Resignation letters are notoriously difficult to write, especially for employees as invested in their careers as educators. As you prepare to leave your position, you may experience conflicting emotions that make it difficult to maintain professionalism or communicate effectively. However, a well-written resignation letter is essential to protecting your relationship with your employer and your professional reputation.Whether you are quitting because you are unhappy in your position or the circumstances of your life changed, you run the risk of burning a bridge with your boss. If you aren’t careful, you may come across as accusatory, aggressive, difficult to work with, or angry. Even if you are leaving because of a move or other personal transition, your resignation letter can affect future opportunities. For guidance in writing a letter that helps you leave on a positive note, follow the example of our teacher resignation letter templates.
Teacher Resignation Letter Template
Below is a letter written by Darla Williamson to her principal. Although Darla loves her students, she has decided to leave her position as a 4th grade teacher to pursue a career in the medical field. Darla didn’t feel sufficiently supported by the administration and experienced personal conflict with her team leader, but she remains professional and doesn’t allow her frustration to overwhelm her letter.
Dear Mr. Amthor,
Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as 4th grade teacher at Highland Hills Elementary School. To ensure ample time for a smooth transition, my last day of employment will be December 16, 2017, the final day of the fall term.
My experience as an educator has been insightful, challenging, and fulfilling, and working with the Highland Hills students has brought me great joy. Thank you for the opportunity to invest in the lives of children through learning and play. I am grateful to have been a part of this team and will carry the many lessons I learned with me into my future endeavors.
Because the continued success and care of the students is of upmost importance to me, I am dedicated to doing whatever I can to make the transition as seamless as possible. I am happy to train my replacement on our current curriculum and the content we still need to cover for the spring exams.
I hope all the best for the Highland Hills students, teachers, and administration. Thank you again for your support and leadership during my time here.
Sincerely,
Darla Williamson
How To Write a Teacher Resignation Letter
Your resignation letter is a key component of a smooth and stress-free move out of your current position. It is important to use this opportunity to inform your employers of your resignation, thank them for the opportunities they gave you, and assure them of your intentions to help in the changeover. Because leaving a teaching position can be such an emotionally charged experience, it is important to keep your audience in mind and compose a letter that is clear, concise, and dignified.
As you begin your letter, it is best to get straight to the point. Clearly state that you are resigning and the date of your last day of employment. If you are unsure about your contractual requirements, check with HR before composing your letter. By following the example of our teacher resignation letter template and offering a specific date, you can prevent any confusion or miscommunication about your timeline.
Whether you are sad, excited, or anxious to leave your position, it is important to thank your employer for a few key things you learned through or appreciated about the job. Keep in mind that you may need this person as a reference for future opportunities, and you want to leave on good terms. Convey gratitude for the positive experiences you had. Remember to maintain sincerity, respect, and kindness.
Finally, offer assurance that you understand the need to protect the students from a disruption in their education by working together for a smooth transition. Wrap up your letter by reiterating your gratitude.
What To Avoid in Your Teacher Resignation Letter
One of the most damaging mistakes you can make in your resignation letter is to undermine its purpose by complaining or criticizing your employer. Needlessly insulting the administration, district, or other teachers can tarnish your reputation and deter your employer from offering a recommendation for you in the future. Although you may have grievances against certain individuals or policies, your resignation letter is not the place to air them. Instead, focus on the positive aspects of your experience.
Another trap you may fall into is the temptation to share too much about your personal life. Although you alone can decide how much you would like to share, it’s important to ask yourself whether certain details are necessary, helpful, or polite. Rather than detail the reasons you decided to leave the education field, for example, it may be best to simply state that you are changing direction professionally.
No matter how you decide to approach your letter, keep it succinct and straightforward. A wordy, over-the-top letter can seem forced and passive-aggressive.
How To Follow Up After Sending Your Teacher Resignation Letter
After you submit your resignation letter, an in-person meeting with your boss is typically expected. This gives you an opportunity to discuss training plans in greater depth and communicate any questions or thoughts you didn’t express in the letter. If your boss doesn’t respond to your letter right away, reach out by e-mail to confirm he or she received it. It is better to get the ball rolling and prepare for your departure as quickly as possible than to scramble at the last minute.
Once your boss is aware of your plans to resign, you may want to inform your co-workers. Sharing the news in person shows respect, but if it is unlikely that you will have the opportunity to tell them face to face, e-mail is also appropriate.
Top 5 Teacher Resignation Letter Writing Takeaways
1. Stay focused
You may experience a wide range of emotions when it comes time to resign from your teaching position, but it’s important to remember that your resignation letter serves one purpose: to notify your boss of your departure in a way that preserves your professional reputation. If you sense yourself veering off track, ask someone else to review your letter and offer feedback on the content.
2. Concentrate on what you gained
Whether you loved or hated your job, you likely still learned something new, grew in some way, or had enjoyable experiences. Focus on the positive to make sure you don’t burn any bridges.
3. Set a date
If you don’t mention a specific resignation date, employers may drag their feet in finding your replacement. Be clear and up front about your intentions and deadline.
4. Check and double-check your contract
Some teaching contracts may have specific requirements regarding resignation. Ensure that you are following all policies and proper protocol by reading through your contract before you begin your letter. If you need clarification, contact the appropriate person.
5. Leave on a strong note
A well-written resignation letter can help administrators and other school leadership remember you as kind and professional. Because you never know what the future holds, it is best to keep the door open for future opportunities.
