End of year letter to teacher and principal

[Anonymous]

My DD's teacher is a first year teacher and has done an excellent job in IMHO. I'd like to write an end of year letter to her and the principal expressing our appreciation. She's really been excellent so I'd like to make it as powerful and as useful for her as possible. Any tips for things to highlight, expressions to use or avoid?

[Anonymous]

Just focus on the specific examples you have of the teacher doing a good job and skip superlatives like "the best" unless you have experience with a lot of other teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just focus on the specific examples you have of the teacher doing a good job and skip superlatives like "the best" unless you have experience with a lot of other teachers.

+1

[Anonymous]

Also, don't forget to include any areas that you saw improvement in that you believe can be attributed to the teacher. That will show how she connected with your child, which is a great thing!

[Anonymous]

Include a specific example of how she worked well with your kid or problem solved.

Keep the note fairly short.

[Anonymous]

As a teacher, in addition to what everyone else has said (be specific, avoid empty superlatives, mention how she helped your child learn and grow, keep it less than one full page), I'd love to have evidence of little things I did that meant a lot to the student. We have so many interactions with so many kids, it's impossible to remember every detail, and it's good to be reminded that the everyday words and gestures matter. Oh, and if she did a good job staying in touch with you as parents, that's good to mention too.

Also, thank you for having this impulse. A letter like this is more thoughtful and would mean more to me than any gift card or teacher appreciation tchotchke.

Oh, and I'm not sure if you'd do this, but avoid any mention of "for a first year teacher," which could sound condescending (even if it wasn't meant that way).

[Anonymous]

This is so nice of you, OP. You rock.

[Anonymous]

My preschooler has 4 teachers (2 in regular class, 2 in a special needs class). I have done this for all. I tell them how much she loved their class, thank them for being kind and patient and so invested in her and her success. Let them know that I know how hard they work to make sure that the kids love school and that that hard work did not go unnoticed. Most especially, I thanked them for giving her the foundation to really have a love of learning. They were all so great to her. I don't know if I really could properly express my gratitude.