How to Virtually Thank Your Teacher

How to Virtually Thank Your Teacher
There are plenty of ways to thank a teacher when you’re face-to-face with them, but what do you do when you’re separated by an ocean of distance? How do you thank an online teacher and show your appreciation when you don’t even know their name? In this guide, we’ll talk about why you should thank your teachers, how to find them in the first place, and how to send your thanks in both snail mail and electronic formats. Here’s to great teachers!

SEE How to Study Online Classes effectively

How to Virtually Thank Your Teacher

Take Notes

Taking notes in online classes can be daunting. Especially when you’re working from a laptop or tablet, it’s hard to always remember your pen and paper. But teachers are counting on students to take notes during their lectures—not only is it a great way to reinforce what they’ve said, but it also ensures that they stay focused while they’re speaking.

While there are plenty of note-taking apps out there that can get your job done, one of our favorites is Evernote (iOS and Android). The app syncs easily with other desktop programs like Dropbox and Google Drive, meaning all your files are organized neatly in one place. You can even attach photos directly into an Evernote file without ever having to leave your program.

If you have a smartphone, there are several great apps for taking quick notes on your phone. For example, Google Keep (Android and iOS) is a simple note-taking app that syncs automatically with your Google Drive account, making it easy to get your files from anywhere. If you use Dropbox instead of Google Drive, consider using Evernote (iOS and Android), which also allows you to quickly take notes and attach them directly to your Evernote file.

If you want something a little simpler that doesn’t use your Dropbox or Google Drive space, check out Plain Text Editor (Android). The app is open-source and totally free—you can download it directly from GitHub. For more ways to stay organized in class, here are some other helpful tips!

#10. Do All of Your Homework: The key to mastering any class is staying on top of your homework. Whether you’re in a physical classroom or taking an online course, it’s important to be diligent and complete every assignment. The reason teachers give homework isn’t just so they can grade it—it also allows you to practice skills that are difficult or new so you can improve and get better as a student.

11. Talk With Your Professors: Even if it feels intimidating, making a point to reach out to your professor outside of class is worth your time.

#13. Don’t Be Afraid of Being Late: Missing a class is never fun, but if you have a good reason for being late (such as an emergency or getting lost on campus), your professor will be more than understanding. If you know in advance that you’ll be late for a class, contact your professor beforehand and let them know what’s going on. Also, make sure you understand your school policy when it comes to unexcused absences—it may take a few days before they notify someone if you aren’t able to make it on time. Overall, there are lots of great ways to keep up with your assignments and stay ahead of your work so life doesn’t get too hectic.

#14. Ask Questions: Online classes may allow you to submit questions anonymously, but don’t be afraid to talk with your professor in person. In many cases, your instructor will be more than happy to help answer your questions and walk you through a particularly difficult concept. And even if they can’t meet with you in person, most professors have office hours where they’re available for students by appointment. If you know that you have a question coming up on an upcoming test or quiz, reach out early so you can get all of your concerns addressed before it’s too late!

How to Virtually Thank Your Teacher

Learn from the best

If you have a great relationship with your teacher, get advice from them about how to be successful in their class. They’ll give you great insight into what they’re looking for, and will be able to coach you on specific topics or challenges. For example, if you’re struggling with a subject, see if your teacher has any recommended reading or coursework for future reference. You’ll not only end up with an awesome mentor but also walk away feeling like there’s someone invested in your success.

A great way to thank your teacher for all of their support is by letting them know how their work has impacted you. If you have any assignments or projects you’ve completed, show them off! Providing a compliment on one of their most recent posts is also a great way to show your appreciation. Showing your gratitude will not only make your teacher feel good but can also help encourage them if they’re feeling burned out from working so hard on such interesting topics!

The idea behind most of these suggestions is that we want to thank them for their time and effort, which are both very limited. If you can find a way to do that in a smart and meaningful way, it’s almost guaranteed that your teacher will love you for it. And sometimes, nothing is better than some good old appreciation from your peers!

What might seem like small gestures can go a long way in terms of helping teachers feel appreciated. As these examples show, there’s no one right way to say thanks—there are countless ways! These days, though, there is so much written online about teaching online—and other forms of teaching—that it can be easy for an instructor not to feel special or needed anymore.

