A farewell letter to a teacher from their students is a letter in which students express their appreciation, say goodbye, and wish their teacher well. Farewell letters tell your teacher how much you appreciate them. They also offer your best wishes. A student might read this letter out loud at an assembly or in class. An individual student might also send it to their teacher. Farewell letters are a great way to say goodbye because your teacher can read them many years from now and remember you and your classmates.
Your teacher might be leaving your school, or it might be the end of the school term. If your class wants to write a farewell letter to your teacher, this article will help. You can also use the information in this article if you are an individual student who wants to compose a goodbye letter.
We discuss what you should include in your letter. We also provide a format for your farewell letter and a sample letter for you to read.
What to Include in a Farewell Letter to Teacher
When you write a farewell letter, you should include the following sections. These sections are common to all farewell letters.
Introduction
The purpose of your letter is to acknowledge that you will no longer see your teacher. In your introduction, discuss why you are saying farewell. Is your teacher moving? Are they retiring? Or is the school term over? You might use any of these statements and quotes or come up with your own.
- You’re retiring, and we wanted to tell you how much we appreciate all you have done for us.
- The school year is over, and we are sad to say farewell.
- We don’t want to see you go, but we wish the best for you {in retirement, at your new school, while you are traveling, etc.}
- “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Dr. Seuss
- “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” A.A. Milne
- “You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.” E.B. White
Body
In the body of your letter, tell your teacher how much they mean to you. It’s okay to be a bit sappy in this part of your letter. Many students love their teachers, and teachers are always glad to know their students care.
Next, tell your teacher what you appreciate about them. Ask yourself what qualities your teacher displays that you admire. Is your teacher patient and kind? Are they able to handle a noisy classroom easily? Choose one or two qualities and write about them.
Also, think about what your teacher did for you. Did your teacher help you learn a difficult subject? Did they inspire you to do what you thought you couldn’t do? Try to include some specific events or qualities that really made an impression on you.
Final Paragraph
In your letter’s conclusion, offer your best wishes to your teacher. If you are an individual student, you have the option of offering your contact information.
Farewell Letter to Teacher from Students (Format)
{date}
Dear {teacher name},
{Place your opening statement here. You can write anything you want that tells your teacher why you will not be seeing them again and that you are sad to say goodbye.}
{This is the body of the letter. Tell your teacher how you feel about them and what you appreciate about them. Provide specific examples if possible.}
{Conclude your letter by wishing your teacher the best in their future. You can add contact information, but it is optional.}
Sincerely {or another valediction},
{your name or class name and number}
Sample Goodbye Letter to Teacher from Students
April 26, 2036
Dear Mr. Appleton,
The author known as Dr. Seuss wrote, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” We are trying to smile today as we tell you goodbye. You have taught Biology at Elysium High for 40 years and we cannot imagine our school without you. Some of us have parents who remember you fondly as their Biology instructor and football coach. They are here with us today to share in our farewell.
We know you as the kind and patient Biology instructor who is never upset with us when we feel squeamish doing lab work. We also know you as the disciplined football coach who frequently took our team to the state championship and won. Your ability to inspire us to push ourselves and do our best has given us confidence and courage that will last a lifetime. We know because our parents have carried it with them.
We want you to know that several generations of students and football players love you and wish you well as you retire. May your retirement be as interesting and exciting as your outstanding teaching and coaching career.
All our best,
Students in Biology 200, Class of 2036
Farewell Letter to Teacher (Word Template)
Key Points
- Begin your letter with an introduction that states you are saying farewell.
- Tell your teacher what you appreciate about them.
- Use specific examples of these qualities if possible.
- End your letter with your best wishes.