Teacher resignation letter sample

Teachers often resign at term breaks or with longer notice so classes can be covered. Use this sample wording, then customize dates and school names in the free fillable template. This page is not legal advice — follow your contract, collective agreement, or district policy.

How to write a teacher resignation letter

1. Check your contract for notice periods (often longer than two weeks in schools).
2. Address the principal (and copy HR / district office if required).
3. State your last teaching day clearly — usually the end of a term or year.
4. Offer transition help — lesson plans, grades, and classroom materials.
5. Keep tone grateful — schools are reference-heavy workplaces.

Sample teacher resignation letter

Dear Principal Alvarez,

Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from my position as Year 5 Classroom Teacher at Riverside Primary School. My last day of employment will be 18 December 2026, at the end of term.

I am grateful for the support of colleagues and families during my four years here. I will complete grading, leave lesson plans for the incoming teacher, and assist with a smooth handover of classroom resources.

Thank you for the opportunity to teach at Riverside. I wish the students and staff every success.

Yours sincerely,
Sam Nguyen

Nurse / clinical education note

School nurses and clinical educators can reuse the same structure: role title, last shift or last day on campus, handover of caseload notes, and thanks. Adjust notice to your health-service or district contract.

Timing tips

• Prefer end-of-term or end-of-year exits when contracts allow.
• If you must leave mid-term, see immediate resignation cautions and talk to HR early.
• For standard private-sector notice patterns, see two weeks’ notice.