How To Write a Retirement Letter as a Teacher (With Example)

Updated July 18, 2023

Before retiring, it's customary for teachers to submit a formal letter of retirement to their school or academic institution. These letters often balance the formalities of resignation with personal expressions about the teacher's time in their role. Knowing how to write a letter as a retiring teacher can help you do so effectively.

In this article, we explain what a teacher retirement letter is, provide the steps for writing a retirement letter as a teacher, offer a teacher retirement letter template and example and highlight tips for writing an effective retirement letter.

What is a teacher retirement letter?

A teacher retirement letter is a document teachers use to inform their principal and sometimes the school district's superintendent or other stakeholders about their impending retirement date. Usually, teachers submit these letters at the start of their final school year to give the academic institution time to find a replacement for their position before the following school year begins. Often, teacher retirement letters include both the teacher's last day of work before retirement and a personal reflection on their time in the classroom.

How to write a retirement letter as a teacher

If you're approaching retirement and need to write a formal letter of resignation, follow these steps to craft an effective letter:

1. Address your letter

Begin by providing the contact information and name of your principal or school leader to whom you're addressing your letter. This gives your letter a personal touch and addresses your supervisor directly. Add the date before your formal salutation so you and your supervisor can keep an accurate record of when you submit this letter.

2. Lead with retirement

In the introductory paragraph of your letter, begin by stating your intent to retire and the last day you intend to work. Some teachers chose to include the number of years they've worked with the school or in the teaching profession in total in this section of their retirement letter. Many teachers choose the last day of the school year as their last day to provide enough notice for a replacement, though some may choose to retire at the start of the second semester.

3. Offer transition assistance

Next, begin the body of your letter. It's customary for retiring teachers to offer support and assistance during their final year for the potential interviewing, hiring and training of their replacement teacher. If this is something you're interested in doing, make that offer at this stage in the letter.

4. Thank the school

In the body of your letter, mention your gratitude for the school and your supervisor. Thank your principal and school for support during your years of service. You can keep this section as brief or as expansive as you wish. Most teachers choose to write a few sentences or a paragraph about their time in the teaching profession, but you can include more or less information if you choose.

5. Ask for the next steps

Conclude your retirement letter by asking about the next steps to proceed with your retirement. Depending on the specifics of your school or district, you may complete some paperwork. You also might send your formal retirement requests to additional stakeholders.

6. Sign and send

After your concluding paragraph, offer a formal valediction with your signature. You can then send your letter in hard copy to your principal or head of school or attach it to an email and send it electronically. Though, many professionals decide to deliver their resignation letter in person.

Teacher retirement letter template

You can use this template to help you outline and write your own teacher retirement letter:

[Principal name]
[School name]
[School address]

[Your name]
[Your title]

[Date]

Dear [principal's name],

It's with [describe emotions] that I share my plans to retire [retirement date]. I have loved working as a [specialization in teaching] for the last [number of years]. I served [number of years] at [school name], and I'm honored to end my career here.

It would be my privilege to assist you and the administrative team in finding a replacement for my position before my last day of work. Please let me know how I can best help during this process and time of transition.

I want to thank you, [principal name], for your support during my [number of years] at [name of school]. During my time here, I've been able to work with, by my count, over [number of students], providing not just instruction in [subject area], but also offering guidance, support and mentorship to my students. I will always think back fondly on my time as an educator.

Please let me know what steps I need to take to formally begin the retirement process. I have [list any steps or actions you've already taken]. I appreciate your guidance in handling the paperwork as soon as possible.

Thank you again for your tireless support and thoughtful guidance of [name of school].

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Download Teacher Retirement Letter Template

To upload the template into Google Docs, go to File > Open > and select the correct downloaded file.

Teacher retirement letter example

Review this example teacher retirement letter so you can see how the provided template informs your writing:

Dr. Robin Sinclair
Centerville High School
123 Main Street
Centerville, MS 12345

Isabela Henderson
English Department Chair

September 2, 2022

Dear Dr. Arnold,

It's with great excitement and immense sadness that I share my plans to retire after this school year, following the end of classes on June 7, 2022. I've loved working as an English teacher for the last 32 years and overseeing my fellow English teachers as department chair for the last five years. I served 10 of my 32 teaching years at Centerville High School and I'm honored to end my career here.

I want to thank you, Dr. Arnold, for your support during my 10 years at Centerville High School. During my time here, I've been able to work with, by my count, over 800 students, providing not just instruction in English language and literature, but also offering guidance, support and mentorship to my students. I will always think back fondly on my time as an educator.

Please let me know what steps I need to take to formally begin the retirement process. I have sent my formal request to retire to the district superintendent and alerted our school secretary to my plans as well. I appreciate your guidance in handling the paperwork as soon as possible.

Thank you again for your tireless support and thoughtful guidance of Centerville High School.

Sincerely,

Isabella Henderson

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Tips for writing a good retirement letter

Use these tips to help you write an effective retirement letter as a teacher:

Provide a specific date. For teachers, it's often assumed that your final day of work before retirement will be the last day of school, but it's best to provide a specific date for clarity.
Give plenty of notice. It's recommended that educators offer their letter of retirement as early on in their final school year as possible to give the institution plenty of time to find a qualified replacement.
Stay positive. Keep your retirement letter positive. If you have any grievances to share with your principal, it's best to do so in a personal, face-to-face meeting rather than in your formal retirement letter.
Proofread and edit. Ensure you proofread and edit your retirement letter as needed before sending it to avoid any grammar or usage errors.
Consider contact information. You might consider including your personal mailing address, personal email address and home phone number if not already on file with your school. This way, once you retire, the school can contact you with any documents or information as needed.
Deliver in person. If possible, hand deliver your retirement letter to the principal or head of school rather than sending it through the mail or emailing it. This way, you can ensure the principal receives it and have a personal conversation sharing your intent to retire.