According to recent findings, nearly one in five teachers indicate they might not return to their classroom positions next year. If you are among those contemplating a departure from your teaching role, you may be curious about the next steps. The first action is to set up a conversation with your principal or supervisor, followed by submitting your letter of resignation. Luckily, this part is straightforward! Discover what to include in your teacher resignation letter, along with examples and free templates that you can easily customize.
Jump to:
How To Write a Teacher Resignation Letter Tips
A resignation letter serves as a formal document that your employer will keep in your file, confirming that you voluntarily resigned from your position.
IMPORTANT: This letter is not meant to be an extended narrative detailing your grievances or a sentimental farewell to your school. Rather, it should simply state your intent to resign without excessive elaboration. A resignation letter is primarily a documentation piece, straightforward and succinct.
Hereâs what you need to include:
Use Formal Business Letter Format
Draft this official document using standard business letter formatting. If you need a refresher on the format, click here. You can either print the letter for an in-person handover or send it via email, depending on your school districtâs guidelines.
Include Only Basic Information
Your letter should be concise and contain only the following essentials:
- Current date: This helps confirm that you provided the required notice period.
- Statement of resignation: Include a simple sentence indicating your decision to resign.
- Final working day: Clearly specify your last day of employment, even if you mention a âtwo-week notice.â
- Your full legal name: Ensure your name matches what appears on your contract or employment documents.
Itâs that simple!
Examples of Teacher Resignation Letters
Below are several examples of teacher resignation letters suited for different situations.
End-of-School-Year Teacher Resignation Letter
April 12, 2026
This letter serves to confirm my resignation from my position as a second-grade teacher at Springfield Elementary School, effective at the end of the current school year. My last working day will be Wednesday, June 3, 2026. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn and grow during my time here, and I wish the school every success in the future.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Hoover
Midyear Teacher Resignation Letter
January 23, 2026
This letter confirms my decision to resign from my teaching position at John Adams High School, effective two weeks from today. My final working day will be Friday, February 6, 2024. I will work diligently during my remaining time to ensure a smooth transition.
Sincerely,
George Hamilton Feeny
Teacher Resignation Letter Templates
Feel free to copy and paste the text from these templates, or complete the form on this page to obtain fully editable Google Doc templates. This is a quick and efficient way to handle this aspect of your resignation process.
Template #1: Paper Letter of Resignation
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
[Principalâs Name]
[School Name]
[School Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
Dear [Principalâs Name],
I am writing to formally resign from my position as [Your Position] at [School Name], effective [Last Working Day]. I have truly valued my time working, learning, and growing here and appreciate the opportunities Iâve had.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full Legal Name]
Template #2: Email Letter of Resignation
Subject: Resignation Letter of [Your Name]
Dear [Recipientâs Name],
This is to confirm my resignation from my position as [Your Position] at [School Name], effective at the end of the current school year. My final working day will be [Last Day of Employment]. I want to express that my time here has been truly special, and I wish great success to everyone at [School Name] in the future.
Sincerely,
[Full Legal Name]
Teacher Resignation Letter FAQs
What is a teacher resignation letter?
A teacher resignation letter is a brief, straightforward document that communicates your intent to resign from your position. This letter will be retained in your personnel file by your employer.
What should I include in my resignation letter?
Your resignation letter should follow a business letter format, including the date, your decision to resign, your final working day, and your full legal name along with your signature. Optionally, you can add a sentence expressing gratitude for your time at the school or your willingness to assist with the transition. While this is a considerate gesture, it is not mandatory.
When do I write and submit my teacher resignation letter?
It is best to write and submit your resignation letter simultaneously as you have an in-person conversation with your principal or supervisor to inform them of your decision. Avoid using the resignation letter as a substitute for this face-to-face discussion. You can either bring the letter to the meeting or send it afterward as a formal confirmation of your decision.
Ensure you do this before informing anyone else about your departure to prevent the news from leaking back to the administration.
Do teachers need to give two weeksâ notice when they resign?
Teachers should provide the notice period specified in their employment contract. Before resigning, make sure you are compliant with any conditions outlined in your contract. If you plan to resign at the end of the school year, choose a resignation date that allows you to complete any final administrative responsibilities. You and your principal can collaborate on determining this date.
If resigning in the middle of the school year, the situation may differ. Again, verify your contract for the required notice period. If unspecified, aim to provide at least a standard two-week notice, which is customary in most jobs. If uncertain, consider consulting an employment attorney for guidance.
Where do I send my resignation letter?
Typically, you will address your letter to the principal, superintendent, or school board. Each district may have specific requirements regarding the submission of your resignation letter, so review your contract or employee handbook, and consult with your principal if unsure.
In many cases, you can hand your letter directly to your principal, who will then manage its distribution. If required to submit it elsewhere, such as the county school board, you might opt to mail your letter. If doing so, consider using certified mail to confirm receipt. This will help you avoid any potential paperwork issues on your final day.
Can I send my resignation letter via email?
Some districts accept resignation letters via email, either as attachments or within the email body. However, others may require a hard copy. If youâre uncertain, itâs best to ask your principal or another school administrator.
Donât forget to grab your free editable resignation letter templates!
Access both of the teacher resignation letter examples above as editable Google Doc templates on letterhead. All you need to do is customize them and print!
Have more questions about resigning from your teaching job? Join the discussion in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Additionally, explore job opportunities for teachers who wish to leave the classroom while remaining in the education sector.
