Dear future teacher

Starting school or moving to a new class can be a big transition — not just for your child, but for their teacher too. We know that many teachers want to do their best but may feel unsure about how to support a child with Down syndrome in their classroom.

That’s why mum Clare Fraser created this heartfelt letter — written from the perspective of a child with Down syndrome — to help teachers see past a diagnosis and understand the strengths, personality and value your child brings to their class.

 It’s a gentle, honest and powerful way to open up conversations and set the tone for an inclusive, compassionate classroom.

We encourage you to personalise and share this letter with your child’s future teacher. It’s a great way to help them understand who your child is, what they might need, and how much they have to offer.

You can read the full letter below and download the image here to share.

Dear Future Teacher,

Hello, I’m Willow.
Please don’t worry.

I know you’ll be wondering about making sure you’ll meet my needs, about helping me feel safe, and wanting me to be happy in your class. I also know you’ll be worrying about how you’re going to manage a class of 28 children and me. How will you manage the work load? The extra resources? How will you manage any extra staff that may come with me? The inclusion? The getting it right for every child?

And I’ll let you into a secret. If you’re thinking all this, then you’re already doing an amazing job – thank you!

You see, I come to you like any other child. I come to you with love in my heart and a joy for learning. I come to you hoping to be given the same opportunities as the rest of my class. Please don’t limit my ability because you have a limited understanding of me. There’s so much more to me…

• It may take me longer to understand some learning, but in doing so, I’ll help another child consolidate their learning when they ask to help me.
• I will be the first to tell you that one of my friends is upset because one of my superpowers is being able to read people’s emotions really well.
• It may take me longer to get ready for break, and with this, it will encourage compassion in my classmates as they help and teach me to zip up my jacket.
• I will be the first to greet you with a genuine smile in the morning and give you that heart-warming feeling that reminds you why you became a teacher.
• It may take me longer to articulate my thoughts, and as I do, I am teaching our class patience and respect.
• I will be the first to show you that pure determination and perseverance pays off – I will even surprise you and the pride we will both feel when I achieve something, will shine bright.
• It may take me longer to write things down, and in doing so, I may teach you to be more creative in your delivery and remind you that each of your ‘children’ learn in different ways and have different outcomes, not just me.
• I’ll be the first to teach our class, that differences on the outside, make no difference whatsoever, it’s our insides that shows true humanity, true love and true kindness. I’ll be the one to teach them; we’re more alike than different.
• It may take me longer to run to the end of the finish line, and as I try my best, my classmates will show friendship as they cheer me on from the sidelines and for some, maybe even by my side. I’ll be the one showing them, it’s not always about being first, it’s about being a good friend, a good person.
• I will be the first to educate you, enlighten you and show you that yes, I have Down Syndrome, and yet, unlike what some people are lead to believe, it doesn’t – and won’t – limit me or my worth because I am so much more than a person who happens to have Down Syndrome. I am smart. I am funny. I am cheeky. I am kind. I am thoughtful. I am valued. I. Am. Worthy.

You see, my hope, dear teacher, is that you see me first, and my diagnosis second. I hope you’ll see all the good that comes with me. And the extra help you worried about organising, you’ll find they’re a great asset and will be willing to help with a group here and another child there. I hope you’ll teach my classmates it’s not OK to be mean or rude and that you’ll tackle equality head on. Please speak to my class about it, ask my Mummy or Daddy questions, answer questions my classmates may have and know it’s OK to say, ‘I’m not sure, let me find out.’

Please, don’t shy away from talking about diversity, because that’s when people start to believe there’s something ‘wrong’ – and there is nothing wrong with me. I ask you, lead by example and show my classmates and your colleagues, I’m nothing to be feared. After all, who’s afraid of a five year old?

Hello. I’m Willow and I can’t wait to be in your class!

Written by Clare Fraser