Leaving a job is usually not a happy time. Especially as a teacher. If you were happy at your job, you will be sad to leave your co-workers and students. If you didn’t like the job, it most likely would be a bittersweet experience. Regardless of the situation, you would need to tender a resignation. Here, you’ll find how to write a resignation letter from a teacher.
Why would I need a Resignation Letter?
Different people leave their jobs for different reasons. Some may be amicable, like a need to move cities, a need to be closer to family, or marriage. Sometimes the reasons aren’t so friendly, like poor wages, conflict with leadership or over school policy or curriculum, redundancy in employment, loss of interest, etc. When a teaching contract is signed, both parties intend for the contract to continue for an entire academic year. Schools hate to lose teachers in the middle of the year because it disrupts the students’ educational experience and decreases academic progress. Although this is something that schools don’t like, it does happen.
Most full-time jobs come with employment contracts, where the employer and employee agree to the terms and conditions of work, payment, etc. When it comes time to go, your employment contract will usually state the procedure for handing in your resignation.
How much notice should I give?
Again, check your contract. It will most likely state how much notice you should give to resign from your teaching position. If it does not indicate, give a general 30-days-notice.
Remember it is good to give sufficient notice whatever your reason for leaving. As a teacher you have daily direct contact with your students. An abrupt leave can disorientate kids, especially younger children who may have become attached to their teacher. Try to give sufficient notice in order to make the transition smooth. Also, the school needs adequate time to make arrangements for your replacement. Whether it’s a temporary substitute or a permanent teacher, both you and the school need time to make adjustments. This will also give you time to write your handover notes.
What should I put in my resignation letter?
As a teacher, you want to try and leave your current place of employment on a good note. One reason is because, you may be asked to give references from your old bosses, in your subsequent applications for work. Unless your reasons are non-contentious, resist the urge to include information regarding your time at the school or your future career plans. You’ve probably already discussed these with your principal, so there is no reason to reiterate them in the letter.
How long should it be?
Try to keep things brief. If a disagreement led to your decision to resign, it is best to keep your letter short and to the point. Avoid bringing up the conflicting issues. Again, certain events must have already played out that led to your decision. There’s no need to rehash them now.
You should state that you have made the necessary handover arrangements, e.g writing a memo for your successor indicating where you left off in the class curriculum(s) and where things can be found.
Address your letter to your Principal or Director-in-Charge of the school. Here a couple of sample resignation letters for teachers that can help you to write yours.
Sample 1
John Smith,
Principal,
Whitehall Elementary,
Denver, Colorado.
June 21st, 2018.
Dear Sir,
I regret to tender my letter of resignation as Math Teacher at the end of the fall term. My last day will be December 15th, 2018. I have been looking to move closer to my parents who currently reside in Georgia, for some time now. Recently, a position opened up close to where they live, and requires that I resume immediately the new term begins next year. I have decided to take the offer in order to be closer to my family.
I have enjoyed my time here at Whitehall Elementary these three years, and wish I could continue on. I appreciate all the room for growth and training I’ve experienced here. Sadly, circumstances prevail. The students have been a source of joy, and the staff one of the most friendly I have met. I will leave here with good memories.
Over the next two weeks, I will prepare a schedule of what’s been accomplished so far and other instructions for my successor. I hope it will help in making the transition as smooth as possible.
Again I regret any inconveniences caused by my departure. I wish you all the best moving forward.
Kindly forward any correspondence to this address. 234 Wollum Dr, Kerby Atlanta, Georgia 55561. Or to helenhead@email.com.
Sincerely,
Helen Head.
Sample 2
Michael Fields,
234 Redborough,
Cunningham, Virginia.
June 21, 2018
Theresa Net,
Principal,
The Maze School,
Cunningham, Virginia.
Dear Principal,
LETTER OF RESIGNATION
Please accept this letter as notice of my resignation from my position as 5th Grade Teacher as of December 15, 2017.
I have prepared a handover memo to be given to my successor. Please find it attached. You can contact with me any questions you have about my classes at michaelfields@email.com.
Thank you.
Michael Fields.
