A teacher resignation letter is a written document that notifies the school administration of your intent to resign from your position.
This letter is essential, regardless of the reasoning behind the employee’s decision. It is typically hand-delivered at least two weeks before your last day. It allows the school to select a substitute in advance and testifies to a teacher’s professionalism. Before writing, it’s essential to understand how to resign, the components of a resignation letter, and how the document is typically formatted. The following sections provide an in-depth look into the resigning process and the content contained in a resignation letter.
Free Templates
How Do I Resign?
Once you’re sure about your decision to resign, you must proceed with the correct protocol. If you are not careful during the process, it could hurt your relationship with supervisors and have professional consequences. You may also second-guess your resignation if you’re not prepared.
Follow the steps below to make sure you do not regret your resignation:
Solidify your decision
If you’re not sure you will secure a better opportunity after your resignation, it may be worth it not to resign. However, it’s not best to leave in the middle of the school year without good reason. Leaving at this time can have a negative impact on your class and put pressure on the district. In addition, this act of leaving will likely be viewed negatively by the administration regardless of your professionalism, and you will risk potentially burning a bridge.
Find a new job
Securing a new position is the most responsible way to resign from your job, whether you are a teacher or not. This ensures you will not have a long transition period or face potential unemployment. Finding a new job also prevents significant gaps in your resume that may indicate impulsivity to a future employer.
Inform your coordinator
Before writing your resignation letter, inform your coordinator of your intent to resign. Your supervisor will use the advance notice to search for someone who can fill your position. Allowing Taking this additional time with them ensures that the employee-employer relationship will not end negatively.
Offer your assistance
The easier the change is for the administration, the more likely they will maintain a positive view of you after your departure. Consider ways to assist the school in the transition, such as providing your contact information to a new hire and offering this support to your supervisors.
Write a resignation letter
To formally resign, you must write a resignation letter. This letter must be both thorough and straightforward so that there is no room for misinterpretation.
Hand it over to the supervisor or administrator
The letter must be delivered to your supervisor so that it can be filed with the school board. Your supervisor can also help you clarify if you need to make additional copies for other supervisors. Once this letter is turned in, your resignation is official.
Pre-resigning Considerations
Before notifying your supervisor of your resignation, follow the steps below to ensure that you’re prepared to move forward with the process:
Ascertain to whom your letter must be addressed
Typically, you must address your letter to one or several supervisors and school administrators. Your superintendent can likely help you determine who must be contacted. Your training/employee handbook may also provide clues as to who should receive your letter.
Keep in mind the notice period
Your required notice period is likely specified in your contract. If you are unsure, it is best to contact your supervisor. Leaving before the proper notice period ends will make it hard to secure a good reference from that employer. If you are leaving in the middle of the school year, you should offer to extend your notice period, if possible, as it may be difficult for the administration to find a replacement at that time.
Select your final day
Your final day will be at the end of your notice period. Therefore, it will likely be at least two weeks after your letter is submitted. However, you must clarify the exact date that you will finish, as it is an essential part of the resignation letter.
Schedule an exit interview
It is best practice to schedule an exit interview with your superintendent or other principal before officially resigning. This exit interview will give you the chance to have a private discussion about your reasons for leaving if you do not wish to include them in the letter. However, the tone of this conversation should remain positive and professional. Your exit interview is not a good time to complain about the school. However, there may be a mutual exchange of constructive criticism that can help both parties move forward.
Steps to Writing a Resignation Letter
The four main parts of a resignation letter for a teacher are the letterhead, introduction, body, and conclusion. It’s helpful to write the letter section by section.
Follow the listed steps to ensure that each piece of your document contains all the essential content:
Header
Starting with a header adds formality to your letter. It includes essential identifying information about the sender and recipient. Start by writing your name and contact information, including your phone number, email address, and home address. Then write the name and the specific position of the person to whom the letter is being addressed. Next, provide the name and address of the school, and finish with the date.
Every piece of information is appropriately stated in the header, as seen in the example below:
EXAMPLE
Mary Jane
1000 Market St.
School District, NY 10001
111-222-3333
mjane@email.com
November 30th, 2021
Andy Johnson
Superintendent
New York School District
2000 Education Lane
School District, NY, 10001
Introduction
The introduction to your letter announces your resignation and provides the necessary details. Start with a salutation that directly addresses your recipient, such as “Dear Mr. Johnson:”. Then, clearly state your intent to resign. You may refer to the prior conversation you’ve had with your supervisor regarding your resignation. Be sure to specify the exact position you are leaving so that there is no room for misinterpretation. Finally, include the date of your final day of work.
A successful introduction needs only a few sentences to convey the required information.
EXAMPLE
“I am writing to inform you of my resignation from the position of language arts teacher at the New York School District. My final day of work will be December 20th, 2021.”
Body
In the body paragraph of your letter, you may wish to go into more detail. These paragraphs allow you to explain your resignation and reflect on your experiences at the school. However, you may choose to keep it straightforward and leave out nonessential information.
- Tell the reason if you want: It is okay to state that you’re resigning for personal reasons instead of providing a specific explanation. However, suppose you are comfortable with it. In that case, the body of the letter can be used to provide reasoning for your resignation, whether it’s related to another job or your personal life.
Only discuss your reasoning if you can do so professionally and positively, as your letter will be kept in a file. If the reason involves criticism or a dispute with the school, do not mention this. - Explain your experiences in the school: Again, since your letter will be kept in a file, it should reflect a professional attitude. Therefore, it is good practice to write a few lines about your experience with the school and how it has helped you learn and develop.
Conclusion
The ending of the letter should be in sync with the content written above to conclude it efficiently.
