How to write a thank-you message to a teacher

Consider these steps to write an effective teacher appreciation letter:

1.Choose your greeting

Begin your letter with a greeting, such as “Dear,” “Hi” or “Hello,” and consider addressing the employee by name.

You may refer to the teacher as you would during a face-to-face conversation. For example, you might write “Dear Ellen” or “Dear Ms. Lu,” depending on how you typically refer to them.

2. Say thank you

The body of your letter may open with a statement of gratitude regarding a specific achievement or general satisfaction with their work. This can help set the tone for the rest of your message and may also signal positivity, making the recipient potentially more likely to feel at ease and continue reading.

Consider using the word “grateful” in your opening statement to express your appreciation for your teacher’s support and positive impact. For example, you might write, “I am truly grateful for your guidance and encouragement throughout the year.”

3. Give specific details

An effective teacher appreciation letter is typically personalized. Mentioning the employee’s specific actions can help make your message more meaningful.

For example, you might mention a lesson or subject an elementary teacher helped students learn by saying, “Thank you for the inventive ways you taught math this year by using real-world examples and role-playing scenarios where students could practice counting money as both a cashier and customer. Your teaching made a big difference in the students’ confidence.”

While you can refer to something specific that a teacher did for an individual student, avoid mentioning the student’s name to help maintain their privacy. For example, you might say, “I appreciate how you stayed late on Tuesdays to help a student in your third-period class.” Keeping this mention vague helps respect that student’s privacy while still acknowledging the employee’s impact.

4. Describe the impact

After you’ve mentioned specifics, put the teacher’s contributions in a larger context. Recognizing how their work contributes to the school’s broader objectives can motivate them. For example, a teacher who creates maps and colorful multiplication tables for visual learners may support the organization’s mission to make learning accessible for all learners.

You could also reference goals such as improving equity in learning, boosting student engagement or fostering a supportive learning environment and how the teacher supported them by removing barriers to learning. For example, teachers may encourage students to ask as many questions as needed or offer quiet periods to create a sensory-friendly classroom.

5. Say thank you again

Complete the letter with a note of appreciation to reaffirm your gratitude. You may also want to provide words of encouragement in this section, such as “Keep up the great work!” or “I am excited for all you’ll accomplish next year!”

6. Finish with a closing

Sign off your letter with a closing, such as “Best” or “Sincerely,” and sign your name. Include your signature, job title and the school’s name as well.

Teacher appreciation letter templates and samples

These templates for appreciation notes may help you create your custom letter.

Teacher appreciation letter template: Example 1

Hello [Teacher name],

Thank you for [description of what you’re recognizing the teacher for]. [Insert more details about the contribution, accomplishment or achievement.]

[Explain the impact of the contribution, accomplishment or achievement in one or more sentences.]

Once again, thank you for [description of what you’re recognizing the teacher for]. [Add optional customized encouragement.]

Thank you,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
[Your school name]

Sample using template: Example 1

Hello Mimir,

Thank you for all the hard work you did this year. Each month, I noticed you spending free blocks with students who needed extra help. You also frequently used your lunch hour to meet with parents.

You were always the first to volunteer your time to assist with after-school activities, such as our field trip to the museum and the end-of-year picnic.

Your dedication to providing valuable support to the students and partnering with parents helps us fulfill our mission. Your patience with students and creativity help them think beyond the classroom setting and apply their knowledge to the real world. For example, instead of having students write essays for your communications class, you allow students to complete projects in any format (e.g., digital, written, video), which lets them explore different mediums while conveying their message.

The positive impact you have had on students continues to be recognized, as former students often share their gratitude and memories. Plus, your involvement in activities has helped make our school feel like a community.

Once again, thank you for everything you did to make this school year a success. I am eager to work with you to make next year as successful.

Thank you,

Kayla Armitage

Assistant Principal

Wavewood Elementary

Teacher appreciation letter template: Example 2

Dear [Teacher name],

I’m writing to say how grateful I am for [description of what you’re recognizing the teacher for]. [Insert more details about the contribution, accomplishment or achievement.]

[Explain the impact of the contribution, accomplishment or achievement in one or more sentences.]

Thank you again for [description of what you’re recognizing the teacher for]. [Add an optional customized encouragement.]

Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your job title]
[Your school name]

Sample using template: Example 2

Dear Mr. Kirwa,

I’m writing to say how grateful I am for the effort you put into preparing your AP World History class for this year’s exam. Students easily learned about the Roman Empire and its soldiers’ infantry tactics thanks to your interactive teaching style that made the classroom an imaginary battlefield. Your commitment to helping them succeed and grow academically is truly appreciated.

Our AP program is a point of pride for our school and helps prepare our students for post-secondary education. Your work this year has helped improve the program considerably and put our students on the path to success.

Thank you again for all that you did this year. Keep up the great work!

Sincerely,
Birikti Neftalem
Principal
Wavewood High School

7 tips for writing teacher appreciation letters

Once you’ve determined the structure of your appreciation letter and ways to customize each, consider the frequency you plan to send them and for what achievements.

These seven tips may help you determine the specifics:

1. Thank teachers regularly

You might send thank-you notes regularly to help teachers feel appreciated throughout the academic year. Some administrators submit them at the end of the school year or after each academic period.

You might also choose to present notes to teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week. This annual event helps bring together students, parents and staff members to express gratitude for the teachers’ positive impact.

2. Find opportunities to recognize achievements

In addition to regular quarter, semester or annual notes, consider scenarios that deserve recognition. Some instances might include:

• Helping students get exceptional standardized test scores
• Providing support for a student struggling with academic success
• Identifying a student in need of special accommodations, such as verbal exams
• Organizing events
• Volunteering for responsibilities outside the scope of their role
• Overseeing an initiative
• Mentoring other teachers
• Hosting workshops or professional development sessions for staff
• Serving on or leading committees
• Leading clubs or extracurricular activities
• Filling in for other staff members
• Obtaining an advanced degree or credential while continuing to teach

3. Consider your format options

If you’re writing to all staff members, it may be easier to send personalized appreciation emails. However, a card or paper letter can be more meaningful, and some teachers may keep the notes as keepsakes.

4. Deliver messages promptly

Timing is generally important when writing a letter to thank a teacher for a specific achievement. Sending your note as soon as possible can help maximize its impact. Consider adding 15-30 minutes of letter-writing time to your weekly calendar to recognize teachers.

5. Proofread carefully

Before sending or delivering your teacher thank-you letter, proofread it carefully. Correct any spelling and grammar errors to ensure your message is professional and concise.

6. Remember other staff members

Consider also sending appreciation emails or letters to other staff members, as this recognition often directly ties to the performance and job satisfaction of your team. The templates above can help you customize the message with specific achievements and contributions. You might write thank-you notes to:

• Assistant teachers
• Guidance counselors
• Administrative assistants
• Librarians
• Custodians
• Cafeteria workers

7. Use inclusive language

When writing teacher appreciation, choose inclusive language. Some examples of words and phrases to avoid and their alternatives include:

• Step up, which you can replace with “take on” or “assume responsibility for”
• Look forward, which you can replace with “anticipate” or “to be eager for”
• See, which you can replace with “observe”
• Stand up for, which you can replace with “advocate for” or “champion”