Is it Acceptable to Contact an Old High School Teacher About Your Interest in Teaching?

Yes, it is generally acceptable to contact an old high school teacher to discuss your interest in teaching. Many educators appreciate hearing from former students and are often willing to provide guidance, share their experiences, and offer advice about pursuing a teaching career.

Why Should You Reach Out?

Contacting a former teacher can provide you with valuable insight, support, and direction as you explore the field of teaching. Teachers often have a deep understanding of the profession and can offer practical tips and advice that can help you navigate the journey to becoming a teacher.

How to Approach Your Outreach

Here are a few tips to ensure your outreach is respectful, clear, and effective:

1. Be Respectful

Acknowledge that they may have a busy schedule and express your appreciation for their time:

Hi [Teacher's Name], I hope this email finds you well. I just wanted to reach out and express my appreciation for all the support and guidance you provided to me during my high school years. I understand that you are probably busy and I hope you have a bit of time to chat.

2. Be Clear

Clearly state your purpose for reaching out. Mention your interest in teaching and any specific questions or topics you’d like to discuss:

My name is [Your Name], and I recently graduated from high school. I am currently exploring my career options and have a strong interest in teaching. I would love to hear your thoughts on the teaching profession and gain some insights that might help me make an informed decision.

3. Share Your Background

Briefly update them on what you’ve been doing since high school and what specifically draws you to teaching:

Since high school, I have [briefly share your background, e.g., worked in healthcare, volunteered at a local school], and I have realized that I am drawn to the teaching profession because of [your reasons, e.g., the impact you saw teachers have on their students, the joy of sharing knowledge, the desire to mentor others].

4. Choose the Right Medium

Email is usually a good choice for initial contact as it allows them to respond at their convenience:

I have attached a brief resume and a draft of my teaching philosophy. If you have some time, I would be honored to discuss these with you further and get your feedback.

5. Be Open to Their Response

They may be happy to chat or may have limited time. Be understanding of their availability:

I understand if you are short on time but any advice or insights you can share would be incredibly helpful. I am very flexible with the timing and appreciate your willingness to take the time to speak with me.

Conclusion

Reaching out to a former high school teacher can be a great way to gain insight and build connections in the education field. While it is up to the teacher to accept or deny your attempt at communication, most educators would be honored to hear from a former student who is interested in pursuing a career in teaching.

Teachers are there to help and support you through every phase of your educational journey. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or a college student, reaching out to a former teacher can provide you with valuable guidance and direction. Best of luck to you!