A farewell letter from teacher to colleagues is an often-semi-formal message sent by a teacher who is leaving the school, either due to a transfer, resignation, or retirement to their colleagues. The letter is designed to thank the reader for their support during your tenure and initiate future contact. Usually, it is sent at least a day or two before you are scheduled to leave.
In today’s world of technology, it is easy to get lured into sending a farewell text to your colleagues when you leave school. While this may be easy to do, it won’t have as much impact as a handwritten and personal letter.
Are you retiring or resigning from your school? Here are some tips and example letters to help you say goodbye to your colleagues.
What to Include in a Farewell Letter to Colleagues
A farewell letter from teacher to colleagues should be short but packed with all the vital information about your leaving the school. It should include the following elements:
- Introduction – Include the date, your name, and school address in your letter. It is essential to use the latter instead of your personal address to make it easier for the reader to identify you right away.
- Recap – Briefly mention who you are and skim over the details of your departure, including date and reason.
- Gratitude – When thanking your teacher-colleagues, mention specific things they did, said, or taught you and how they impacted your life. Remember to actually say thank you.
- Memory – Personalize your message by including a short memory or joke to cheer up your colleagues and reminisce about the past. Choose a happy memory or story that makes them smile.
- Best wishes – Wish your colleagues the best in the future.
- Contact information – Offer to maintain your friendship with them and include your personal contact information.
Writing Tips for a Farewell Letter from Teacher to Colleagues
A farewell letter to your colleagues should generally be short, semi-formal, and precise. Consider the following writing pointers when drafting yours:
- Maintain a positive, pleasant, and supportive tone
- Mention specific things for which you are grateful to your colleagues
- Ge genuine when thanking them and avoid any exaggerations
- Avoid complaining about them or trying to get them to complain about the school.
- Don’t make a letter about you and your new opportunity
- Avoid sounding too excited about your departure.
Farewell Letter from a Teacher to Colleagues (Format)
{Date}
{Colleague’s Name}
{School Name}
{School Address}
{City, State, Zip Code}
Re: Farewell and Best Wishes
Dear {Mr./Mrs./Ms. Last Name},
By now, you may have heard of my {resignation/retirement} from {mention source of information}. As I leave, I would like to thank you for your {mention your colleague’s positive qualities}. I will miss you greatly.
In the {duration} I have worked with you, you have taught me {mention most valuable lesson}. I am grateful for {mention things for which you are thankful} and will forever remember you for {insert favorite memory}.
Although I have to leave, we don’t have to be strangers. Contact me at {personal email address}.
All the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
{Your Name}
{Job Title}
Sample Goodbye Letter from Teacher to Colleagues
14 February 2031
Grace Turner
Stephen Hawkins Elementary School
124 Rosefield Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 12002
Re: Leaving Stephen Hawkins Elementary School
Dear Mrs. Turner,
I am writing to thank you for your support, cooperation, and encouragement these past eight years. I will be resigning from my position as Science teacher at Stephen Hawkins Elementary School, and I am sad to be losing an irreplaceable colleague, teacher, and friend.
I remember the day I first walked into the science department and almost fell flat on my face. You laughed so loud I couldn’t help but join in and that was the beginning of a long friendship. I think most of all, we will remember your motto, ‘it is not over until you give it your best.
Please don’t be a stranger and visit me sometime.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Gale
Science Teacher
Farewell Letter to Teacher Colleagues (Word Template)
Bottom Line
When drafting a farewell letter from teacher to colleagues, your primary focus should be to commemorate the time you spent with your coworkers. What important lesson did they teach you? What is your favorite memory that you will always remember? Generally, you want to leave them feeling loved and appreciated.