This is a collection of retirement speeches for principals and teachers who are about to retire. These are heartfelt farewells and inspirational retirement speeches that can be delivered at the end of a long teaching career. We hope you find them useful as you prepare to retire from your school.
Middle school principal’s retirement speech
When I entered the school grounds, the entire school was filled with the scent of greenery, and I thought that the season of freshness was beginning here. I’m very sorry that we have to gather so many people in such a cramped gymnasium when the heat hasn’t even set in.
My initial thought was to simply say goodbye to the teachers and students I worked with, but I would like to express my deepest gratitude to our vice principal and other staff members for organizing such a grand farewell ceremony.
Retirement, which I thought was only someone else’s job, has come to me, and today marks the end of my 33 years of teaching, and I am very grateful to all of you for your generous help and support. And seeing all of you, the students of ○○ Middle School, who I love and think of as my best friends, parents, and teachers, who are growing into wonderful people every day with the expectations of our teachers, makes me sad to retire. I can’t help but feel sad that I won’t be able to see you again, and I can’t help but feel a sense of regret. I sincerely hope that you will have a healthy body, study well, and become great people. I hope you will grow up right and not go against the expectations of your teachers and parents.
Although I am now in the position of watching you grow up from the outside, if we ever meet on the street, I would be more than happy to greet you as I used to. I would like to thank you, the teachers who silently practice discipleship, even if no one recognizes them, and the teachers who have worked with me on true education. Your hearts are incomparable jewels and shine beautifully. Please continue to teach children with joy as you have been doing.
Everyone, I, Principal ○○○, after 33 years of teaching, will now return to a natural person. I have always considered teaching as my vocation, and I dare to say that I have devoted all my energy to cultivating the right character of children wherever I have worked. In particular, I believe that ○○ Middle School has done a better job of character education than any other school. It is all thanks to the teachers here who have taught us well that children who grew up being treated like princes and princesses at home have grown up to become children with warm hearts who care for others. I would like to bow my head in gratitude to my colleagues and parents for their generous cooperation and support. I will never forget the memories I have made with all of you, and I wish you, your parents and relatives, as well as the staff and students in attendance, continued good health and happiness.
High school principal’s retirement greeting
Good morning, everyone. We’re still in the middle of a heat wave, which is very hot for the middle of the day like this, but I left the house early this morning and realized that the early morning air is now quite cool. This summer has been unusually hot, and it felt like fall would never come, but it seems that nature and time are waiting for fall, not summer.
Like the summer, which knows when it’s time to go, I stand before you because it’s time for me to go, too. I stand before you in the last seat of an organization to which I have tried to devote so many years of my life, and which I believe is my calling. It’s a mixed feeling, and I don’t think there’s a word that more accurately expresses my feelings than bittersweet. It won’t be long before I find myself wishing I was here again. I can still remember the excitement of my first day on the job, and I can’t believe it’s been another 40 years. Just like we can’t hold running water in our hands, we can’t catch the years as they go by, can we?
As a teacher, I will never forget the bright eyes of my young students in class, which always gave me new energy and strength, and always gave me hope, courage, pride, and joy. And when they came to me as young adults in the workforce, it was an even greater joy and reward.
I am now coming to the end of 40 years of teaching, and while I am very sad to realize that I will no longer be able to feed off the energy of my students, I am stepping down from this position to begin a new life. It is often said that leaving is another beginning. I can’t realize it yet, but it will be another morning of waking up to a new life.
And even though I’m stepping down, I keep thinking about what I can do for children, and I want to continue to put the same passion and love into my new job as I have in the past. It is said that those who know when to leave are beautiful, and those who leave while the applause is loud get the loudest applause. Although I can no longer teach, I am proud to have once been a teacher, and I will continue to live my life without shame. Thank you.
