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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

Original poster

I am resigning from teaching - and I can't wait.

103 replies

Finallyquitting · 21/12/2015 10:51

Just wanted to share this, have nchanged. I have been a teacher for ten years, now on the SMT for my roles within school.
This year has done me in finally and I am resigning after Christmas and I couldn't be happier. The fact that I have no other job to go to is not really on my mind at the moment!!

It's just got too much for all the reasons given in so many threads and I have read how teachers have left on MN and been so envious, well now I am joining them!
DH is slightly worried about what's next but I have recently specialised in a different area so am going to go down that route. Xmas Grin

OP posts:
Original poster
Finallyquitting · 29/12/2015 09:56

Thanks, and how shit for you chicken I feel like I am constantly trying to stick up for the Nqts in our school at the moment.

Supply is defo an option if I can't find myself another job that isn't teaching, I know enough schools locally so should be ok. I am not sure that I will ever go back even in a different school, all the joy I had in teaching has been sucked out slowly but surely.

I'm feeling nervous now about actually doing the deed.

pipi sorry I didn't get back to you, I hadn't realised I had more replies!

OP posts:
IonaNE · 31/12/2015 22:44

OP, your letter of resignation does not need to contain anything apart from the fact that you are resigning:

^Dear Mr/Mrs X [headteacher],

I would like to tender my resignation with effect of [date].
I would like to thank you for the opportunity to teach at [school's name] and wish you and the school the best for the future.

Finallyquitting.^

If you are in a union, this is what the union will advise you to do, too. This way you aren't writing anything you might regret later; that might be misconstrued or used against you, etc. You are leaving - leave the rest to the school.

(Ps: I'm also a former teacher.)

SunsetDream · 02/01/2016 23:09
JenniferYellowHat1980 · 05/01/2016 08:30

I have done it. Slightly different circumstances here: I'm on sick leave. My mum is in hospital, terminally ill, and I just can't predict how I'll respond to the constant challenging and sometimes physically aggressive behaviour. I would've taken compassionate leave but unfortunately parents don't 'count' like spouses or children Hmm

It's a massive weight off my mind. We can't really afford it but I knew I had to hand in my notice before securing a new job because I'm not teaching again and you just don't come across jobs that will allow you to serve up to six months' notice before you can start.

echt · 07/01/2016 02:54

Sorry to hear about your mum, Jennifer, and hope all goes well for you. Thanks

KinkyDorito · 07/01/2016 08:23

Jennifer really sorry about your mum Flowers. Compassionate leave is discretionary and many won't give it now. When DD had cancer, I had to get a sick note for stress. The whole situation was incredibly pressured and made me very, very ill. (Probably outed myself now Grin.) You are so much better out of that.

educatingarti · 07/01/2016 08:30

Op, I tutor full-time and love it but don't earn that much!

thisismypassword · 07/01/2016 08:36

Once I move house I'm doing supply. Just need to stay in my permanent job to get a mortgage. Sadly we won't be in the position to move until 2017 but I'm on Mat leave until June 2016 so I might just be able to manage after almost a year break!! However the school is in special measures and I will be worked to the bone even on part time hours. Wish me luck and best of luck to the OP.

futureme · 07/01/2016 08:50

:( I don't think I'm returning to teaching but it makes me so sad to think this is how the profession currently is. I don't like the thought my children will be in stress environments with stressed teachers and I really don't like how many of us have got "stuck" professionally without a career left.

Personality wise so many of us want to do well and work all hours and still are told its not good enough. Its not a good mix.

chicken2015 · 10/01/2016 21:59

Hello thought I would do little update, managed to get long term supply in school same year as my old school been there week and love it! Cannot believe difference in my confidence!

jellyfrizz · 10/01/2016 22:23

Really pleased that things worked out for you!

HannahHobbins · 13/02/2016 10:46

I am the original op under my normal name!

