Dear Mr. Mertens,

I just wanted to take the time to thank you for all you have done for me during my time here. Thank you for being a superior teacher to me and an overall incredible mentor. You were always willing to listen to my crazy ideas and jokes and that brought some joy to even my worst days. 

Seeing how you teach and interact with your students has inspired me in how I want to one day be a teacher. While I plan to be an English teacher, the lessons you have taught me have been universal. You have shown me the value of treating students like they are equals and showing them respect. You have also taught me how it is important to establish a line of communication between teachers and their students so that they feel the most supported. I hope to one day be as half a good teacher as you are. 

All in all, I am grateful that over these past two years I’ve gotten to know the incredible teacher you are.