Principal’s Retirement Message (Winter)
Good morning, the weather is quite cold. It’s November, how can it be so cold already, just a few days ago there was a cozy breeze, but it seems like winter is already one step closer. A single breeze that goes around feels colder than the cold air that surrounds me. I am so sad that I have to say goodbye to you on this cold day.
I am leaving our school today for the last time. During my time as principal of ○○ High School, I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by great teachers and wonderful students, and I thank you. As I stand here today, the reality that I won’t be with you anymore hits me hard, and my mind flashes back to the years I’ve spent with you.
When I was first assigned to the school, I stood on the podium and I was stunned, because I saw the starry young eyes of the students, and it was only a matter of time before they became great people, as long as they were guided well. So I was very happy in my five years at the high school, and through my efforts and the efforts of the teachers, the students changed little by little, and eventually our high school was voted as the number one school to attend by the Ministry of Education. I think the reason why our school got such a good reputation is because of the hard work of the students, the hard work of the teachers, and the hard work of the students’ teachers. Many people have praised my achievements. But I don’t think I’ve gotten this far on my own.
If I had one more year, I would have changed more things and seen more progress. I am very sad that I have to leave like this. But everything has a beginning and an end, and for you, the students, the end will come soon. If you are struggling to study now, the end will come soon. If you are struggling to teach, the end will come soon. Depending on how you spend this moment, you can end it with regret or you can end it with pride. You have all the time in the world. What I want to say to you, students and teachers, is that it’s not easy to end without regrets, but if you do your best in this moment, you can end with satisfaction. I have my regrets, but I can stand here in front of you today and say that I’ve worked hard, and I’m proud to say that I’m not going to be here in the future, but I hope that you will work harder to do your part, to make our school shine, and to live a life without regrets. Thank you.
Farewell letter from the principal to the students
How are you? I would like to thank all of you, seniors and juniors alike, for taking time out of your precious schedule in the choppy weather to attend my farewell ceremony. Today is a sad occasion for me to leave Zhengden School, which I have served for 35 years and 6 months, but on the other hand, it is also an honorable occasion for me to complete my public service without any major incidents. Looking back, I believe that this honorable position is possible only because of your infinite encouragement and support, and I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you once again with my family.
Since today is my retirement ceremony, I would like to share a few personal words with you, my fellow alumni. I am a very fortunate person, and I have been blessed with a lot of support from the people around me. At first, I worked in the same staff room as ○○ High School, a prestigious school in the province, with some wonderful teachers in middle and high school, and they loved me so much. Without their love, I think I would probably have changed jobs in the heat of industrialization and would be living in difficulty now.
When I was in the teaching profession for a while, I was very focused on university entrance results, especially when I was a senior 3 teacher, I would come to work an hour before the other classes. I would supervise self-study, take questions from students, and even though I was not an English major, I was not afraid to try teaching English. When I got good grades in college, I used to brag about it, as if it was because I was a good tutor.
In recent years, I’ve often asked myself, “How faithful was I in teaching and disciplining students at school?” Looking back, I realize that I taught roughly without studying the materials properly, I let my emotions get the best of me while teaching students, and I downplayed a fellow teacher I didn’t like. Looking back, I realize that the students who received my sloppy guidance are now the middle-aged members of our society, and I’m glad that they are wise and have gone on to do well, but if there are any students who are struggling somewhere because of my sloppy teaching, I feel very sorry for them. If I could go back to that time again, I would teach them more carefully with all my heart.
As a principal, I always believed in the clear reasoning, solid skills, and passion for teaching of our teachers, so I tried not to interfere with their teaching activities whenever possible and supported them wholeheartedly, because I believed that our teachers would truly devote themselves to the task of cultivating the potential of our students and cultivating the desirable human beings that our national society requires.
Honored guests, distinguished guests, and beloved teachers, my time has become too long. I will now leave the good school ○○ High School and the school where I have served for 30 years. Although I am sad to leave, I will move on to a new world like a sailor sailing into uncharted waters. I have been so grateful for all these years. Goodbye.
