A
female
age
30-35,
anonymous
writes:Does this letter to a teacher sound good? Does it seem too touchy or weird? How would it make my old teacher feel?Dear [Name of Teacher],Looking back, my impression of you was that you were very thoughtful. Your demeanor was both welcome and supportive, making the class feel very liberating and fun. I enjoyed this so much—a quality that has stayed with me, and one which I continue to appreciate because [reason].Indeed, I sometimes still miss your class. I always looked forward to your class, and wished it never ended. When I reflect back on our class experiences with my former classmates, like M... and W.... they say they miss it, too.I believe you have an incredible, unique talent for teaching math. You will forever be one of my favorite teachers, and it makes me sad to learn that you are no longer teaching. Thank you for everything,[Your Name] Reply to this Question
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Fancy yourself as an agony aunt? Add your answer to this question! A
female
reader, YouWish +, writes (7 May 2016):
 I didn't consider this letter to be an "I'm romantically interested in you" letter, and I don't think it comes off that way, OP.
I say send it! At 60, it sounds like retirement to me.
My only thought was whether or not the teacher was fired or was a part of controversy, and the decision to stop teaching was a painful one. Then a letter would be like pouring salt on a wound.
However, the anonymous teacher changed my mind. I loved my Spanish teacher like a mentor (she was my teacher for 4 of 5 years), and we exchanged a few letters after I graduated HS.
Go ahead and send it. It's good to see some kindness and positivity in this world!
A
reader, anonymous, writes (7 May 2016): I'm a teacher and I love it when students give me letters like this. Teachers work long and hard hours and get very little in return. These letters are always cherished deeply.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (7 May 2016): This is verified as being by the original poster of the questionNo, I don't want to come on to my 60 year old teacher. Plus he is gay so what would be the point?
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (7 May 2016): In essence, you are telling a former teacher "I miss you" and then you rally support of other students to support your point. I don't think this is appropriate because the content is skewed and doesn't fit your real intent. This is not a letter where what he taught you furthered your career or otherwise. I assume you are an adult now and you can approach him as one since you are interested.
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A
male
reader, olderthandirt  +, writes (7 May 2016):
 While I think it is very nice to think of a teacher like you seem to. However, if this teacher is hyper sensitive he or she may misinterpret this as a "come-on" from a student with a latent crush. It depends on the relationship you had with this teacher and how they will take it. But it is a crazy-nice thing to do. I see it as an innocent thank you. I hope the teacher does as well. Good luck
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A
female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (6 May 2016):
 You should send it, people like to know that their work has been appreciated. I am sure your old teacher would be glad to hear some positive feed back. You are very thoughtful and kind.
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A
female
reader, YouWish +, writes (6 May 2016):
Before you send it, why is your teacher no longer teaching??
If your teacher is retiring or the decision to no longer teach is a positive one and the teacher's choice, I'd say it's a great gesture.
If the teacher was fired or something else is going on, depending on what's going on, there may be a sensitivity issue that may need to be considered.
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A
female
reader, Ciar  +, writes (6 May 2016):
 The letter isn't too touchy or weird, though I would recommend a few minor changes.
1. Focus on your experience in her classroom and not on her actions (however positive they may have been). The latter sounds a bit like a report card.
2. First paragraph, last sentence: end the sentence at 'one which I continue to appreciate'. There is no need to provide reasons. It's a no brainer and it's just verbose.
3. Second and third paragraphs can be combined into one without over using the word 'class'. Try something like: 'My former schoolmates and I still talk about how much we enjoyed your class.'
4. Last paragraph: the word teach/teacher used too often. Maybe something like: 'I was fortunate to have had you as my math teacher.'
It's nice to get positive feedback and to know we made a difference, so I imagine they'll be touched.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (6 May 2016): It's the most touching and kind thing a teach could ever hear from a former student. If I received a wonderful letter like that, I would put it in a frame; and hang it on the wall in my classroom for inspiration. Either that, it would be among my most cherished keepsakes and letters from those I care for.
No, sweetheart...it isn't weird at all. It's what she deserves if she made such a wonderful impression. Teachers go under-appreciated all the time, and this is the reward that is priceless.
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A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (6 May 2016):
 Not touchy or weird at all.
I agree, send it. Your teacher will appreciate it!
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A
female
reader, Ivyblue  +, writes (6 May 2016):
 A nice random act of kindness. I do hope you send it.
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