A final message from a teacher who has taught students for a lifetime. Teachers who have spent a lifetime teaching students are now leaving the classroom, reflecting on the precious time they’ve spent together, and sending warm wishes to their students as they continue on their own paths.

Final words from a retiring teacher

Dear principal, dear colleagues, and fellow teachers who have been with me for many years, thank you for organizing this retirement ceremony for me today. As I stand here, my memories of my time on campus, which have never been short, are panoramic, and I can’t describe how I feel knowing that today is my last.
I can still vividly recall the moment I first set foot on this campus. It seems like just yesterday that I was standing in front of my students, my face flushed and my voice trembling, and I can’t believe it’s been so long. The sparkling eyes of the children, their bright and cheerful laughter, the feel of the blackboard and the table that we shared hour after hour – all of these things I used to take for granted, but today I realize how important they were to me and how grateful I am for them.
Most of all, I remember that the night before I first came here, I promised myself that I would teach each and every student as if they were my own children, and I’ve been trying my best to stay grounded and give them all equal love ever since. Of course, not all of my students have understood this. Just as there are no fingers that don’t hurt from biting ten fingers, all students were important to me, but in the midst of a rapidly changing education system, I was unable to reconcile myself between being a teacher with boundless love for my students and a strict teacher who wanted to make sure they didn’t lose respect for their teacher. This may have come from my own shortcomings.
However, I used to feel a sense of pride as a teacher whenever I saw children who believed in my teaching, succeeded and came to greet me even after they graduated, as if they were one of my own children who had succeeded. Now that so much time has passed and all of that is now a memory, I get teary-eyed whenever I see the look in their eyes. When I think about it now, I don’t think I’ve taught them anything, but rather, I feel like I’ve learned a lot from them. From them I learned innocence and honesty, and from my fellow teachers I learned unwavering conviction and manners.
I also haven’t forgotten the warm heart of my principal, who always gave me good advice when my mind was sometimes shaken. You were always like a big mountain, guiding all of us with your wisdom and patience, and thanks to you, I have gotten to where I am today. I will never forget this school for the rest of my life, and I will always carry the same attitude that brought me here so many years ago.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the students, teachers, and principals who have been with me along the way. I would also like to thank the parents who have trusted me with their precious children. Although I am leaving here, my heart will always be with you, and I am confident that my colleagues will be able to fill my shoes. I know you will do a great job of teaching and guiding your students on the right path.
Finally, I sincerely wish you all happiness and joy in your future endeavors. Thank you.

End of year retirement greetings from an elementary school teacher

How are you?
There are only three pages left on the calendar already, and this is the time of year when it feels like you haven’t done anything all year, and you’re left with the feeling that you haven’t done everything right. But time has undoubtedly grown me and many of you here, just as it grows trees and makes the grain ripen, and I think the reason you don’t feel that growth is because you don’t believe in yourself. There will always be someone in this world who will believe in you to the end, but in order to be someone who isn’t ashamed of their belief, you have to believe in yourself.
Today, I have come this far because I believe in myself as an educator. Today marks the end of my public service as an educator. I would like to bow my head in deep gratitude to all of you who have braved the cold weather to honor me at my retirement ceremony.
It seems like only yesterday that I started my life as an educator as a regular teacher, but 33 years have already passed. I consider my teaching career, which started at ○○ Elementary School, to be a heaven-given vocation, and the life with my beloved students will remain in my memory for a long time. The laughter in every classroom, the moments when I scolded my beloved students, the moments when I was sincerely concerned about them, and the moments when I encouraged and comforted them when they were in trouble. All the moments when I laughed and cried with them are now precious memories.
As I taught, I was both teaching and learning from my students. Looking back, I realize that my long teaching career, which was lacking in many ways, was not without its faults, and I am grateful that I was able to achieve what I have today only because of the generous support of the faculty and staff and all those around me who have always cared for me.
I have tried not to lose the determination that I made when I was younger, that I would walk the right path as an educator. During my teaching career, I have more regrets and regrets about what I did not do well than what I did well. However, I felt rewarded when I saw my students grow so much, and that was the strength that kept me on this path.
To the junior teachers, I would like to say: you hold the precious key to unlock the future of children, unlock their possibilities, and guide their hearts with love and wisdom. I ask you to remain steadfast in difficult moments and always extend a warm hand to children.
Now that I have to leave my teaching job, I am left with more regrets and regrets about the things I did not do well than the things I did well. However, I can leave this position with joy because I am confident that there is a better today than the past, a living and breathing tomorrow than today. Although my body is leaving, my heart will always be with me, and if I am granted another life, I will choose teaching again without hesitation.
Now, I will return to the beautiful and natural world with happy memories of my past teaching career, watch my students fulfill their roles in society with integrity, and spend the rest of my life meaningfully with my family. Thank you.