How to Virtually Thank Your Teacher

Use class forums, projects, quizzes, and more

Since you likely can’t meet in person, find ways to connect through online courses. Participate in online discussions with other students and help each other out by answering questions—helpful responses will show your professor you care about getting an A. If a virtual classroom doesn’t feel personal enough, consider making a project for just your professor and you.

Also, be sure to check out class forums if they exist—online forums like these allow students to post questions and get feedback on topics that interest them. In addition, most schools have blogs where professors share news and updates—read up on new lectures or initiatives that are coming down the pike!

Don’t forget about quizzes and class projects—these provide an opportunity for you to show your professor you were paying attention during lectures. Whether it’s through a discussion board or class forum, you can connect with fellow students and help each other out by answering questions or posting helpful responses. If a virtual classroom doesn’t feel personal enough, consider making a project for just your professor and you.

And if quizzes or projects are due later in the semester, it never hurts to ask about extra credit! That way, you can always boost your grade even higher.

Additionally, make sure to check out class forums if they exist—online forums like these allow students to post questions and get feedback on topics that interest them.

If your professor uses a virtual classroom for discussion purposes, attend whenever you can. Also, if possible, follow up with a brief email or thank-you note after each class. Even if you aren’t able to make every single session—after all, schedules do change—it’s worth it to write notes in class and jot down topics that interest you so you don’t forget later on.

Most importantly, be sure your questions get answered before moving on to the next one! After each class period is over, check back and see if any of your questions were answered in subsequent replies. Then do some further reading online; chances are there are more resources out there were fellow students have already asked and answered common questions.

After completing a course, if you really feel your professor went above and beyond, don’t be afraid to reach out. If you find yourself constantly asking for extra help or getting in over your head, see if there are other ways he or she can support you

. If you had an especially helpful professor who was willing to clarify points or take questions outside of class hours—tell them so! Also, see if they know of any scholarship opportunities that fit with your interests. Finally, feel free to tell them what you liked most about their teaching style and classroom presence; after all, they’re doing their best to help students succeed!

If you’re interested in pursuing a degree or certificate, but taking classes online seems overwhelming, don’t panic! With persistence and hard work, it’s possible to earn a diploma or graduate certificate. Just remember—keep an open mind, ask questions and keep reading! There are resources out there if you know where to look.

And if you find yourself struggling academically, consider asking your teacher for extra help—he or she may have some tips on how best to approach your studies. Also, consider connecting with students online; join class forums where fellow students can answer your questions, work on group projects together and practice presentation skills through webinars.

How to Virtually Thank Your Teacher

Ask questions

If you really want to say thank you, ask your teacher questions. A question is always more meaningful than a comment. Asking questions makes you look eager and smart – and it takes less time than trying to write something super sincere that comes off a little fake or rehearsed. And, most teachers will tell you they love getting questions from students.

They like helping students develop their thinking in unique ways, and so almost all educators appreciate a sincere question from a student. I’ve never had any of my students ask me a question for which I didn’t have an answer that would help them – even if I was pretty sure it wasn’t in my textbook!

If you can’t think of a question, don’t be afraid to ask your teacher for help. If you have a question about what you should say or how you should phrase it, just let them know! A good teacher will always be happy to provide insight on how best to reach out and thank them for their time and support in helping you learn.

Here are some examples of questions that could work: I really appreciate all your comments and feedback on my assignments. Is there anything I could do better next time? I want my writing skills to get even better throughout this course, so please let me know if there is anything else I can do. Or, You made an interesting point in the lecture today about XYZ.

If you don’t have time or can’t think of a question, there are other ways you can say thank you. I really appreciate your work in supporting me in my coursework. I just wanted to let you know that as much as I appreciate it. (The more formal way) Just a quick note of thanks for all your support and help throughout my coursework so far – it is greatly appreciated! (A little less formal) Thanks again for your support through all my assignments and lectures. I greatly appreciate it. Have a great day! And, lastly – but definitely not least: Thank you so much for all your help!

If you still feel like you’re struggling with what to say, don’t sweat it. There are probably dozens of students who want to reach out and say thank you but don’t know how or what. The best thing about saying thank you is that it always feels better for both parties when it comes from the heart – not because someone told them they should do it. So there really is no wrong way of doing it! Just relax, say thank you in your own words, and know that your teacher will appreciate it either way.