Principal’s final thank you to students at his retirement ceremony
Hello, high school students. It’s that time of year again, when the heat is gone and the cool breeze is blowing in. The leaves started changing colors as early as September this year, the air is filled with the smells of fall, and outside the window, it’s raining to hasten the season. Now that the rain has stopped, we’ll have to start preparing for winter. How are you doing with your winterization? I think those who organize the end of the year well will be able to fly well in winter. I’m already starting to get excited to leave my regrets behind and look forward to an exciting new year, and I hope you’re one of those people who’ll be able to accomplish all of the goals you’ve set for yourself this year and start the new year on a high note.
The day I first arrived at this school, much like today, it was a chilly fall day, and I was both thrilled and terrified to see you all as fall came to a close and as we head into winter, but it’s already time to say goodbye to you. I’m grateful for the time I’ve had with you, but how can I describe it in just a few lines? I’ll miss you like a memory, like a photo album, and I’ll be praying for your well-being. I hope you’ll forgive me for appearing before you a few months early and, of course, abruptly. I am saddened that I will not be able to stay on in teaching due to personal circumstances, namely ill health. You have been my hope, my dream and my love, and I hope you will not be too sad, for I will take that with me wherever I go.
John Maxwell Coetzee once wrote about the greatness of faith and love: “Everyone has the seed of greatness within him. Even if the seed has not yet sprouted, it will sprout if someone believes in it. Each time someone believes in it, they give it water, warmth, food, and sunlight.”
The great seed within you is so tiny at first that you can only see yourself, but when it grows into a tree and bears fruit, it can manifest itself as a success that others will envy, right? It goes without saying that when you believe in your vision and are willing to sprint for it, it is within reach. Be grateful for the people who believe in your potential and give you their love, because without love, even the nagging and nagging for you would not be possible.
I will now be supporting you outside of school, and as one person who wants to see your dreams come true, if you have any difficulties or need help, you can always contact me and I will come to help you, however small it may be. Also, don’t worry about the entrance exams, I’m sure your other teachers will be able to talk to you and guide you well. Now I bid you a fond farewell, and I hope to remain your tiger principal forever. Please listen to your new teacher and be a great person. Thank you.
Outgoing Principal’s Message
Hello, everyone. Times seem to change so quickly. Time is already racing towards the end of November 2023. The people and things around us seem to be changing as fast as the time is passing by. At the end of the year, you think, “Where did the time go?” Normally, I don’t even realize how fast time is passing. But I always look at the calendar and when I see “11” or “12” on the calendar, I’m reminded of how fast time has gone.
A lot of things change over time. But some things should never change. We often refer to them as “truths”. With time passing quickly, I am now stepping down as principal. This too will be a change, but there is a truth that I would like to pass on to the younger teachers on my way out that we should never forget as teachers.
It’s the importance of words. We are teachers. Kids learn from us and shape their thinking, and your words can be the difference between hope and despair for them. That means they matter. So we have to be especially careful with our words. Not the kind of lighthearted words we normally use with friends and family, but words that can give them hope and encouragement.
It is said that many people have been unable to sing in front of others for the rest of their lives because of a casual comment someone made about them being bad at singing. While it’s great to see someone who can sing beautifully, we should encourage those who can’t sing to sing confidently, because the human heart is more likely to applaud someone who tries hard at something.
A teacher’s words can build you up or tear you down, especially when it comes to evaluating your talent. Even if everyone else in the world is mute, if one person stands up and applauds, you never know who might become an inimitable global celebrity.
That’s why our role is so important. Because with our words, a child’s whole life depends on it. The wisdom to take the smallest disadvantage and turn it into an advantage, that’s what you have to do.
Now I’m not in the classroom, but I’m leaving with light feet because I have faith in my younger teachers. I only ask that you remember my last point: the importance of words. Thank you.
