Writing a thank you letter to a teacher... How personal should it be?

Question

This year, I've had my favorite teacher ever, and I'm leaving for another school next year. I'm trying to write a letter, but whenever I attempt it I sound way too emotional, but I don't want it to be too generic either. I'm afraid of sounding like I'm emotionally needy, or obsessive, or saying too much. I really like her, but not in a creepy way. I want her to know how much she's helped me without making her feel too embarrassed, or like she's responsible for me or anything.

I've been writing letter after letter trying to get it right, but I always feel like I'm revealing too much of myself.

what do you think would be appropriate to include?

Answer 1

Teachers really appreciate it when a student sends them a note at the end of the year because it makes them feel like they made a difference and really taught a student something.

Why not start out by saying something like...

Dear Miss or Mrs. or Mr. XXXX,

This is very hard for me to tell you this, but you have really taught me alot this year and next year, I am going to be going to a different school (and give the reason).  I consider you to be my favorite teacher and I just wanted you to know how much I liked your class because you really showed me that I could do whatever as long as I put some effort and time into trying to do it.

Thank you for everything.

Sincerely,

XXXX

Answer 2

be specific ,Highlight her help towards u. make her feel happy as she will be very emotional reading ur letter becoz she will feel that she has achieved so much more than just plaine  teaching

Answer 3

Be specific and to the point.  Not emotional.  If you need help, there are sample letters on the web, just look it up.

Answer 4

I used to (and sometimes still do) teach horse riding to children. Sometimes I had some kids who found it really difficult for a variety of reasons; they were shy, their natural balance wasn't good, they were scared etc. etc. Seeing them all learn and progress is very rewarding. I imagine it's like this for a teacher who's pupil(s) progress, like you have. Sometimes the kids would buy my presents and things at Christmas time etc. but the one I remember most was a little girl who was about 6 years old. She'd been riding about 6 months when she came up to me with a painting that she'd done at school. It was of the pony she liked to ride. Her mum told me that her teacher had said that she'd asked to paint this especially for me at school and had been bugging her mum all week with "Is it today we go riding?!". I was so touched by this! In short - write what you feel, something that comes from the heart, like this painting did with the little girl. That will be the most touching thing. Don't be afraid to be emotional if you want! Give her it on your last day if you want, that way you don't need to be embarassed because you won't see her again. And good on you for thanking the teacher! x

Answer 5

Teaching is her job, so I think she would be thrilled to get a letter knowing that she's had such an effect on you (teaching is hard work, so your letter would prove that it's worth it!!). I don't think she'd feel responsible for you. You should tell her honestly how much you appreciate her instruction this past year. Start with this example (grabbed from the web):

"I've decided to write you a letter of appreciation, thanking you for your help. I enjoyed being taught by you immensely; you are an excellent teacher and have inspired me to continue learning with an open and positive mind. I appreciate all your hard work, it’s meant so much to me."

Then, build on it some more by mentioning specific things she did that were helpful/inspiring to you. This will prevent it from becoming too generic while at the same time not being too personal. Also it could be helpful to the teacher as well, because she'll know what specific strategies work with her students. Maybe they can help future students as well. But really, any letter from appreciation from a student would probably mean a lot to a teacher because they really do work hard!!

Answer 6

I was in 9th grade and I met a teacher who has CHANGED MY LIFE to an extend that I chose to major in college in what she was teaching.

I had to leave that school in april before the school year was over and as a thank you, I wrote her a letter.

It was like 3 pages long, and SUPER emotional becuase I cried as I wrote it and everything...

I gave it to her as is becuase I knew that I wanted her to know what she meant to me.

So she read it, thanked me for it, was amazed, and we are really close friends now.

So there you go!!!

Answer 7

My favorite letters I've received over my 30 + years in the field are those that are very specific:  what is it, exactly, that I did that made a difference?  What does the writer see as his/her new competency as a result of taking my class?  I hope this helps (and you are very thoughtful to want to thank your teacher)