And that’s it! No matter how you say thank you, your teacher will appreciate it. (And I hope they let you know that too!) Thanking a teacher is always appreciated. It’s a sign of respect and gratitude, which any educator will tell you are two of their favorite things to hear from their students.

But don’t worry – if saying thank you isn’t your style or doesn’t work for what you need in your coursework, there are plenty of other ways to show appreciation and support for your teacher outside of email or writing. Showing your support and appreciation doesn’t have to be limited just to writing an email or saying thank you in person.

How to Virtually Thank Your Teacher

Listen to your classmates

After every class, keep track of what people say. What are they asking? How do they phrase questions? Pay attention to your classmates’ notes. Write down their good ideas (even if you know you won’t implement them). When it comes time for your final project, there will be plenty of room for creativity, but at first, focus on keeping up with what everyone else is doing and establishing a base from which you can build.

You never know where your sources may come from or who will end up playing a big role in driving your group’s success – so make sure you have as many potential sources as possible. Keep notes throughout the semester on what goes well and what doesn’t work out.

If you’re lucky, there may be a way to do a group presentation. If your class doesn’t allow group work and presentations, or if you don’t like presenting in front of others, focus on gathering information and making sure you are well-prepared for your presentation.

If you can, find an alternative way of communicating with your classmates that is more comfortable for you – such as writing group notes and asking someone else in your class to lead a discussion. You could even set up a video chat with some of your fellow students before or after class so that you can get feedback from them on what went well and what didn’t go so well in each session.

Once you’ve established an environment of working well with your peers, you can move on to creating a better connection with your teacher. Try joining in on class discussions or even asking questions if something goes over your head. If they don’t respond, talk to them after class or via email and politely ask them for clarification on what you missed.

Make sure it doesn’t sound like a complaint – teachers already have enough stress from grading papers, preparing lessons, and giving individualized attention when needed, so thanking them for their hard work will help create a positive relationship that is beneficial for both of you. How much work do I need to put into having my peers and teachers support me?

If you keep an open mind and demonstrate your interest in what they have to say, you should be able to find opportunities where all of your classmates and teachers can help you learn, as well as grow in confidence as a student.

This will take effort on your part, but that time spent learning and building relationships with your peers and teachers will pay off when it comes time for your final project or exam. And don’t forget – it may seem like everyone else is a pro at public speaking or solving problems, but if they were great at everything from day one, they probably wouldn’t be taking classes! What are some activities I can do with my teacher?

Once you’ve earned your teacher’s respect, ask them for feedback or clarification on something that was presented in class. Tell them how what they said helped you understand a concept better and why their comments were helpful.

You can even do something as simple as looking through their course outline ahead of time so that when they talk about topics that are new to you, you have some idea of what they will be talking about (and therefore a better understanding of what’s being taught). This can also demonstrate your interest in-class work and help set yourself apart from other students who might not care as much. So when I should thank my teacher?

How to Virtually Thank Your Teacher

Give extra credit assignments

Some teachers love being creative and assigning extra credit as a way of keeping students engaged. If you’re in one of those classes, take advantage of it! Even if your teacher doesn’t usually do extra credit, but does allow for extra assignments and projects, offer to do that. It will be a perfect opportunity for your teacher to know how grateful you are for his or her feedback and teaching style.

Doing an extra project is also a great way of getting on your professor’s good side (and may lead him or her to remember you fondly in case there’s a need for a letter of recommendation down the road). What should your assignment be?

Remember that your professor is always grading on a curve. If you do something outstanding, but nobody else does it, it’s still not going to be enough for an A or B grade. But if everyone is doing a great job and you’re in the first place, that might be enough for a good grade! So just do your best with whatever assignment your teacher gives you and remember: don’t stop at one assignment.

Extra credit can come in many forms! Some teachers will say don’t take extra credit, but there are lots of ways that students can show their appreciation. Be creative!

Tell your teacher how grateful you are for everything he or she has done. Teachers work really hard and don’t always get a lot of praise for it, so let him or them know that you appreciate everything they’ve done. You can also share with them something fun or interesting that happened in class recently or send them a funny picture.