Principal’s retirement message
As I leave office, I am filled with regrets. The trees along the streets have turned their leaves into brilliant colors. The rustling leaves are heralding the arrival of fall. But the end of autumn is not far off, and by mid-November, the cold winds will blow in and winter will begin. I think about how time gets more beautiful with age, and I wish that growing older could be the same for people’s lives.
This person with so much to offer is leaving the school of hard knocks. I will never forget the love and care that you have shown me during my tenure, which has helped me in so many ways and made up for my deficiencies, and I will never forget the beautiful smile that you always greeted me with everywhere.
I remember that I entered the education world about 35 years ago with nothing but young blood and no knowledge in my head, and I repeatedly made countless mistakes and errors, causing a lot of damage to the people around me. I also came to this day with a deep sense of reflection, wondering if I had made a mistake in teaching students the wrong things.
As I stand here today, on the cusp of retirement, my mind is filled with far more memories of the things I did wrong, the things I regret, than the things I did right. As I get older, I’m not sure I’ve aged beautifully in teaching.
Teachers’ misdeeds can probably be divided into two categories based on their motivations: things they did that they knew were wrong, and things they did that they didn’t know were wrong, and things that started out innocently but ended badly. The bottom line is that either way, it can have a devastating effect on students, so everything we do as teachers should always be done with an eye toward how it will affect our students.
The thing about being human is that we don’t know what will happen tomorrow, which is why our ancestors left us with quotes throughout history that say that today’s misfortune may not be tomorrow’s misfortune.
The world is not all good, sometimes things are hard, sometimes things are unfair, sometimes things are unfortunate, and sometimes things are frustrating. So as a student, you should give your teachers a warm and tolerant heart when they do something wrong. When you help them bounce back from their mistakes and become great again, that’s when the true teacher-student relationship is established.
I’ve been very fortunate during my time as a teacher, meeting warm and supportive colleagues everywhere I’ve gone, and I’ve had some great students that have made being a teacher very rewarding. For all of this, I’m grateful, and I’m stepping down from the classroom, so thank you.
Final words from a true teacher
As I stand here to say goodbye to you, I am still a person with many shortcomings. Even though I have been teaching for nearly 40 years, I still find myself leaving in a state of incompleteness, which makes me realize the impermanence of time. Even though I’ve been on the same path for so many years, the road to becoming an educator still feels long and arduous. Nurturing people, inspiring their dreams, and guiding them through their growth has been a responsibility like no other. As I stand here and look back, the question of whether I have truly understood and stood by my students over the past 40 years weighs heavily on my heart.
As I look back over the years, there is one memory that sticks with me. I was a middle school teacher, and one of the kids in my class had run away from home. Late at night, after searching everywhere, I met him in the park. I grabbed his arm and said, “Let’s go home now,” but he looked at me and said, “You don’t understand me.” What I had dismissed as simple rebellion became a wake-up call, and it has stayed with me to this day. I was filled with fear and regret, hating myself for not listening to my students, for focusing on appearances, for not listening to their stories.
After that incident, I tried to listen to my students more, because I realized that they needed more understanding and listening than more admonishment. I tried to understand their pain, to hear them as they were, with their struggles in life. Those were some of the most precious and beautiful times of my teaching career. Watching them open their hearts and reveal bits and pieces of themselves gave me the true joy and reward of being a teacher. When I think back to the stories they confided in me, the struggles, conflicts, and heartbreaks they shared, I realize that I have truly grown with them.
Now, I have to leave the teaching profession, and the younger teachers in this room are much younger and more open-minded than I was. I have only one last thing to say to you. Hopefully, you will not be left with the same bitter regrets that I was. Be a teacher who reaches understanding, not misunderstanding. I think the most important thing between a teacher and a pupil is understanding, and it’s so empowering for kids to know that they have someone who truly understands them and is there for them when they need it. A teacher is only worthy of being called a teacher when he or she is not just a watchdog, but a true advocate.
