Have you ever wondered what to do after handing in your resignation as a teacher? Resigning from a teaching position can be both liberating and daunting. Whether you’re a primary teacher, secondary teacher, SEN professional, or supply teacher, knowing the next steps to take can make your transition smoother. Here’s an informative guide with tips for resigning teachers to help you navigate your next steps.
Advice and Ten Tips for Resigning Teachers
1) Notify Your Peers and Plan Your Exit Strategy
Firstly, make sure you officially notify your school HR department about your decision to resign. Getting your resignation letter right (like the example in TES) is a must, clearly stating your intention to leave and your last working day which should align with teacher resignation dates.
Knowing the teacher resignation dates in 2024 will ensure you hand in your resignation at the right time:
Summer Term Resignation
If you want to start a new role at the beginning of the Autumn term on the 1st of September, the last possible date to hand in your resignation is the 31st of May.
Autumn Term Resignation
For teachers to leave at the end of the Autumn Term (31st December), you have to give notice by no later than the 31st of October.
Spring Term Resignation
You will have to give notice of resignation by the 28th or 29th of February if you want to leave at the end of the Spring Term (30th April).
Planning your exit strategy involves creating a timeline for your departure. This timeline should include completing ongoing projects, grading assignments, and ensuring a smooth handover of your responsibilities. Collaborate with any teaching assistants, support staff and future replacements to manage the workload of your handover efficiently. This will also help in maintaining a positive relationship with your colleagues and ensure your students’ learning experience is not disrupted.
2) Communicate with Your Students and Parents
After informing the school administration, the next important step is to communicate with your students and their parents. It’s crucial to agree timings with the School leadership team (SLT) to handle this delicately maintaining positive rapport. Explain your decision honestly, but professionally, and reassure them that their education will continue smoothly.
If you’re a primary teacher, consider writing a personal note to your students, explaining your departure. Secondary teachers might find it helpful to have a class discussion. For SEN professionals, it’s essential to work closely with the support staff to ensure the student’s needs continue to be met effectively. Supply teachers should inform the relevant parties involved in their placement about their decision.
3) Update Your Professional Profile
Once your resignation is official, it’s time to update your professional profile. This includes your CV, LinkedIn profile, and other professional teacher networks such as Updatedge, where you will be able to find temporary supply or permanent roles in real-time from your network.
Highlight your accomplishments and the impact you had in your role. This is especially important for those looking to continue their career in education or a related field.
Updating your profile is a great opportunity to reflect on your career achievements. Include any notable projects, innovative teaching methods you employed, and contributions to your school’s community. For teaching assistants and support staff, highlighting your collaborative efforts and support roles can showcase your versatility and dedication.
4) Network and Seek New Opportunities
Networking is a powerful tool for finding your next opportunity. Reach out to former colleagues, join professional education groups, and attend industry events. For teachers, joining online communities can provide valuable insights and job leads. SEN professionals and supply teachers might find niche groups specifically tailored to their expertise.
At 4myschools, we specialise in finding the best education roles for you. We can offer personalised advice, job listings, support during your job search and much more. Networking not only opens doors to new opportunities but also provides moral support during your transition.
5) Take Care of Legal and Financial Matters
Understanding the legal and financial implications of your resignation is essential. Ensure you’re clear on your final pay check, including any owed benefits or unused holiday pay. For teachers, this might also involve understanding the status of your pension and other long-term benefits.
Consult with your school’s HR department to clarify any doubts. Directly employed school Supply teachers should also verify the terms of their contracts. Knowing where you stand financially can help you plan your next steps more effectively and avoid any surprises.
6) Focus on Personal and Professional Development
Resigning from a teaching position can be a great opportunity for personal and professional development. Consider taking courses to enhance your skills or explore new interests. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a wide range of courses that can help you stay current in your field or pivot to a new career. 4myshools offers all candidates a fully funded teacher CPD online library of 22 accredited courses created by qualified experts. The CPD includes KCSiE, safeguarding, social media training and behaviour management courses. The courses can be taken at any time on a smart device and are full of tips for resigning teachers.
For SEN professionals, specialised training is available and part of our loyalty scheme. CPD can open up new opportunities within or outside of the education sector. Teaching assistants and support staff might find professional development courses that enhance their support skills and broaden their career prospects.
7) Seek Support and Stay Positive
Leaving a job can be emotionally challenging. Seek support from friends, family, or professional counsellors to navigate this period. Maintaining a positive outlook can significantly enhance your transition experience.
Join support groups for educators who have resigned or are considering a career change. Sharing experiences and advice can provide reassurance and motivation. Remember, many teachers have successfully transitioned to new roles, and so can you. Check out our blog on teacher wellbeing for further advice.
8) Prepare for Job Interviews
Once you start applying for new positions, preparing for interviews is crucial. Practice common interview questions, especially those related to your teaching experience and how you handled challenges in the classroom. Highlight your strengths and be ready to discuss how you can bring value to a new role.
Research potential employers, understand their values, and tailor your responses to align with their expectations. For SEN professionals, demonstrating your specialised skills and experience can set you apart from other candidates. For further information on preparing to impress during your interviews check out this blog from TES.
9) Considering An Alternative Job?
If you’re open to exploring alternative careers, there are many fields where your teaching skills are highly valued. Education consultancy, supply teaching, corporate training, and business management are just a few examples. If you’d consider applying your knowledge of the education system to education recruitment then contact 4myschools, we have many roles available such as commission-based sales that could be the change you are looking for!
10) Reflect and Recharge
Most Importantly, take some time to reflect on your career journey and recharge. Resigning from a teaching job is a significant step, and it’s essential to take care of yourself during this transition. Reflecting on your experiences can provide clarity and guide your future career decisions.
Spend time doing activities you enjoy and focus on your well-being. This break can rejuvenate you and prepare you for the exciting opportunities ahead.
Round Up
Resigning from a teaching position is a significant decision, but with the right steps, you can ensure a smooth transition and set yourself up for future success. Whether you’re a primary teacher, secondary teacher, SEN professional, or supply teacher, these tips for resigning teachers can help you navigate your next steps confidently.
If you’re looking for new opportunities, need support and advice, or want training during your transition, 4myschools is here to help. Explore our resources and job listings to find your next career move in education. For more information and support, visit our website or get in contact with our recruitment team today.