Sample teacher farewell letter

Hello, After setting the date for my retirement ceremony, I suddenly have a lot of thoughts on my mind. It seems like just yesterday, January 2023, that I set my goals for the year, and here we are. It’s already May 2023 and it’s time to retire, and it’s like, “Wow, I’ve been in school for 30 years!” and it’s like, “Wow, time flies by. They say time flies, but I don’t think I’ve ever felt it as much as I do now. I can still remember the excitement and nervousness I felt when I first started teaching, and it’s hard to believe that I’m preparing for the end. And I’m grateful to so many people.
First of all, I’m grateful to have been born in Japan, because it was definitely a blessing to grow up here and to have chosen the path of education, which in turn was due to the opportunities that the country provided me. I was lucky to be able to become a teacher. I am grateful for the teachers who taught me, and I am grateful for the students who recognized me as a teacher. I am grateful for the seniors who saw me as small as a pea and recognized me as a basketball at a premium.
Most of all, I am so grateful for the opportunity I was given to have a variety of educational experiences that filled my days. Without these experiences, I wouldn’t even be here today to say hello to so many of you. The students, colleagues, and seniors I’ve met throughout my teaching career have all helped me grow. There are so many people in the world to thank.
I am especially grateful to my colleagues for organizing my retirement ceremony. I feel incredibly lucky, I’ve met so many great people, and I’ve been able to do the kind of teaching I’ve always wanted to do. Of course, I’ve had my share of small setbacks, but if you look at the big picture, I’ve had a stable life with no major setbacks.
A bird called the dodo, which is no longer seen today, lived on the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and went extinct in 1681. Biologists have identified three reasons for its extinction: it was too docile, it had no enemies, and it couldn’t fly. When I stopped to think about it, I realized that I’m a lot like the dodo: I’m a nice guy, even though I’m not, and I’ve had a quiet teaching career. Finally, I think I’m just like the dodo because I’m not particularly good at anything. It gives me goosebumps to think that if I had lived my life in the natural world instead of in school, I would have been just like the dodo. Even as I think about this, I am reminded of how much teaching helps so many people. Even if I don’t feel like I can do as much as Dodo, I like to believe that my small role has had a big impact on my students.
I regret that I fell so far short of practicing my belief that the focus of education should be on the student and the teacher. I believed that it was fundamentally the student’s problem and responsibility to learn well or not learn well, and that the role of the teacher is to help the student become that person themselves. I thought about and studied teaching methods every day, and I regret that I was not able to teach every student the best way to learn.
Even if I leave the teaching profession, this is still something I want to do. I will continue to do education-related work even after I retire. I will not think of this as the end, but as a new beginning, and I will live hard. I will continue to be involved in education-related work and share my experiences. My passion for education will not change over time, and I will continue to explore opportunities to learn.
Thank you.

Principal’s Farewell Message

Good evening, everyone. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend. I am also deeply grateful for the many kind words you have said to me, and I will take them to heart and reflect them in my future life.
Being an outgoing president is about leaving and looking back. As I stand here in front of you, I have put a lot of thought into preparing my farewell speech, and as I look back on my life through this moment, I feel that my words are an offering, a prayer. Looking back, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the students, parents, and fellow teachers who have shown me undeserved love and support.
The memories of our many years together on this campus are deep in my heart. The time I have spent with all of you has been truly invaluable to me, and every moment has enriched my life. I remember the small conversations in the classroom, the laughter and troubles we shared, and the times we spent together encouraging each other as if it were yesterday. These memories will never be forgotten and will remain an asset for the rest of my life.
Looking back, I am also filled with regret. Even if I wanted to go back, I’m saddened by the fact that I can’t. It’s a wistful feeling to look at a world that is now gone. But this wistfulness will probably turn into another form of memory in time. In any case, I’d say it’s a very different feeling from everyday life.
We all get older, sicker, and die, and we all feel smaller and less capable. Retirement is an annihilation, a symbolic death. It’s often said that reading or hearing retirement speeches is depressing, because it’s so hard to leave a place you’ve been for decades. But then again, if there’s a destination to be reached, retirement can be a wake-up call. For me, I’m going to use my retirement as a wake-up call, if not an epiphany, then a fresh start.
I’ve been fortunate enough to be a principal, but at heart, I’ve always been a student. I’ve always loved reading and studying, and I’ll always be a student. I’m looking forward to learning more and gaining different experiences in the wider world. I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life and cherishing the connections I’ve made with you along the way.
As I step down, I can’t ask for anything more, and I can only say that it has been a truly beautiful time to be with you all. I will always pray for you, and I thank you all once again from the bottom of my heart for crossing my path. Thank you.

