Teacher resignation letter examples

Are you thinking of leaving your current teaching job? Do you know when you’d like to move on? If so, you should make sure that you “dot your i’s and cross your t’s”, because a teacher resignation letter, perhaps more than other types of resignation letter, needs to be very well thought out and properly expressed.

Regardless of the type of teaching job you’re leaving, it’s always wise to write a resignation letter to give notice of your upcoming departure. And, as a teacher, you have the principal, the school administration, coworkers, and students to consider when you decide to leave your teaching position.

Why write a resignation letter?

Writing a resignation letter is the professional thing to do. It also provides you with an opportunity to share your intentions, address transition needs and support, and express your appreciation. A well-written resignation letter can help you remain in the good graces of the organization you’re leaving as well. It’s a small world, and you don’t want to burn bridges. You never know when you might need a letter of reference in the future.

Providing your students with a heads-up that you will be going gives them time to get used to the idea so you can do your best to support them and their parents through the transition.

Note: Your school administration might have guidelines for how to provide a resignation letter as well as the process to inform parents and students. Defer to the organization’s policy when it is available.

What to include in your teacher resignation letter

Resignation letters have a standard format and flow. Regardless of any particular recipient, it should include:

• Contact Information Section
• Salutation
• Body
• Ending
• Valediction
• Signature

Note: The flow will change slightly when you choose to email your letter as an email body vs. a hard copy letter or email attachment. In an email body letter, the contact information will go in the closing or with your signature, and you’ll begin the letter with the salutation.

Resignation letter examples for teachers

Below are examples of resignation letters for the school administration and principal, coworkers, and parents of students. For speed of delivery, it’s advised to attach your letter of resignation to an email unless your school policy advises differently.

You might also opt to send your resignation letter in the body of an email. In that case, you will remove the contact information at the top and start the email with your salutation. Be sure to include your contact information in your ending paragraph, or beneath your signature.

Resignation letter to administration and school principal

Janie Johns
555 ABC Street
Anytown, WV 26505
555-555-5555
[email protected]

March 17, 2022

James Seymore
Superintendent
Anytown School System
123 School Rd.
Anytown, WV 126505

Dear Mr. Seymore,

Please accept my resignation from my position as a second-grade teacher at Anytown Elementary. My last day will be March 5, 2022.

My students and coworkers have provided me with immense joy over the past eight years, and the administration has been very supportive during my time with the school and school district.

I wish you all the best. If I can be of any assistance to you during the transition or for the remainder of the term, please let me know.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Janie Johns

cc: Danielle Smith, Principal, Anytown Elementary School

Resignation letter to coworkers

Janie Johns
555 ABC Street
Anytown, WV 26505
555-555-5555
[email protected]

March 17, 2022

Dear Coworkers,

I am writing to inform you of my regretful resignation from my position as a second-grade teacher at Anytown Elementary. My last day will be March 5, 2022.

My students and coworkers have provided me with immense joy over the past eight years. I appreciate your support from the moment I started through now.

I wish you all the best, and I would love to remain in touch. My cell phone is 555.555.5555, and my email is [email protected].

Sincerely,

Janie Johns

Resignation letter example to parents

Janie Johns
555 ABC Street
Anytown, WV 126505
555-555-5555
[email protected]

February 5, 2022

Dear Parents:

Please accept this letter as indicating my resignation from my position as a second-grade teacher at Anytown Elementary. In just over a month from now, I will be relocating to New York with my family. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to teach your children, and I look forward to working with students once I land a job in New York.

Mr. James Willington will be replacing me as your children’s new teacher. He is a qualified teacher with more than ten years of elementary education experience. I am confident he is a perfect fit for the position.

In the coming weeks, the school will share additional information regarding the transition. Sign-ups will be available for parent-teacher meetings and orientation dates, so you have the opportunity to meet him. I will be introducing him to my class on Tuesday, February 10. If you have any questions during the transition, please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 555-5555.

I cannot express my gratitude enough for the time I’ve had to spend with your children during this school year. Working at Anytown Elementary has been an amazing and valuable experience, and I will always look back on my years here with fondness.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with your children. I do hope you will stay in touch as I am excited to learn about all the wonderful accomplishments each child will have moving forward.

Sincerely,

(Signature)

Janie Johns

Tips for writing a teacher resignation letter

Here are some general guidelines to consider when you’re writing your teacher resignation letter:

• Keep the tone positive and professional.
• Don’t over explain. Unless directly requested by the administration, you do not need to provide a reason for your departure unless you desire to do so.
• Inform the school principal and administration prior to informing coworkers and parents.
• Always be professional while tailoring the letter to your audience — your letter to the administration will typically be more formal and direct than your letter to coworkers and parents.

When to send a resignation letter

Most organizations and institutions require a minimum of two weeks’ notice for resignation. As a teacher, if you can give additional time, it can prove beneficial to support students with the transition. However, if you feel you will be rushed out the door when you provide notice, it might make sense to wait. Do what is best for you and what is outlined in the school’s policy when available.