Children need a teacher to walk with them through life’s journey, and not just someone who imparts knowledge, but someone who quietly encourages them to find their own path. Treat them with love and trust, and be there to support them as they navigate the difficult path. Just knowing that they have a trusted adult who is always there for them will give them courage.
As I leave this room today, my heart is filled with a sense of regret, but also with anticipation as I believe you will become true teachers. I have always hoped to walk that path myself, but my heart is heavy as I leave you still falling short, and now I leave it to you to lead the way as I move on to another phase of my life. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to all the teachers who have been here with me, and to all the students who have watched over me with their warm eyes.
Thank you, everyone, from the bottom of my heart.
Principal’s Farewell Message
Good afternoon, in this hopeful season when flowers are blooming and leaves are turning mauve, I stand at this podium to say goodbye to you. As I stand here, I am reminded of the poem. The poem that begins, “How beautiful is the sight of one who knows when it’s time to go, and how beautiful is the sight of one who has gone.” I realize that this moment of departure has finally arrived for me, and I hope to leave you with a little bit of beauty in my wake.
In fact, my body and mind have become too old to talk about new dreams. The busy years have stolen my youth, leaving only a tired body and a faded mind, and it’s time for me to step back and leave the new era to you.
I can still remember the excitement of my youth, when I was a young man like a tree, when I first stood in the pulpit. I remember the tears I shed in my first assignment and the days and nights of agony. At first, I was clumsy and afraid of everything, but thanks to my students and colleagues, I learned one step at a time and walked the path of a teacher. The time I have spent here is so precious, and I am sad to leave today, but most of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of you for supporting my teaching career.
There is only one wish that fills my heart. I hope that I can leave you with no shame in your eyes. Although I have many shortcomings and regrets, I want to be remembered as a passionate teacher in a profession that I have dedicated my life to, and I know that you are the new protagonists who will carry on the torch, and you will be many times better teachers than me, and you will be the true seniors in your children’s lives.
Now I’m leaving, just as winter gives way to the new spring, and I wish this school a beautiful spring, and I look forward to seeing you write your new teaching hopes. Like the flowers that always bloom in the schoolyard in spring, my heart will hold beautiful memories of our time together here.
It has been a happy time, my dear friends, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Although I am stepping down, I hope you will continue to build an even greater future with this school. Thank you for listening to my greetings.
A professor’s farewell message
Your enthusiasm for learning has always filled my heart, and that alone. Good morning, everyone. I would like to thank you, my education family, students, and parents, for joining us today for this retirement ceremony. It’s been 27 years since I arrived in my late thirties and taught my first class at this university. After spending nearly a generation here, it is with great emotion that I say this.
I would like to give special thanks to my professors in the Department of English and English Literature. It has been a great honor to be in the same department with you, and because you have always been so caring and supportive of me, my long tenure has not been boring; on the contrary, I feel that it has gone by all too quickly. All the time I spent with you, thinking, researching, and sharing has been an infinite learning opportunity and joy for me, and it has allowed me to mature not only as a professor but also as a person. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, my students, for believing in me and following me.
I am eternally grateful and happy to have studied with you and grown together. Your enthusiasm for learning, your pure energy, has always been a great motivation for me. Being around young students every day has helped me to forget my age and keep a young mind, even as I grow older every day. Thanks to you, I have been able to be a father at home who keeps up with the times and understands young people’s thoughts.
As I stand in front of you today, my heart is filled with regret as I leave. But I know that my departure will be followed by a great successor from the younger generation, who will expand the discipline with renewed enthusiasm. Generations and generations change with the passing of time, but we believe in the eternal bonds that connect us. I hope that what you have learned here will serve you well throughout your lives, and that we will cross paths again in the future.
I am deeply grateful to the many of you who have joined us today to celebrate my departure. With my gratitude to all of you, I’d like to conclude my remarks.
