You’ve decided to leave your job—now what? Putting together a teacher resignation letter can feel tricky, especially if you’re leaving for difficult reasons. The good news is, it’s really not hard at all. Find out what to include in your letter and to whom you should send it.
Plus fill out the form on this page to get a free editable Google Docs template with sample teacher resignation letters to help you compose your own.
What’s the purpose of a teacher resignation letter?
What it is: A resignation letter is simply the formal document your employer will add to your file, verifying that you resigned from your job voluntarily. That’s it. It’s short and very easy to write.
What it’s not: This is not a multi-page screed describing everything you hate about your job, dashed off in triumph and delivered by storming into your principal’s office. It’s also not a place to write a love letter to your school, although you can include a statement about being grateful to have worked there or something similar. Despite what you’ve seen in movies, a resignation letter is just a piece of paper for your file, nothing more.
When do I write my teacher resignation letter?
Here’s one of the most important things to know: A resignation letter is NOT how you announce that you’re resigning. Instead, you need to have a conversation face-to-face with your principal first. Do this before telling anyone else you’re leaving, because you don’t want the news trickling back to administration secondhand.
Once you’ve had that conversation, your principal will likely ask you to submit a letter of resignation. If you’ve brought it with you, you can hand it over then. If not, submit it as soon as possible.
IMPORTANT: Before you resign, make sure you’re not breaking any of the conditions or clauses in your contract. If you’re resigning at the end of the school year, choose a resignation date that allows you to complete any final administrative work. You and your principal may want to decide on this date together.
If you’re resigning in the middle of the school year, things might be a little different. Again, check your contract. It may state the required amount of notice you need to provide. If not, give at least the standard two-week notice expected for most jobs.
Where do I send my resignation letter?
Each district is likely to have their own requirements for your letter of resignation, so check your contract or employee handbook, and ask your principal if you’re not sure. In most cases, you’ll address your letter to the principal, superintendent, or school board.
Often, you can hand your letter to your principal, and they’ll take care of it. But if you’re required to submit it to another location, like the county school board, you may decide you want to mail your letter. If so, consider using certified mail so you can ensure it was received. You don’t want to arrive on your final day and find out you’ve got a paperwork problem that could hold things up.
Can I send my resignation letter via email?
That depends. Some districts are happy to accept your resignation letter via email, either as an attachment or in the body of the email. But others may ask you to submit a hard copy. Again, if you’re unsure, just ask your principal or school administrator.
What should I include in my teacher resignation letter?
This really is the easy part! Your resignation letter only requires a few vital pieces of information.
- Current date: This will help verify that you gave the required amount of notice.
- Decision to resign: Just write one simple sentence stating that you’ve made the decision to resign. There’s no need to include a reason (and in fact, it’s probably better not to).
- Final day of employment: Even if you mention a “two-week notice” in your letter, be sure to include the exact final date that you’ll be working.
- Full legal name: Include your name as it appears on your contract or employment paperwork.
Seriously, that’s it! You can include one more sentence about appreciating your time at the school, or stating your willingness to help make the transition period easier. It’s a nice way to leave a professional, polished image behind as you move on.
Teacher Resignation Letter Examples
Here are a few examples for different scenarios.
End-of-School-Year Teacher Resignation Letter
April 12, 2024
This letter is to confirm that I am resigning my position as a second grade teacher at Springfield Elementary School at the end of the current school year. My final day will be Wednesday, June 5, 2024. I’ve appreciated the opportunities I had to learn and grow here and wish the school every success in the future.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Hoover
Midyear Teacher Resignation Letter
January 26, 2024
This letter confirms my decision to resign from my teaching position at John Adams High School, effective two weeks from the date of this letter. My final day will be Friday, February 9, 2024. I will do my best over my final two weeks to ensure a smooth transition of my duties.
Sincerely,
George Hamilton Feeny
Teacher Resignation Letter Templates
Use these templates to make the process even easier. Remember to ask if your school prefers a paper letter, or if email is acceptable. To get a free editable Google Docs template on letterhead for both teacher resignation letter examples below, just fill out the form on this page.
Template #1: Paper Letter of Resignation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Principal’s Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Principal’s Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [School Name], effective [Last Working Day]. I’ve truly appreciated my time working, learning, and growing here and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full Legal Name]
Template #2: Email Letter of Resignation
Subject: Resignation Letter of [Your Name]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
This is to confirm my decision to resign from my position as [Your Position] at [School Name] at the end of the current school year. My final working day will be [Last Day of Employment]. Please know that my time here has been very special to me, and I wish everyone at [School Name] success in the future.
Sincerely,
[Full Legal Name]
Get Your Free Teacher Resignation Letter Editable Templates
Get both of the teacher resignation letter examples above as an editable Google Doc template on letterhead. All you need to do is customize them and print!
