As a teacher, you’re accustomed to acting like a consummate professional at all times. Don’t let this terrific, spot-on instinct fail you if you’ve found another teaching position and must quit your current one. Ask to speak with your direct supervisor at a convenient time and walk into the session with your signed resignation letter in a folder. A verbal notification is common courtesy and a written letter is necessary for your personnel file. Even if you’re leaving behind a difficult or contentious workplace, rise to the occasion and quit your teaching job on a positive and gracious note. A career path can take unexpected turns, and you never know when you might need a positive reference.

Verbal Notice

Step 1

Consult your employee handbook so that you follow your school’s resignation procedures, especially with regard to the notice required.

Step 2

Ask to speak with your principal or direct supervisor at a convenient time. Be sure that the time and location affords you privacy and minimal distractions. You may pique her curiosity, but if she asks for the topic of conversation, say that it’s “personal” and that you wish to discuss the matter later and in private.

Step 3

Take a deep breath and adopt a calm and low-key demeanor. Open the conversation by thanking your principal or supervisor for making time for you. Then get right to the point, perhaps by saying, “I hope you know that I’ve really enjoyed teaching here. But I have found another teaching position that will afford me a better professional fit.” Even in the best professional climates, referring to a better “fit” elsewhere should steer you clear of hurtful admissions and painful accusations. It keeps you on the high road.

Step 4

Address any questions your principal or supervisor might have in a forthright manner, keeping in mind that this really is no time to air grievances or lodge complaints about your current position. Constructive comments are best left for your exit interview. Be prepared to tell your principal or supervisor a little about your new position, but don’t gloat; be humble.

Step 5

Tell your principal or supervisor your last day of work, following the dictates in your employee manual. Be prepared to give her the expected two weeks’ notice – more if you can accommodate extra time.

Step 6

Offer to train your replacement or a teacher substitute. Promise to do what you can to make your departure as stress-free as possible on the staff and students.

Step 7

Demonstrate your graciousness about the job you are leaving behind. Express your appreciation for your principal or supervisor’s leadership and/or credit your colleagues with contributing to your day-to-day enjoyment of your job. Above all, be sincere and follow the maxim: “If you can’t say anything nice, say nothing at all.”

Step 8

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