Find information on how new teachers can write introductory letter to parents.
A teacher is not only responsible for imparting knowledge to students, but also has a hand in developing and molding their attitude and personality. Since they are so involved in the lives of their students, it is important for them to communicate with parents. An introductory letter to parents from a new teacher at the beginning of the academic year is very important to develop a rapport with the parents for the rest of the year. This letter enables the teacher to create a good impression as parents realize that the teacher is genuinely interested in the growth of their children. It also helps in making parents comfortable to talk to the teacher about the problems that their children face. Although there are many benefits of writing an introductory letter, not many teachers know what exactly to write, to make a good impression on parents. Therefore, here is a sample for your reference, followed by guidelines to help you write an effective one yourself.
Guidelines
An introductory letter from a new teacher is a way of welcoming the students and parents to one’s class and hence, the tone of the letter should be very polite. The letter should make the students and parents excited for starting the new academic year with the teacher. However, teachers should see to it that the letter is written in a formal as well as a professional way.
In the beginning of the letter, the teacher should introduce herself to the parents by mentioning her educational background as well as her previous experience. The teacher can talk about where she attained her teacher’s degree from and how many years she has worked as a teacher in the same school or some other school. Mentioning whether the teacher was in some other profession before becoming a teacher is also a good idea. It is fine to write about the teacher’s additional qualifications and whether she is currently pursuing some course.
The next part of the letter should mention what the students and parents can expect during the academic year. Here, one can also mention one’s teaching style and talk briefly about the syllabus that will be covered during the year. One can also mention the activities that will be taking place in the class as well as in the school, like projects, picnics, educational trips, etc. This helps in developing the enthusiasm of students and they will surely look forward to start a new year in school. One can also discuss some specific things or concerns like homework, studies, etc., in this letter.
The letter must end by encouraging the parents to communicate with the teacher, if they feel the need to do so. It is important to mention the time during which parents can come to meet the teacher in the school. Mentioning the teacher’s e-mail id is a good way of telling parents that they can communicate with the teacher about any concern that they may feel necessary. Communication through e-mail makes the teacher-parent interaction easier.
Sample
| Dear Parents, My name is Karen Winget, lead fourth grade teacher and I am really glad to welcome you and your child to my classroom this year. I graduated from the University of California with major in English literature and later did my diploma in Early Childhood Education from the same University. I have taught in the Elementary grade for five years, though I have worked at Sunshine School for the past three years. I am interested in reading and have my blog which I see as a window to express my opinions. Apart from that, I am always on a quest to meet new people and learn about their language and culture. I am looking forward to meeting as well as knowing each student of my class and their parents. This year will be a challenging one for your child as compared to last year, however, I will try to make the classes more interesting as well as easier, so that each child understands as well as enjoys them. Moreover, I do not just want to stick to academics. Rather, I am planning activities to develop the creative skills and interests of students. I hope to make this academic year, an educational as well as a fun-filled year for the students. If you would like to meet me to discuss your child’s performance or any other problems that he/she is facing in class, you can feel free to meet me during lunch break hours, between 9.15 to 10.00. It will be appreciated if you tell me a day before to fix the meeting. Apart from this, you can also e-mail me at [email protected] to discuss any concern you have about your child. Yours Sincerely, |
Please note the school might have a prescribed form of introductory letters to be sent by teachers to the parents. One important thing that teachers should remember is that they should take permission of the chief administrator of the school before sending letters in any other format.
