Email Etiquette

Email Etiquette

Information from EdTech Cafe 

Tip 1: Be clear about your purpose 

• Be specific about why you're sending the email

• If asking about an assignment, be clear about which assignment

• Include direct questions and share how you have tried to solve the problem

Multiple Choice

Which email lacks a specific purpose.

• I don't understand the grammar assignment from class today. Can you explain it one more time?

• I was looking in Powerschool and noticed a zero for my math homework. Will you please check this? I was almost certain that I submitted that assignment.

• When is a good time for me to come to you?

• I have a few concerns about the group project from last week. Can we meet after school on Wednesday?

Tip 2: Open with a proper greeting

• Starting with "Hey" is not ok

• A good email usually opens with "Dear", but a polite "Hello" or "Hi" is generally acceptable 

• Address the teacher with his or her correct title 

• Don't skip the greeting and do not use a teacher's first name 

Multiple Select

Check the greetings below that are appropriate to use when communicating with a teacher.

• Hey Mrs. Harris!

• Dear Mr. Pope,

• Hi Ms. Huggins,

• What's up Professor!

Tip 3: Sign off with your full name 

• A sign off is the correct way to end an email 

• Remember to use your full name 

Tip 4: Spelling and grammar matter 

• Take the time to write something worth reading

• An email with spelling and grammar mistakes is unprofessional and difficult to take seriously

Multiple Choice

Which email example below does not contain a spelling and/or grammatical error?

• I am confused about the homework assignment from last Tuesday. Could you please offer me additional insight on what to do?

• Im confused about the homework assignment from last tuesday. Can you please give me additional insight on what to do?

• I'm confused about the homework assignment from last Tuesday. Can u please give me additional insight on what to do?

Tip 5: Use a polite and respectful tone 

• Keep your email professional and polite 

• If you want a teacher to do something, ask nicely

• Show good manners in both your written emails and in class

• Never send an email when you're upset 

• Remember, a written message is esay to misinterpret as rude. Ask yourself if your teacher could read it in a negative way before sending

Poll

Hey Mrs. Jones,

I need for you to tell me whether I passed the test ASAP. If you don't, I'm going to have to have my mama call you.

Brad

Is the tone of the above sample email appropriate or inappropriate?

• Appropriate

• Inappropriate

Tip 6: The subject line is not optional 

• Include a subject with each email 

• Don't put the entire message in the subject

• The subject should give a preview for the message 

Tip 7: Give context about your question

• Include your class name and period in your email 

• Remember, teachers have a lot of students across several classes. This will be especially helpful at the beginning of the year/semester

Tip 8: Less is more 

• Your teacher's inbox is likely overflowing with emails. 

• They'll appreciate it if you get right to the point. 

Tip 9: Patience is a virtue

• Your teacher will need time to respond to your email

• If they have not responded in 1-2 days, it is reasonable to send a polite follow-up email asking your question again. Or, ask them when you see them in class

Tip 10: Create an email signature 

• Consider adding an email signature to all of your emails 

• This is a convienent way to include your full name and contact information in your messages 

Tip 11: Always proofread your emails 

• Take the time to check for spelling or grammar mistakes 

• Make sure your email is polite and professional 

Tip 12: Respond to messages from your teacher 

• Do your best to reply to your teacher emails within 1-2 days

• Take the time to answer their questions or simply reply that you've received their message

Tip 13: What if this email was public? 

• Consider how you would feel if everyone could read this or if it was forwarded to your parents

• This is a final check to make sure it represents who you are as a person 

Email Template

Salutation

Sentence 1 should identify who you are
Sentence 2 should state the purpose of your email
Sentence 3+ should explain your question, concern, or comments 

Closing 

Open Ended

Using your new knowledge of email etiquette, compose an email to Mr. Perdue, your Biology teacher, inquiring about making up a quiz you missed while you were absent.