If, however, on reflection, you realize that you could have behaved in a more polite way, simply write the letter, and be sure to include the following:

–begin with the apology (get it out of the way)

–what specifically you did

–when you did it

–why you did it

–assure them it won’t happen again

–what you will do next time so it won’t happen again

–final thoughts/extra flattery (hey, it doesn’t hurt)

Here’s an example of a way to right it if you feel the teacher was a bit to blame too:

Dear Mr Weaver,

I’m very sorry for yelling at you in class last week. I was angry and embarrassed because I felt like you were picking on me in front of the class. I get embarrassed really easily when I don’t know the answer, so I felt stupid, and I was hurt by your comment that I “will never get it right.”

However, I know that yelling at you wasn’t the best way to handle my anger, and next time, I promise I will be quiet and talk to you after class if I am upset. I have learned a lot from your class this year, and I’m sorry if my behavior last week made it seem like I didn’t appreciate what you’ve taught us. You really are a good teacher, and I really don’t want to be rude to you. It won’t happen again.

sincerely,

your name

(This way, you’re showing what the teacher did to trigger your attitude. This is important, and teachers actually do look at that because they don’t want someone being nasty to them. You’re also only apologizing for your response to the teacher’s comments. Not for anything bigger. Just be specific and sincere. Chances are good, if you were “rude” you could have handled whatever happened better. . .say that, and talk to someone if you’re getting mistreated by the teacher.)

Dear NAME,

I apologize for my behavior in class PUT THE DATE HERE. It was rude, uncalled for and immature. I won’t act that way again and hope you’ll be able to look past the incident for the remainder of the school year.

Again, I’m sorry.

Sincerely,

YOUR NAME

good luck.