you can name a specific teacher you want, that would be even better.

All the best.

Answer 2

Your reasons sound rather arrogant, even though I know that isn't what you mean.  They won't let you change your math teacher just because you have heard negative things about him/her.  If the school felt the teacher were unfit, they wouldn't have him/her teaching there, and you are basically saying, "I want someone else to be stuck with the bad teacher, because I am too good for this."  Your past experience suggests that you were a bad student "I was unpleasant", rather than that the teacher was bad.  

On the interior design class, it is a little presumptuous to say that the other classes are more important.  You would do better to say that you realized that they will be more useful to you, given your future plans.  That doesn't insult the other class.

I would do it this way:

Dear Ms. Sherman,

I would like to change a few things in my schedule, including my math class and my elective (interior design).  As a senior who needs a good understanding of math to prepare me for college, I am concerned about getting the level of support that I will need, given what I have heard from others.  As for interior design, I would like to replace that course with Health, since I need it to graduate.  If that is not possible this semester, I would prefer to take Individual and Family Life, which I have realized would be a better fit for my future plans.    Thank you!

Answer 3

your tone will be very important here. You don't want to sound petulant. As a teacher, being called "mean" in an eye roller and all counselors taught for a few years (this is a requirement). Please see my suggestions below.

As far as changing, I hate to tell you but you will have bosses that are utterly incompetent. Even teachers have APs who they can't stand to work with. If you can not change, please think of it as an opportunity to prep you for the future. ;) Also, you might not want to make a huge prejudgment. After all, you wouldn't like a teacher to think of you a certain way prior to you ever being in a class. Try to put your best foot forward. You may find the experience won't be near as bad as you thought. Positive attitudes really do help and good first impressions really to influence a relationship.

That being said, here is my rewrite suggestion:

Dear Mrs. Sherman,

I am writing in regards to my current schedule. I would like to take Health instead of interior design because this is a requirement for graduation. If I cannot get into Health, I would very much prefer Individual and Family Life because I think this would be more useful in my future.

Also, I am having reservations about my math teacher. I feel a different teacher may prepare me for college level math. If there is anyway to switch me into a different teacher when you switch my elective, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thank you for your time and consideration,

(Your Name)

Answer 4

I think going up to your school and talking with your counselor would be a much better idea. You could elaborate on the situation instead of her having one paragraph on the subject, and going to talk to her in addition to the email would show persistence and that you are serious about what you want.

Answer 5

I agree - you need to change the tone of your request.  As is, it reads as if you want to switch math teachers based solely on hearsay and your inability to control yourself with teachers that you don't mesh well with.  (I'm not saying that this is how you are, just that it's how your request sounds.)  

Try something like:

Dear Mrs. Sherman,

I have found that I need to change a couple of things in my schedule, namely my math class and my elective.  If possible, please change my elective from Interior Design to Health, as I need it in order to graduate.  If this is not possible, I would like to take Individual and Family Life, as I feel that it applies more to my future plans.

I would also like to change my math class; I believe that ____________ (name of teacher) will be better able to prepare me for college level math.  I greatly appreciate your assistance with these changes.  

Thank you,

(your name)