Teacher Appreciation from Students: When Students Say Thank You Back
- Amanda Legier
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Between emails, meetings, data-tracking and then laundry and dinner...Life sure does have a way of going slow and too fast at the same time. Then you get an email or a note on your desk and time stops. For a moment, you are given a hug of thanks from a student who you know has worked hard on their journey; all of a sudden, the world is brighter for a moment. You know this feeling, and it's a blessing. Appreciation from students comes in many forms.
Student Appreciation: Power of a Simple Thank You
Appreciation from students comes in many unexpected forms. On the last day of school, I received an email from a former student. I found it hidden in my teacher g-mail that I have a bad habit of checking. It was titled "A Letter To You" and it read :
“Hey Ms.Legier I wanted to write this letter to say thank you for everything you've done for me this year. You've been such an important part of my school experience in freshman year, and I'm really grateful for all the time and effort you put into teaching our class even though we were your worst class I believe. I learned so much from you, not just about the subjects we studied but also being more responsible and confident...
You always made the class room feel welcoming, and you explained things in a way that made them easier to understand. I really appreciate your patience and the way you always encouraged me, even on days when I didn't feel at my best. Those moments helped me more than you probably realize.
I also wanted to let you know that I might be moving this summer, so I may not get a chance to see you again next school year. It's a little hard to think about leaving because your class meant a lot to me but hopefully I don't move, I'll always remember this year and everything I learned from you.
Thank you for being a teacher who truly cares about your students. Thank you for believing in me especially cs i ended the school year off with a 90 in your class thanks to you. I will miss you, and I hope you have a wonderful and relaxing summer. No matter where I end up, I'll always be grateful that I had you as my teacher. also if there is a way you could email me the pictures that we took could you if not that okay have a great summer.”
Crying yet? I am.
Memorable Moments That Define Teaching
Throughout my career, several moments stand out as proof of teaching’s lasting influence. I have to hold onto these moments because there are many times it's hard to keep pushing. I encourage you to document these times, put them on the wall in your classroom. I hate that saying "It's my WHY"...eww! No. It's my joy. It's my love. It's my life. It's my kids, my babies.
Cherishing Your Own Teaching Journey
For educators, it is important to hold onto these reminders of impact. Appreciation letters and cherished moments serve as anchors during difficult days. Here are some ways to keep these memories alive:
Create a dedicated folder for letters and notes from students.
Reflect regularly on meaningful teaching experiences.
Share stories with colleagues to inspire and connect.
Use letters as motivation to continue growing and adapting.
These practices help maintain a positive outlook and reinforce the value of teaching.