How to Tell Your Teacher You Don't Like Your Grades

Telling them through email

Know your teacher's email address. You can often find these on teacher websites, or if your school has an established email format (such as [email protected]), then simply insert their name into the format.

Write an approachable yet formal introduction to the email. "Hello" is always an acceptable greeting, which can be followed by something such as "I was wondering if - " or "I'd like to address -"

Compose the body of the email, and address your question about the grades you dislike. Make sure to let your teacher know that you're putting in the work you feel is necessary to get the grades you want, and also tell them the goal you're striving for in their class.

Conclude the email and send it. Finish your email with a closing line such as "Thank you" or "Sincerely", and include your full name and grade level at the bottom of the page. Hit send and wait for a reply!

Telling them in person

Find out your teacher's open hours, or email them asking if you can see them at a certain time. Open hours can often be found on a teacher's website or in the syllabus, and if you choose to email them, make sure you include a specific time and be flexible to their plans if you can.

Don't be nervous! Feel confident in your ability to talk to them. Write down some notes ahead of time so that you have an idea of what to say, and approach them with confidence. Your teachers are there to help you, and they want you to succeed!

Let them your goal in the class, and tell them that you're concerned by your current grade. Showing your teacher that you have a vested interest in furthering your education lets them know that you are serious about doing well.

Ask how you can do better, and if there's any way they can help you. Your teachers want you to succeed, and if you've told them that you aren't happy with your grades, it's a great idea to follow up by showing an interest in improvement.

Thank your teacher for their time, and follow their advice. Your teacher knows what they're talking about, so if they give you tips on how to succeed, follow them! Don't be afraid to talk to your teacher or schedule follow-up meetings if you need extra help.