Example Principal Exit Speech

Good morning, everyone. I had hoped that this day would never come, but it has finally arrived. Standing here in this position complicates my mind, but at the same time fills me with deep emotion. When I look back on my ○○ years of public service, it is true that there have been difficulties and ups and downs at times. However, I am grateful for all the moments that have made me who I am today. Looking back, I have no regrets about my public service life, even if I did complain and complain for a while.
What I regret is that I have not been able to thank the many people who have helped me achieve this, and I am glad that I can finally take this opportunity to express my gratitude. First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. ○○○, my seniors, juniors, and colleagues for organizing such a grand retirement ceremony. Without your warm hearts and consideration, I would have felt empty here today.
I would also like to thank my family and friends, who have encouraged me and helped me in times of difficulty and trouble. With your support and encouragement, I was able to fulfill the heavy responsibilities of public office. I would also like to thank my parents for bequeathing me a healthy body and a sound mind to enable me to leave office with honor. My parents have always been my strongest supporters, and I have not been able to fulfill my role as a father because I was busy with work, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank my sons and daughters for growing up to be the children of a sound-minded public servant.
Last but not least, I would like to thank my wife, who has stood by my side in prayer without a single complaint despite our meager salary. Without your sacrifice and understanding, I would not be able to stand here today and greet you so boldly.
My life of public service is about to come to an end and I am about to embark on a new and unknown path, and while I am terrified of what lies ahead, I feel confident in the knowledge that I am leaving with the warmth of your love in my heart. I ask that you continue to watch over me as you have done in the past. No matter where I am or what I do, I will never forget the precious time I spent with you.
Finally, I hope that when we cross paths on the road, we will be the kind of people who are happy to clasp hands and share a cup of rice wine whenever time permits. To all of you, be healthy and happy every day. Thank you.

Principal Retirement Speech Sample Document

Hello, everyone. It seems like just yesterday that I was a young man in my twenties with a bright dream of teaching, and I was excited to be appointed as a new teacher at a school with a long tradition of excellence, but already ○○ years have passed. Looking back, I realize that I have been in the teaching profession with the determination to sacrifice and serve with my all for the education of the second generation, but there are many things that I lack and regret. I have made diligence and sincerity my life’s goal and have lived my signature as an educator, doing the best I can, but I have always felt unsatisfied and in need of more.
Looking back, I realize how blessed I am to have chosen this path. Teaching isn’t just a job, it’s a position where you are responsible for a person’s life and play an important role in shaping their future. Interacting with students on a daily basis and watching them grow and change is both inspiring and a heavy responsibility. Rejoicing in their small accomplishments and standing by their side when they are struggling has made my teaching career even more meaningful.
Even now, with all the emotions that come with the job, I can’t help but think of some of the most memorable and rewarding moments. When I was a teacher, my most nostalgic memories are of being a high school homeroom teacher, tapping on the board with students before and after school every day, because I deeply realized that students are the ones who validate a teacher’s existence and inspire him or her to teach hard with self-satisfaction.
Now, as I look back on those days with fondness, there is one thing I would like to say to my juniors as I leave my current position. Help the students under our care to grow up healthy in body and mind. Please guide them to have a humanized relationship between teacher and student, not a relationship of taker and provider.
Teachers should instill in their students the value of being able to manage themselves and not to do things that cause trouble to others. Teachers should also instill in their students the value of being polite and not to do things that cause trouble to others. Teachers should guide their students to be the kind of people who are needed in our society, who are polite and practice the beautiful customs of the elderly. I also hope that our teachers will help their students with a heart of service that transcends all ideologies and state claims.
Teachers are not just transmitters of knowledge; they should help students grow through character education so that they can live rightly in society; when students encounter difficulties, they should instill courage and hope in them, and sometimes guide them strictly to keep them on the right path. I hope that teachers will find the good in their students, praise and encourage them, and teach them with all their hearts to realize the reality of love. When you do that, not only life guidance, but also learning guidance, everyone will do well, which is the most precious experience I have gained in my teaching career.
In closing, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the vice principal, the staff and parents of our school for this opportunity to speak to you today, and I wish you all the best. Thank you.