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Although schools often discourage parents from choosing a certain teacher for their child, in some situations, the school administration will respond positively to a teacher request letter.
There may be a better chance of success if the parent has already formed a good relationship with the child’s current teacher and listens to his or her advice.
make request with a formal letter
Making the request in writing using a formal business letter style allows the parent to make a strong case. The letter should first state the child’s name, grade and the name of the school.
Next it should give the reason the parent is requesting a particular teacher and what advantages that teacher will give the child.
The parent should name the teacher they are requesting as well as a possible second choice. They can thank the principal and ask for his or her opinion about what’s best for their child.
Some points parents need to consider before they write a teacher request letter are:
What is the teacher request policy at their school? Even schools within the same district can have different teacher request policies.
The request letter will have a better chance of success if it is written in line with the school’s policies.
Why does the parent want to request a certain teacher? The reason should not be based on gossip or a popularity contest. There needs to be substantial, academic reasons for making a request.
Teachers work together
Criticism of the child’s current or possible future teacher will not help the situation. Teachers work together and will not appreciate negative comments about a team member.
The letter should focus on the child’s difficulties and how he or she tried to overcome them. It should state that the parent would like to avoid some of those challenges in the next school year.
Parents should try their best to be objective about their child’s needs. If they are honest, there is a better chance they will be taken seriously.
If they gloss over their child’s personality to portray it in glowing terms, the school may know better, and think that the parents don’t have a realistic grasp of the situation.
disabilities education act
According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), there is no rule that the parents of these children can select their teachers.
Parents have the right to be involved in their child’s placement, and if the teacher is not implementing the child’s IEP after the school year begins, the parents have the right to request a meeting and consider changing the teacher.
Here’s an example of a letter of request from a teacher. If there are any copies of documents related to the child’s education, they should be copies rather than originals. All discussions with the school about this topic should be kept on file by the parent.
Sample Letter to request a teacher for my child
Andrea Johnson
456 Mystic View Turn
Jacksonville, FL, 32003
[DATE]
Principal Jenkins
ABC School
39 Green Tree Street
Jacksonville, FL, 32003
Dear Principal Jenkins:
Celeste Johnson, who will be in second grade at ABC School next academic year, is my daughter.
As a result, his elementary school experience will almost certainly have a significant impact on his future academic life, and I would like to request a specific teacher. This school, I understand, will consider parent suggestions for teachers.
Celeste has been happy and engaged in school for the past two years, and I hope he will continue to enjoy it.
His teachers have noticed that he learns best when his attention is focused rather than when he is asked to recall information. As a result, he is looking forward to the upcoming academic year.
Mrs. Brown, Celeste’s present teacher, and I have discussed this issue, and she agrees that a teacher who understands how to introduce subjects in a way that piques his attention will be better for his academic future. I’d prefer him to be placed in Mrs. Wooden’s class or, if that isn’t possible, in Mr. Gray’s class.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. I would be happy to meet you or Mrs. Brown to discuss the matter further.
Please feel free to make suggestions or give advice about my concerns. I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or at andrea@email.com.
Sincerely,
Signature
Andrea Johnson