<p>Hi, I'm a junior. My favorite teacher (I've taken two of her classes and gotten As in both and I've really gotten to know her well) is retiring at the end of the semester and moving to another state. What should I do about getting a rec from her? The only contact info I have for her is her school email and school office phone. I have no idea what her new home address would be. I guess I could friend her on Facebook and contact her through that, but even then I'm worried that she won't remember enough about me to write the rec since I won't have seen her for so long--most of her students stop by her office even after the class is finished just to chat with her and catch up! On the other hand, I don't know how I'd ask her for a rec now, and if I did it would probably end up being out of date since so much could change before I apply to college. What should I do?</p>
<p>My S’s favorite teacher was retiring at the end of his junior year. He had taken two classes from him (sophomore and junior years). He asked him if he would consider writing him a letter of recommendation, even though he was retiring. The teacher agreed.</p>
<p>The teacher did not leave the area, and S asked him toward the end of his junior year. However, S did all the communicating this year via email, since he doesn’t see him anymore. When he filled out the Common Application, he just entered the retired teacher’s email address and the teacher filled it out electronically. S waived his right to see his letters, so doesn’t know what was written, but he was admitted ED to his first choice school.</p>
<p>Because of priority scholarship deadlines, you may be filling out your application fairly early in the fall of your senior year. There may not be that much time for a teacher you have not already had (a new teacher your senior year) to get to know you.</p>
<p>If you want to ask the teacher to write a letter for you, I suggest you ask before the end of the year. She may decline, but she might say yes.</p>
<p>Mmmgirl, I think your best bet is to ask your teacher now if she would consider writing a recommendation for your applications next fall. Many teachers even like to take care of this over the summer. Ask her what the best way to be in touch with her after she leaves school would be. Don’t friend her on facebook, as that’s not really as appropriate for something like this. Then speak with your guidance counselor about the best way for your teacher’s letter to be included in your application package next year. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for all the help, guys! I actually don’t have a guidance counselor though, I’m homeschooled and the teacher is one of my professors at a local college where I’m dual-enrolled part time. Does that change the situation?</p>
<p>I don’t know if there are different requirements for homeschooled students; S attends public school. But I would assume a teacher who was familiar with your academic work would be fine, and preferable to a recommendation from a parent. S’s retired HS teacher is also an adjunct professor.</p>