Best Teacher Resignation Letter Example (+ Free Template Download)

A teacher resignation letter is a formal resignation written on behalf of a teacher to either a headteacher, principal, faculty member, or faculty board member. The teacher is indicating to the school their desire to resign from their duties and responsibilities as an educator within the school system.

When resigning from a teaching job, the date of resignation may vary depending on the school systems' availability to replace the teacher. Resigning may not mean immediate resignation for a teacher in the private or public education system.

teacher resignation letter sample

Teachers who desire to resign from their duties should first speak with the principal or school administrator about their desire to resign from their job and determine the appropriate next steps before writing any teacher resignation letters to the students, parents, or faculty members. The employee and employer will determine a formal notice of resignation (or resignation date), or in this case, the teacher and the public school or private school.

School administrators may determine a substitute teacher to take the place of the educator. If the teaching position is a specific field of study, like a science teacher, English teacher, or a special education teacher— it may take more time to find a replacement teacher. The school administrator may ask the employee to finish the school year with the school before transferring to the new job.

When resigning from a position, employees may want to indicate their reason for resigning. Good reasons may include:

Leaving for personal reasons.
Moving to an education system with tenure options.
Family or illness reasons.
Career change reasons, like resigning from the teaching profession and teaching career.

Always keep the resignation letter written informal letter format. This includes using a business letter format for the document and writing using proper grammar and punctuation. Be courteous and polite in the letter, showing the employee’s appreciation for the job opportunity. On the last working day of employment, the school administrator or principal may perform an exit interview with the colleague or employee, learning what can be improved about the education process. Employees should ask their administrators to write a recommendation letter for future employment opportunities.

Resignation Letter Sample to Principal

Below is a sample resignation letter for a general teaching position. A resignation letter should be written to the parents and student body, as well.

Resignation Letter Sample to Parents

Below is a sample resignation letter for a general teaching position to parents.

January 1, 2019

John Smith
[email protected]
888-888-8888
123 Road, St., New York NY 11121

Sam Elementary School
Ian Doe
[email protected]
School Coordinator/Principal
123 Business Road, New York NY 11121

Dear Parents —

This letter informs you that I will be resigning from my teaching position here at Sam Elementary School. First, I would like to say how wonderful an experience it has been to work closely with your children. Each one of them has a special place in my heart, and I am thankful to have the opportunity to help educate these wonderful students.

Second, I'd like to say that we have found a substitute teacher who will finish the remainder of the school year. I have provided the sub with all the material and coursework required to be able to complete the school year and provide your children with the absolute best education experience.

If you have any further questions about this transition, you can contact Principal Jeffrey at 633-388-8337 or reach him at [email protected]

We'll be happy to help answer any questions you might have about this transition.

Sincerely,
John Smith

Resignation Letter Sample Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Below is a sample resignation letter for a general teaching position, deciding to resign due to the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.

January 1, 2019

John Smith
[email protected]
888-888-8888
123 Road, St., New York NY 11121

Sam Elementary School
Ian Doe
[email protected]
School Coordinator/Principal
123 Business Road, New York NY 11121

Dear Ian —

This letter informs you that I would like to resign from my position as a 3rd Grade Teacher from Rock Sam Elementary School. I want to say that while it has been a tough year, the transitions and changes the school has been forced to make have made me evaluate my teaching position. This is not a reflection upon the faculty or school board but is a personal decision that I am making.

Unfortunately, teaching in a virtual environment has been difficult for me. And I have found myself struggling with it. I have a strong passion for educating students. And want to make sure they are receiving the proper education from me. But unfortunately, I don't feel like I can do that in these virtual classrooms.

I hope you can understand my decision to resign. I look forward to finding a substitute teacher who can replace me for the remainder of the school year and continue education for the student body.

Please let me know how I can assist in this transition and ensure the company's continued success.

Thank you so much for the chance to be able to work with you.

Sincerely,
John Smith

Resignation Letter Sample to Parents Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic

Below is a sample resignation letter for a general teaching position, deciding to resign due to the coronavirus pandemic of 2020.

January 1, 2019

John Smith
[email protected]
888-888-8888
123 Road, St., New York NY 11121

Sam Elementary School
Ian Doe
[email protected]
School Coordinator/Principal
123 Business Road, New York NY 11121

Dear Parents —

This letter informs you that I would like to resign from my position as a 3rd Grade Teacher from Rock Sam Elementary School. I want to say that while it has been a tough year, the transitions and changes the school has been forced to make have made me evaluate my teaching position. This is not a reflection upon the faculty or school board but is a personal decision that I am making.

Unfortunately, teaching in a virtual environment has been difficult for me. And I have found myself struggling with it. I have more than 10-years of working directly with students in a hands-on environment. And being able to provide the same types of teaching methods has been difficult. I'm so passionate about working with students that I don't feel confident in my teaching abilities any longer.

I hope you can understand my decision to resign. Principal Jeffrey and I have found a substitute teacher who will be taking over for the remainder of the school year.

If you have any further questions about this transition, you can contact Principal Jeffrey at 633-388-8337 or reach him at [email protected]

We'll be happy to help answer any questions you might have about this transition.

Sincerely,
John Smith

Teacher Resignation Letter Template

Download this resignation letter template in Word format. Can be imported as a Google Doc. Instant download. No email required.

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About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes, Glassdoor, American Express, Reader's Digest, LiveCareer, Zety, Yahoo, Recruiter.com, SparkHire, SHRM.org, Process.st, FairyGodBoss, HRCI.org, St. Edwards University, NC State University, IBTimes.com, Thrive Global, TMCnet.com, Work It Daily, Workology, Career Guide, MyPerfectResume, College Career Life, The HR Digest, WorkWise, Career Cast, Elite Staffing, Women in HR, All About Careers, Upstart HR, The Street, Monster, The Ladders, Introvert Whisperer, and many more. Find him on LinkedIn.

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