Writing a Teacher Leave of Absence Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample teacher leave of absence letter as a template for your formal notification.
Last updated on January 17th, 2019
When teachers take a long leave, it has a major effect on the students. The momentum of their learning experience is interrupted, and they need to become accustomed to a new personality. This is the main reason teachers avoid taking long leaves.
However, there are circumstances when a teacher needs to be absent from his or her classroom for an extended period. Family problems, military leave, health or maternity issues and taking a course to improve their credentials are the main reasons teachers take an extended leave.
Long Leave May be Paid
In most states, a long leave may be paid, partially paid or without pay depending on the reason for the leave and the rules of the school or state laws.
The teacher should clearly mention in the letter the kind of leave he or she is taking. Leave may be granted for child care for a specified period of time after the birth or adoption of a child, but it is usually not granted to both parents. One parent may take advantage of this type of leave.
However, there are circumstances when a teacher needs to be absent from his or her classroom for an extended period. Family problems, military leave, health or maternity issues and taking a course to improve their credentials are the main reasons teachers take an extended leave.
Long Leave May be Paid
In most states, a long leave may be paid, partially paid or without pay depending on the reason for the leave and the rules of the school or state laws.
The teacher should clearly mention in the letter the kind of leave he or she is taking. Leave may be granted for child care for a specified period of time after the birth or adoption of a child, but it is usually not granted to both parents. One parent may take advantage of this type of leave.
The teacher should read his or her contract to see if there are any rules and regulations pertaining to applying for leave. If so, they need to follow those rules when writing a leave of absence letter. These rules will state the approved reasons for a teacher to take a long leave.
In most cases, the letter will need to be submitted to the principal a specified amount of time in advance of the teacher’s last working day, so the principal can arrange for a substitute or replacement. The letter should be sent to the superintendent as well as the principal.
Length of Time
The letter should state the length of time the teacher is asking for leave in the first sentence. The starting and ending dates should be given, and the date the teacher will resume duties should be stated.
In most cases, the letter will need to be submitted to the principal a specified amount of time in advance of the teacher’s last working day, so the principal can arrange for a substitute or replacement. The letter should be sent to the superintendent as well as the principal.
Length of Time
The letter should state the length of time the teacher is asking for leave in the first sentence. The starting and ending dates should be given, and the date the teacher will resume duties should be stated.
The reason for the leave should then be stated. Some detail can be given to show that the situation is complex and requires a longer length of time off for the teacher. For example, the teacher needs to care for someone undergoing cancer treatment for six weeks, or the teacher plans to attend an eight-week course that will benefit their teaching job.
Lesson Plans
Any work that the teacher can prepare in advance should be mentioned. For example, he or she may be able to give six to eight weeks lesson plans in advance to help the replacement teacher. Another possibility is that the teacher can continue to provide weekly lesson plans while they are on leave.
If, according to the teacher’s contract, any sick leave is included in the leave, it should be mentioned. The teacher can give his or her contact information and offer to help the replacement teacher if necessary. In some cases, the teacher may be unable to attend to any duties during the leave, and, if this is the case, it should also be mentioned.
Here is a sample leave of absence letter. The teacher should make three copies and send one to the principal, one to the superintendent and keep a copy.
It should be sent by certified mail, so the teacher is sure it was received. If the leave is for medical reasons, any supporting medical documents or letters from doctors should be included.
Lesson Plans
Any work that the teacher can prepare in advance should be mentioned. For example, he or she may be able to give six to eight weeks lesson plans in advance to help the replacement teacher. Another possibility is that the teacher can continue to provide weekly lesson plans while they are on leave.
If, according to the teacher’s contract, any sick leave is included in the leave, it should be mentioned. The teacher can give his or her contact information and offer to help the replacement teacher if necessary. In some cases, the teacher may be unable to attend to any duties during the leave, and, if this is the case, it should also be mentioned.
Here is a sample leave of absence letter. The teacher should make three copies and send one to the principal, one to the superintendent and keep a copy.
It should be sent by certified mail, so the teacher is sure it was received. If the leave is for medical reasons, any supporting medical documents or letters from doctors should be included.
Teacher Leave of Absence Letter
Teacher’s Name
Teacher’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Principal’s Name
School’s Name
School’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Requesting Leave of Absence
Dear Principal’s Name,
This letter is a formal request for an eight-week leave of absence without pay, so that I may attend a course at Name of University on Name of Course. My last day of work would be Friday, January 30th and I would return to my classroom on Wednesday, April 2nd.
This course is a special arrangement made by the University and is being taught by Name of Professor who is a Nobel Prize winner in the field. It will not be offered again in the near future, which is why I need to take advantage of it at this time.
I have enclosed a brochure about the course. It is my belief that by attending this course, I will improve my knowledge and understanding in my field, which will make me a better teacher in our esteemed school.
I will be living at home while attending the course and would be happy to help the replacement teacher. I will leave full lesson plans for each of my four, ninth-grade math classes. I can be reached at Phone Number or by email at Email Address at any time except between 9am and 12pm on week days.
Thank you for your kind consideration.
Sincerely,
Signature of Teacher
Printed Name of Teacher
List of Enclosures: Brochure of Course
Cc: Name of Superintendent of School District
By Andre Bradley
Related Articles