How to Write an Email to a Teacher
Be mindful of your teacher's inbox
- Use your GSC email account
- Start with a new message instead of replying to some old email message
- Put a clear and proper title in the subject line
Structure the content your email message in a professional way
- Use a conventional salutation
- Immediately say what class you are in, indicating the day and time it meets
- Make your message as clear and concise as possible
- Statement of your problem or interest
- Question that is relevant to that problem or interest
- Justification of question (why do you need an answer)
- Request for response (if you need one)
- Express your gratitude in a genuine way
- Sign your full name after saying “Sincerely” or “Regards” etc.
Before you send the email, save it as a draft so you can check over it
- Only ask questions that are not otherwise answered in the course materials
- Polished grammar is a must; use complete sentences and complete words
- Your entire message should give an impression of consideration and care
- Email is NOT an informal means of communicating with a teacher
Reasons to email (know your rhetorical situation)
- Alert your teacher about a future absence
- Request an appointment during office hours
- Ask a question about the some of the course material that is confusing you
- Share something of interest that is relevant to a recent lecture
- Express thanks for an appointment you had with your teacher
- Apologize for something rude you might have done
Important Considerations
- Use email with your teacher in a way that follows the course policies.
- When you email or visit a teacher, your demeanor says more than you think.
- Credibility is an image that you project to another person.
- Deference is the key to a good image in the eyes of one who wields grades.
