Writing a teacher resignation letter can be a bit daunting, but it’s good practice to write concisely and professionally to ensure a smooth transition.
In most cases, a teacher should provide at least a couple of months’ notice before the end of the school year, allowing time for an exit interview and a smooth handover to a new teacher.
The letter should include the date, a clear statement of resignation, and the reason for leaving, if appropriate.
It’s important to express appreciation for the opportunity and state that the decision to leave was not made lightly. The letter should also acknowledge the school principal and wider school community for their support and contribution to the teacher’s professional development during their current position. It’s also good practice to offer support during the remaining time, ensuring that the school continues to succeed after the teacher’s departure.
The letter should be signed off with a polite request to accept the resignation and contact details. A teacher may choose to mention any future plans or a potential move to a different school but should ensure that the focus remains on expressing gratitude for the time spent in the current position.
Overall, a well-crafted resignation letter ensures a positive and professional end to a teaching career at a particular school.
Once you’ve written your teacher resignation letter, it’s a good idea to deliver this by hand to your headteacher or principal. Keep things as amicable as possible, as it’ll be the head who signs off your notice period and who provides references for your future employer.
Choose a suitable time when they’re not about to rush off to deliver an assembly or observe a lesson. As scary as it may seem, ensuring you have a few moments to discuss your resignation with your head can be really helpful and reduce a lot of the anxiety around the situation.
Once your teacher resignation letter has been accepted, the next step is to continue working your notice period. This can sometimes feel a little awkward, as colleagues gradually learn that you are leaving. We’d advise you to let your fellow staff members know as soon as possible. Just get it out there in the open.
As far as your class is concerned, however, it’s a little different. Discuss with SLT when and how you should let your class and their parents know. Earlier is usually best, but every class is different. Younger primary-aged children may benefit from ensuring relationships are built with members of staff who are definitely staying before they are told that you aren’t going to be there next term.
You’ll have around 2 months of teaching time in your current teaching position before you move on, so try to use this time positively. Make sure you leave a great impression on senior leaders, maintain friendships, and establish useful contacts.
Handing in a teacher resignation letter can feel overwhelming. But it’s a challenge most teachers need to overcome at some point in their careers.
Keep positive, and remind yourself that you’re moving on to brighter things for your personal and professional development!
If you’d like further advice, return to our teaching careers guide.