If you do something special, such as give an insightful comment on your professor’s website, Twitter feed, or YouTube channel, ask permission before doing so. If you see something bad happening on one of those accounts (such as a troll attacking them), be prepared to support your professor by helping get rid of that person!

Remember that your professor is a real person, and not just an assignment or test. Professors don’t just grade papers—they teach people! It’s important to understand that it’s okay to reach out and talk with them if you have questions or concerns about your class (or anything else). If you ever need help, whether it’s with an assignment or something completely unrelated, ask a question.

They might be more willing than you think! In most classes I’ve taught there’s always been at least one student who never talked in class but would always come up and ask questions during office hours. Why do they do that? Well… there are many reasons why someone wouldn’t speak up in class, such as being shy or self-conscious.

Don’t forget to tell your teacher that you appreciate them! Remember, teachers put a lot of work into helping students learn and succeed. Most teachers aren’t looking for a reward or anything—they’re just happy knowing that their work is making a difference.

Teachers often have limited time and energy, so let him or them know what a difference he or she has made in your life! If you’ve never met your professor in person but you have had an impact on his or her life, send a card letting him or her know. It will be much appreciated (and might even mean more than all of those extra credit assignments).

SEE How to Do Online Teaching: Methods, Tips, and Tricks

How to Virtually Thank Your Teacher

Remember holidays and birthdays

We live in a world where our teachers, professors, tutors, and mentors all too often get passed over. Especially if they are working with us online or in an environment where they are not required to be physically present. It is easy to forget when those birthdays come around and it is even easier to forget about those holidays that fall between semesters or summer break.

So how do you thank your professor for their support? How do you say thank you without actually saying anything at all? You send them a card! Or rather, a thoughtful digital card like one of these … [list 6 options]

No matter how old you are, receiving a handmade card or email from your student is one of those gestures that can warm your heart on a cold day. Teachers who do their best to nurture and encourage their students year-round should be rewarded for all of their hard work! So keep it in mind next time an upcoming holiday like Christmas or Halloween approaches. Say thanks with a handwritten card or an artsy electronic greeting.

Don’t ask them questions about grades on tests or homework assignments
It’s always a good idea to be polite and thank your teachers for what they’ve done—but avoid using class-related questions as an opportunity to ask them anything related to grades. It makes you look like you have one thing on your mind: your grades.

Instead, write a note thanking them for their help with either asking a question or sharing something you learned or enjoyed during class. Don’t make it too long, but also don’t keep it too short either. Two or three paragraphs is usually enough (note that most professors will read pretty much everything they get). If necessary, follow up with an email after a few days checking in and see if they need any more information from you (or vice versa).

It’s also important to remember that you can never ask your teachers any questions about grades—not even what kind of tests they will be giving, what sort of grading scale they’ll be using, or anything else. It’s a breach of academic integrity, which means you risk getting in trouble and losing credibility with your professor.

There is nothing wrong with asking them questions about classes or general topics if it comes up naturally during an email—but don’t force it if it feels awkward. And definitely do not send multiple emails on one topic because there may not be enough information for them to give you yet.

Instead, wait until you have all of your information before contacting them again. Most students get questions about specific material once or twice and that’s it. There are very few students who will get multiple emails per week asking new questions (especially if they don’t really need more information). So, if you can’t figure out something on your own, at least give it a day or two before sending an email.

In terms of answering questions, it’s better to answer too much than too little. If you ask them a question and they don’t respond right away, that doesn’t mean they aren’t going to answer or will ignore your request (even if they are busy).

It just means they need more time to write a full response and get back to you. To make sure you don’t lose points for sending an incomplete email when you know it will be completed later, end your email with I look forward to hearing from you soon! If I don’t hear from you in 24 hours I will follow up as needed.

If you don’t hear back within a few days (or a week at most), it’s always okay to send an email checking in. Just make sure you phrase it nicely and politely—avoid coming off as demanding or pushy. Something like I know you are busy but if possible I would really appreciate your help with X, Y, and Z. Would you have time to answer these questions by Thursday? works well for most professors. This lets them know that not only are you asking politely but that there is also no rush on their end so they don’t feel pressured.

How to Virtually Thank Your Teacher