A farewell letter to a teacher is a message sent to a teacher, mentor, or lecturer when they are leaving your school, either due to a resignation, transfer, or retirement. It is typically written by the teacher’s students but can also be sent by the school principal, fellow teachers, or parents. Depending on the writer’s relationship with the teacher, the letter can be formal or semi-formal.
Over the years, you develop a relationship with your teacher that is like no other. They advise, correct, support, and instruct you on school and life matters, which can make saying goodbye very hard. Below, we provide you with all the guidelines and examples you need to learn How to Write a Farewell Letter to a Teacher.
Who Can Send a Farewell Letter to Teacher?
Teachers interact with many people in their day-to-day activities, all of whom would be affected by their departure from the school. Some of the people who can send a farewell letter to a teacher include:
- A student of the teacher
- The teacher’s previous or current class
- Students who interacted with the teacher during extra-curricular activities
- The school principal
- Fellow teachers
- Other school staff members
- Parents from the teacher’s class
- The school board of directors
What to Include in Your Letter
While the content of a farewell letter to a teacher will vary from person to person, the typical message should include these elements:
- Mention how you found out that the teacher is leaving
- Express your feelings about the news
- Recap some of your best memories of the teacher
- Express gratitude and mention some things the teacher did for you
- Wish them the best in their next venture
- If appropriate, offer to keep in touch with the teacher and include your contact information.
Farewell Letter to a Teacher (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},
We 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}. You will be greatly missed.
In the {duration} that I have known you, you have taught me {mention most valuable lesson}. I am grateful for {mention things for which you are grateful}. Of all my memories, I will cherish {insert favorite memory} the most.
I understand you have to leave, and I wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors.
Farewell and best wishes.
Sincerely,
{Your Name}
{Class Name/Job Title}
Sample Goodbye Letter to Teacher
14 February 2031
Grace Turner
Stephen Hawkins Elementary School
124 Rosefield Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 12002
Re: Goodbye Mrs. Turner
Dear Mrs. Turner,
We recently learned from the school bulletin that you will be retiring from teaching on 16 February 2031. As you prepare to leave, I am writing on behalf of the 5th grade Science class to tell you that you will be greatly missed and to wish you the best in your retirement.
The two years that you have been our teacher have marked a fundamental growth period in our lives. We are grateful for the extra classes, advice, and suffering through our loud talent shows. You are truly the best.
We wish you all the best as you relax into your retirement plans. Please say hello to Mr. Turner for us.
Goodbye and good luck.
Sincerely,
Annalise Ruse
Farewell Letter to a Teacher (Word Template)
Key Takeaways
The main purpose of writing a Farewell Letter to a Teacher is to thank them for the support and encouragement they have shown you in your time together. You also want to wish them the best in their future endeavor, be it teaching a new class, moving to a new school, or to retire. When drafting your letter, keep it simple, short, and to the point. Let your tone match the relationship you share with the teacher and avoid making any errors.