How to Write a Teacher Resignation Letter

Resigning from any job is difficult. Resigning mid contract from a teaching position is very complicated. When a teaching contract is signed, both parties intend for the contract to be continued for an entire academic year. Schools hate to lose teachers mid-year because it disrupts the students’ educational experience and decreases their yearly academic progress. Although this is something that schools do not like, it does happen.

From dissatisfaction with school policies to required relocations, there may come a time when you are unwilling or unable to complete the term of your teaching contract. If this occurs in your teaching career, you will be in the position of having to write a resignation letter. The composition for a resignation letter can be incredibly difficult, even for the most adept writer, because it requires a great deal of tact and consideration.

If you find yourself in the position of having to write a letter to resign from your teaching job you may want to read the following tips. Keep in mind, the decision on how to best create your letter is your decision.

* Be Concise

When composing a resignation letter, be short and to the point. Writing a resignation letter is no time to be verbose and ramble on. Make sure you state your name and contact information, the fact that you are resigning, and the date of your resignation. No other information is necessary in this type of letter. Resist the urge to include extraneous information regarding your time at the school district or your future career plans.

* There is No Need to Give a Reason

Listing reasons for your resignation is unnecessary. Do not use the resignation letter as a time to vent your frustrations. Your employer probably already knows your reasons for wishing to leave. You do not need to reiterate them. Simply be straight forward and to the point. Plainly say, “I am resigning”.

* Be Professional

Often times, when an individual decides to resign, they are disgruntled and dissatisfied with their current employment. Do not to allow this negative attitude to shine through in your letter. Use only positive, professional language when composing. If your school has done something to upset you, remember, there is no point in stooping to a low-level and sacrificing your professionalism just to get the temporary gratification of complaining.

* Know your School’s “Black List” Policy

Resigning from a teaching job mid-contract will most likely look very bad to future employers. They will logically conclude that if you have vacated one contract before its end, you would have no qualms about doing it again. Some schools, particularly those that are part of an education network, have unofficial “black lists”. If you resign from a school mid-contract, you may find your name on one of these lists. Determine whether your school participates in this practice. If they do, think very hard about resignation before you follow through with your plans. Are you so unhappy in your position that you really want to risk your future as a teacher? You may consider finishing your contract, and then resigning.

While nothing can magically transform the task of resigning from a teaching job mid-contract into an easy proposition, following these tips should help you make the task as painless as possible.