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How to Write a Meet-the-Teacher Newsletter That Builds Trust—Before Day One

Dr. Kara Stern
3 min read
TL;DR

Want to build family trust before the first bell rings? Your Meet-the-Teacher newsletter is your first impression—make it count! Smore’s customizable templates help you introduce yourself, ease back-to-school nerves, and open a two-way dialogue with families. Bonus: free template included at the end 🙌


Back-to-school jitters don’t wait for the first day of school—and neither should your first newsletter.

Families want to know: Who is this teacher? Will my child feel safe, seen, and supported? A warm, well-crafted Meet-the-Teacher newsletter is your chance to answer “Yes” to all of the above—before your students even step into the classroom.

It’s about connection, not just logistics. And with Smore, it’s easy, engaging, and (dare we say) actually kind of fun to make. 

Why it matters to start before school begins

Sending your newsletter ahead of the infamous Day One gives families time to digest information, ease anxieties, and start the year feeling confident. It sets the tone: “I care about your child, and I want to partner with you.”

Even better? When you invite families to share their voice early, you build trust before the first conversation happens. Explore more ways to reach every family →

What to include in a Meet-the-Teacher Newsletter

We’ve seen thousands of incredible back-to-school newsletters created on Smore. Here’s what the best ones have in common:

👋 A warm, personal welcome

Share a bit about who you are, why you teach, and what makes your classroom special.

🧭 What to expect (and when)

Share key info—schedules, supplies, routines—so families feel prepared, not overwhelmed.

💬 Your communication plan

Explain how families can reach you and how you’ll stay in touch. Smore + SchoolStatus Connect makes this a breeze, with auto-translation and message tracking.

❤️ Hopes for the year (yours and theirs)

Tell families what you’re most excited about, and then ask: What are you hoping for this year? What are your worries?

Pro Tip: Embed a simple Google Form where families can share their child’s strengths, needs, and anything you should know. A few short questions now can lead to powerful partnerships all year long.

Keep it clear, kind, and clickable

The best newsletters are skimmable and human. Think: bold headers, short blurbs, friendly tone. Sprinkle in some emojis and photos—your classroom, your pets, your favorite coffee mug. You’re building a relationship, not writing a textbook.

Ready-to-go Smore template

Want a head start? We’ve got a customizable Meet-the-Teacher template ready for you to personalize and send today.
Duplicate the template →

Start strong. Stay connected.

When families feel heard, students feel supported—and that starts with your very first message.

Smore helps you reach every family with beautiful, accessible newsletters that build trust from day one (or before!). Let’s make this your best back-to-school yet. 💫

FAQ

When should I send my Meet-the-Teacher newsletter?

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How do I get input from families?

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Do I need to translate my newsletter?

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Where can I find more templates like this?

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Dr. Kara Stern

Dr. Kara Stern began her career as an ELA teacher, then shifted into administration as a middle school principal. Dr. Stern is a fervent advocate for equitable communication and family engagement. She spent five years as Executive Director at Math for America, where she designed the professional learning community that exists to this day. An unexpected move to Tel Aviv launched her into the world of EdTech where she became the Director of Education Content for Smore and then the Head of Education Solutions at SchoolStatus. Outside of work, she indulges her love for reading, devouring two novels weekly, with a particular fondness for heists and spy stories.

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