It includes the following elements:
- Express gratitude to the supervisor. This will help you maintain professional development when you need a recommendation letter later.
- Sign the document: Sign the document with your typed full name and signature below a complimentary close. You may also include contact information under the signature.
Teacher Resignation Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Today’s Date]
[Principal’s Name/Recipient’s Title and Name]
[School’s Name]
[School’s Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Principal’s Name/Recipient’s Title and Name],
I am writing this letter to formally announce my resignation from my position as [Your Position/Subject Taught] at [School’s Name], effective [Last Working Day, typically a date at least two weeks from the date of your letter]. This decision has not been easy and comes after careful consideration of my personal and professional goals.
During my time at [School’s Name], I have been fortunate to work with a talented team of educators and remarkable students. It has been a privilege to contribute to the school’s mission of providing high-quality education and to witness the growth and achievements of our students. I am particularly proud of [mention any specific achievements or projects], which I believe have made a lasting impact.
I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition and minimizing any disruption to the students’ learning experience. To this end, I plan to:
- Complete all grading and reports by the specified deadlines.
- Prepare detailed handover notes for my successor, including insights into individual student needs and ongoing projects.
- Be available to assist with the recruitment and training of the new teacher, if required.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the support and opportunities I have received during my tenure at [School’s Name]. I am leaving with fond memories and valuable experiences that I will cherish and carry with me into the next chapter of my career.
Please let me know how I can further assist during this transition period. I wish [School’s Name] and all its staff and students continued success in the future.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample Teacher Resignation Letter
Dear Mr. Smith,
I am writing to formally resign from my position as a 5th-grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary School, effective two weeks from today, March 23, 20XX. This decision comes after much contemplation and is driven by my family’s upcoming relocation to Springfield, due to significant changes in my partner’s career.
My time at Lincoln Elementary has been incredibly rewarding. I have deeply valued the opportunity to contribute to our students’ educational journeys and to work alongside such a dedicated and supportive team. Watching my students grow academically and personally has been a highlight of my career, and I am grateful for the experiences that have enriched my professional growth.
I am especially proud of the literacy program we launched last fall, which has already shown promising improvements in our students’ reading and comprehension skills. It is my hope that this program will continue to flourish, benefiting many more students in the years to come.
To facilitate a smooth transition, I intend to:
- Complete all pending grading and ensure that all student assessments are current.
- Assist the next teacher in continuing where I leave off by creating thorough handover documents that include lesson plans, student progress reports, and insights.
- Offer my support in training my replacement, either in person or virtually, to ensure they have a solid foundation for a successful start.
I would like to sincerely thank Lincoln Elementary for all of their help and advice. The environment here has been one of encouragement and excellence, and it has been a privilege to be part of such a wonderful school community. I will carry forward the valuable lessons and fond memories with me as I transition to this new chapter in my life.
Please let me know how I can further assist in the coming weeks. I am keen to make this transition as seamless as possible for everyone involved. Thank you once again for the opportunity to serve at Lincoln Elementary. I look forward to staying in touch and hearing about the school’s continued success.
Warm regards,
Ava Johnson
Analysis
This resignation letter from a 5th-grade teacher is effective for several reasons. Firstly, it clearly communicates the reason for resignation, ensuring transparency and understanding from the outset. The letter conveys gratitude and appreciation for the experiences gained, fostering a positive tone. It highlights specific contributions, such as the successful literacy program, showcasing the teacher’s impact during their tenure. This acknowledgment of achievements reinforces the teacher’s professional dedication and commitment to student development. Additionally, the letter outlines a plan for a smooth transition, including completing grading, preparing handover documents, and offering to train the successor. This proactive approach demonstrates responsibility and consideration for the continuity of student learning and support for colleagues. By expressing a desire to stay connected and hear about the school’s future successes, the teacher maintains a connection to the community, leaving the door open for future interactions. Overall, the letter balances professionalism with personal touches, making it a respectful and thoughtful notification of resignation.
A resignation letter is an important document, as it is often your final and lasting impression on the school district. Hopefully, this article has helped you feel confident in your ability to write a proper letter. Keep in mind the essential goals of making clear statements, maintaining a positive tone, and using the resources available to you (such as templates and samples). If you apply these tips, you can ensure that your letter is professional and does not impede a future relationship with your administration.
Smart Tips for Writing Such Letters
Following are some quick tips for you:
- A resignation letter should be brief and straightforward. It does not need to be longer than a page.
- When writing, maintain your professionalism by omitting negative information and using proper word choices.
- Avoid slang language or grammar/spelling errors. It would be best if you also steered clear of money talk.
- Do not mention your future salary or use the letter to ask for final payments from the school.
- Before notifying parents of your departure, be sure to speak with your supervisor to clarify any procedures or protocols you are expected to follow. The administration may ask you not to contact the parents and handle the communication regarding your resignation.
- If you end up sending a resignation letter or email to parents, the same rules of positivity and professionalism apply. Your correspondence with parents should be enthusiastic and help calm their fears of the adverse effects of your resignation on their children.
- Be sure to emphasize the positive experiences a new teacher could provide for the students.
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to line up a new job so that you can maintain a consistent income stream. Then, alert the principal and other supervisors once you are positive about your resignation. After this, it’s time to write and deliver your resignation letter. It will then be filed with the school board. The submission of it signifies that your resignation is official.
Before writing a resignation letter, it’s crucial to understand the appropriate tone and content to include. It should have a positive tone and include information about your resignation, position, and last working day. It may or may not specify the reason for your departure.
Yes, there is a reason for writing a resignation letter. It gives the school board official confirmation of your decision and a copy of your resignation document. It is also essential because it may be referred to if you ask the school for a reference in the future.
About This Article
