In the spring of 2020, when the world came to a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas teacher Emily Wilde thought she would be back in her classroom with her students in just a few weeks. However, as the weeks turned into months, many of her students vanished from her life, leaving her with unfinished conversations and a longing to connect. This profound experience lingered in her mind long after remote learning ended.
As Thanksgiving approached in the fall of that year, Emily took a leap of faith. Armed with a stack of paper, she penned heartfelt letters to each of her 130 students. What began as a one-time gesture has evolved into a cherished annual tradition over the past six years. Emily shares her journey with us in this Q&A.
(Follow Emily on her Instagram, Geometry and Jokes.)
Q: What inspired you to write handwritten notes to every student?
Before the abrupt school closure in March 2020, I always ended my classes with a cheerful “Have a good break! Make good decisions!” But when the pandemic struck, we transitioned to digital learning, and while I saw some students the following year, many were lost in the shuffle of a large school. This realization made me reflect on whether I had expressed everything I needed to say to my students—beyond just math lessons.
As Thanksgiving approached the next school year, I felt a deep-seated anxiety that my students might not return after the holiday. Fueled by this fear, I decided just days before the break to write personal letters to all 130 of them. The impact was so profound that it turned into a beloved tradition, and now I typically hand out the letters at the end of the school year, once I’ve built stronger connections with my students.
Q: When you first started, did you think it would become a long-term tradition?
I had no idea it would become such a lasting tradition, but here we are six years later, and I have no plans to stop. Every year, as I write my 50th letter and my hand begins to cramp, I question my commitment. But when I see their delighted smiles and hear their soft “thank yous,” I’m reminded that every moment spent is worthwhile.
Q: How do you make time for this?
I start by printing a roster for each class period and write letters in order, crossing off each name as I complete a note. I aim to begin early enough to write a few letters during spare moments, like at the end of a lesson, between classes, or during my conference period. As the school year wraps up, I often find myself bringing the letters home to finish them in a rush!
Q: What kinds of things do you include in the notes?
I typically start and end my letters in a similar format:
[Student’s name],
I’ve enjoyed teaching you/getting to know you this year. [Here, I insert something personal—perhaps I’m proud of them for an achievement, giving them a gentle warning if I sense they’re on a troubling path, or recalling a funny memory.]
Let me know if you ever need anything!
Love,
Mrs. Wilde
The content of each note varies, depending on my relationship with the student and what I feel they need to hear.
Q: What impact have you seen on students and families?
At a recent school baseball game, a mother of a former student spotted me at the concession stand. She embraced me and shared that her son had a special board in his room where he displayed important items, and my letter was still hanging there two years later!
Another parent reached out to express how challenging their home life had been that year, and she shared how her child brought my note home, beaming with happiness. I occasionally receive notes back from students, which I treasure immensely, although that’s never something I expect. (A tip for new teachers: Keep everything students and colleagues give you that’s made with love. I call mine my “Box of Sunshine.” You’ll need it on the tough days.)
Each letter takes about three to four minutes to write, yet they can create a lasting impact.
Q: How many notes have you written over the years?
Over the years, my class size has ranged from 75 to 130 students. Estimating roughly 100 letters each year, I’ve written around 500 notes so far. This year’s group will bring me closer to 600!
Q: What advice would you give to another teacher who wants to start this tradition?
Take a moment to reflect on each student individually. When you write their name at the top of the note, consider what they might need from you or what you want to convey. If you’re ever at a loss for words—which can happen—share a general message: express your gratitude for having taught them, your support for their future, and your availability to help them when needed.
Start several weeks in advance and set achievable daily goals to avoid burnout. If your motivation wanes, just picture the joy on the students’ faces when they receive your notes!
Q: Is there anything else we should know?
For years, I purchased my own stationery to write these letters, but this year I finally allocated funds from my classroom budget for this purpose! Most administrators would likely support this initiative, so don’t hesitate to ask if you want to embark on a similar tradition.
Plus, check out How a Classroom Kindness Project Led One Teacher to the TEDx Stage!
