A farewell letter to a teacher from the parent is a message that you send as a parent in light of a teacher’s resignation or retirement to thank them for teaching your child and to wish them the best in their future. Usually, the tone and formality of the letter will depend on your relationship with the teacher as well as prior communications.
Teachers do more than teach your child to pass their examinations. They help mold their characters, pursue their dreams, and grow their talents. Over time, they become a fundamental part of you and your child’s life, and losing them to a new job or retirement can be particularly difficult.
Below are some guidelines and letter examples to help you say goodbye to your child’s teacher in style.
Drafting Your Farewell Letter to Teacher
A farewell letter to a teacher from parent is a mostly semi-formal message that should only be sent to a teacher who has had meaningful contact with your child. It should do the following:
- Mention the teacher’s retirement or resignation date and how you found out about it
- Briefly describe how the news has affected you and your child.
- Thank the teacher for specific things they did for your child, without embellishing or exaggerating the facts.
- Share a memory you have of the teacher or one your child shared with you. Make it positive, pleasant, and short.
- Wish the teacher well in their next venture
- If you wish to, offer to stay in touch
Writing Tips for a Farewell Letter to Teacher from Parent
The teacher in question has likely touched many lives positively, and many parents like you will be sending them a farewell letter to send them off pleasantly. To make your message stand out, consider sending a handwritten note and including a personalized message. Other tips to consider include:
- Write like you are writing to a friend, so your letter doesn’t sound forced.
- Personalize your message and tailor it to the teacher to avoid sounding generic
- Keep your letter short, pleasant, and to the point. Now is not the time to complain about that day your child fell on the playground.
- Avoid being too inquisitive about the teacher’s leaving. If you don’t know something, gracefully skim over it to avoid any back and forth.
- Only mention your contact information if you really wish to maintain communication with the teacher.
Farewell Letter to a Teacher from Parent (Format)
{Date}
{Teacher’s Name}
{School Name}
{School Address}
{City, State, Zip Code}
Re: Farewell and Best Wishes
Dear {Mr./Mrs./Ms. Teacher’s Last Name},
I am the parent to {child’s name}, who is in your {class name} class. I recently received news from {mention source of information} that you will be leaving {school name} and I, for one, are sad to see you go. You have been a {mention the teacher’s positive qualities}, and you will be greatly missed.
In the {duration} that you have taught my {son/daughter}, you have been {mention the teacher’s impact on your child}. I am grateful for {mention something the teacher did for your child that you appreciate}.
As you leave, I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
{Your Name}
Sample Farewell Letter to Teacher from Parent
14 February 2031
Christopher Hawkins
St. Mary’s High School
124 Rosefield Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 12002
Re: As You Leave St. Mary’s High School
Dear Mr. Hawkins,
I am Philippa Grey, Sally Grey’s mother, and I recently received news that you will be retiring from St. Mary’s High School. You met my daughter three years ago and have taught her to overcome her challenges with dyslexia. With you as her teacher, I found I didn’t have to worry as much about Sally because you were taking care of her. Thank you for your sincere dedication.
While I am saddened to see you go, I am also grateful for the time you spent nurturing my daughter. You will be forever remembered in the Grey household. Please feel free to contact us any time at thegreyfamily@email.com.
Thank you for the uncompromising service and all the best in your next big adventure.
Sincerely,
Philippa Grey
Farewell Letter to a Teacher from a Parent (Word Template)
Final Thoughts
When drafting your farewell letter to the teacher from the parent, tailor your tone to your relationship with the teacher. If you rarely communicated in the past, keep your letter formal but appreciate the teacher’s input in your life. You should also keep your message short and to the point to avoid overwhelming the teacher, who will likely be receiving many farewell letters.