Open a new MS Word document on your computer.
Type the date at the top of the paper, justifying to the left. Tap the "Enter" key twice.
Type your full name, then press "Enter." Type your address. Place the Street address on one line, then the city, state and zip code on the next. Tap the "Enter" key twice.
Type the name of the teacher. Be sure you are using the correct spelling. If you know the teacher's first name you may type it, but be sure to use the proper title, such as "Mr.", "Mrs.", or "Dr."
Type on the next line the department that the teacher works in, such as "English Department." Type the address on the next line, using the same format as written in step 5 above. Tap "Enter" twice.
Enter a subject line, the subject being your request for a letter of reference. It should be something like, "RE: Letter of Reference." Tap "Enter" twice.
Begin your salutation with "Dear" and the correct title of the teacher. Do not include a first name in the salutation. Use a comma (,) at the end of the salutation.
Begin your letter by stating the reason for your letter. Using proper spelling, grammar and punctuation, state in your introduction that you are requesting that they provide you with a formal reference. If you are in high school and requesting a letter of reference for a college application state that in your introductory sentence. If you are a college student requesting a reference from a professor for either graduate school or for a job, state that here.
State your acquaintance to the teacher. Remind the teacher who you are by stating which class of theirs you were a part of. Give an indication of your familiarity with the teacher or the subject by commenting on an event that may help the teacher when writing about you. For example you can say something to the effect of, "I thoroughly enjoyed performing analyses from the charts and graphs that you created in geometry last semester".
Provide the teacher with the name and address to whom the letter is being written. Offer to pick the letter up personally if you are able to. It's a nice gesture and takes some of the administrative burden off of the teacher. It will also give you a chance to thank the teacher personally. Provide a postage paid envelope to the teacher if you are unable to pick the letter up personally.
Close the letter with a genuine note of appreciation for taking the time to respond to your request. Tap the "Enter" key three times. Type in a closing salutation, such as "Sincerely" and follow it with a comma (,). Tap the "Enter" key three times.
Type your full name. Save and print the document. Sign your name in ink above your typed name.