So I resigned, and was hoping to keep my Sen role in school two days a week but they said no - panic stations!
So I thought fuck it then, applied for another job and am now waiting for an interview for another teaching job but being a specialist Sen teacher for a more specific special need, four days a week, same money ish, lovely people who I have worked with when I have taught children with this special need, and peripatetic so much more freedom.

I just need to get it now! Also my school then backtracked and offered me my 2 days after all so at least I have an option now.

Don't know if anyone will revisit this but thought I would update with my semi-happy ending!!

chicken2015 · 13/02/2016 11:08

Hannah it's good to hear ur update, I did my first half term in new school now and I love it and Ive been asked if I'm going to apply in September, so very happy . I hope it works out for the best for you Hannah

HannahHobbins · 13/02/2016 13:47

Oh brill! That sounds like a fab success story, what a relief. Well done and same, hope it works out long term -will you be applying for sept then?

chicken2015 · 13/02/2016 17:01

Yes I would love to get it but also trying for baby so if pregnant they might not offer it as will need to leave for maternity we will see Google luck for job

PhyllisDietrichson · 28/02/2016 16:30

I resigned about 3 weeks ago with nothing to go to, but am not leaving until July. I am now applying for anything suitable that is not teaching. Grin

1944dadhelp · 28/02/2016 19:10

I resigned last Monday, I do not feel liberated or free :(
I just feel I've let myself down by not being able to cope with the demands of teaching.......

PhyllisDietrichson · 29/02/2016 06:42

1944 it's one of those jobs that is utterly vocational, not everyone has what it takes, or they gradually lose what it takes.

I've taught in many places for many years and have found mainstream teaching in an outstanding school to be the most difficult. I am only proud of some of my achievements and I have worked long long hours to try to get better. it's no failure on my or YOUR part or any other person who tries to teach to the best of their ability but can't reach that impossibly high standard in every area that's expected. Being at the top of your ability in teaching every day, is very very hard. Don't feel you've failed, you did your best and it did not suit you, so do something else you are good at, and you're not alone, hundreds of teachers leave teaching every year.

You've probably inspired children along the way and that's a small miracle to be thankful and proud of.

SueLawleyandNicholasWitchell · 29/02/2016 06:46

1944 - you only feel like that because you have been conditioned over many years to feel guilty if you're not constantly at the top of your game. You need to liberate yourself from this conditioning and then you will be truly free. BrewCakeFlowers

MrsGuyOfGisbo · 29/02/2016 16:45

I have no idea how FT teachers remain sane.
I work as a supply teacher, and love it because I get to work at 8.15 and leave at 3 - enjoy the being in the classroom and no planning, marking, assessments, parents evenings, meetings.
I was in a school today where there is a big chart on the wall of all the data dates, meeting dates etc, and have I no idea how anyone can do it all - I am shattered enough at 3 - could absolutely not then start another round of work then.

rollonthesummer · 08/03/2016 12:22

Am thinking of resigning this week.

The only way I'm even vaguely coping is by being part time-I honestly don't know how full timers do it :(

jellyfrizz · 08/03/2016 15:20

I recently resigned. I went through feelings of sadness and anger but now it's done I feel nothing but relief.

My own children need me around and not the stressed angry woman that teaching was making me.

rollonthesummer · 08/03/2016 15:51

Are you doing supply, jellyfrizz?

jellyfrizz · 08/03/2016 16:55

No rollon, I'm not going near teaching again unless things change drastically.

I'm lucky that we can get by on my partners wage for the moment. He works long hours which is a major reason that me teaching wasn't working for our family - neither of us were available for the children.

CheckpointCharlie2 · 08/03/2016 20:44

Hi all, it's me the OP again, name changed AGAIN!!!
I had an interview yesterday for a specialist teacher role but only find out tomorrow if I have got it. Keep fingers crossed.

Wow jelly well done, I know exactly how you feel, I feel guilty, sad and angry and like a wuss for 'giving up' when everyone else in my school is carrying on.
And rollon I see you about loads on teaching threads, what has caused you to think about it now? Same as usual or has something pushed you over the edge!