speech for a retiree teacher

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Retirement speech sample

By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 04-18-2021

Refusing to rest honorably - a teacher's farewell address

The retirement speech sample below was written to show you the end result of using the step by step guidelines I put together on 'how to write a retirement speech' and, to find out just how long it took to follow my own advice!

* You can find the answer to that $64 thousand dollar question at the foot of the page.

Although my farewell address is fictional it is based on experience. In a former life, before write-out-loud.com, I was a high school teacher for many years.

The background and setting for this speech

To give you a deeper understanding, here's the context and a little about a speaker.

The setting is a school assembly hall. It is the end of term. The staff and students are looking forward to the holidays and a rest.

The speaker is Jane Smith. She has taught in this challenging low socio-economic school for the last 25 years.

Mr Harris, the school principal, has given her a warm introduction and returned to his seat. The focus and the stage is now hers alone.

Retirement speech sample - the full text

Thank-you Mr Harris {The Principal} for your wonderful introduction.

Have I really been here 25 years? That sounds like a long time ... about the same length as a double spell of English grammar on a Friday afternoon when the sun is shining. On and on, and on.

Fortunately for you I don't plan to.

I remember coming here with my brand new teacher kit. I was full of ideas, things to do to make a difference. I thought I was the teacher and you, the students were my pupils. How wrong I was.

It took a while to understand. I was a reluctant learner. My head was so full of how things 'should be', there was very little room for how things 'were'. The gap in those early days between what I thought I needed to teach and what the students actually needed to learn was wide. There were times when bridging it was difficult: even times when it seemed impossible and I wanted to give up.

Mr Harris has been kind in saying I gave a gift of myself; my energy, enthusiasm, honesty, respect and love, to you. But I want to turn that around and give it back, for this is precisely what I feel you have given me.

I have been privileged to have had in my classroom many, many fine young people. 25 years ago some of them began to teach me how to teach.

They helped me build the first bridges. From them I learned true teaching is a special partnership. It only works when the teacher can see through the outer image, into the heart, and can understand and respect what they see. The student's role is to allow themselves to be seen, not just for who they are, or have been, but also for who they could be.

Over the years fashion has had skirts short, long, and short again. Underwear boldly became over wear for a time. Hair has come, gone, been big, cropped, technicolored, bleached, curled, straightened, extended and dreadlocked.

Despite the altering of outward appearance there has always been and always will be a constant. That is the inner need to strive for what is true and right.

I look back with gratitude. I entered a profession dedicated to assisting young people achieve their potential, to revealing or finding their best selves. As I leave it, I am taking many of you with me. You will live on in my memories. I'll always remember the things we achieved together: the many successful plays we put on, the speeches you gave, the debates and end of year concerts.

I've been asked what I'm going to do now. I'm going to do a lot of things and very few of them conform to the notion of retirement as a time of waiting for the inevitable end. Helen Hayes, put it this way: 'People who refuse to rest honorably on their laurels when they reach “retirement” age seem very admirable to me.'

Quote: People who refuse to rest honorably on their laurels when they reach “retirement” age seem very admirable to me. Helen Hayes

I am going to travel to places I've always wanted to go to and haven't been. I am going to read books that have been waiting on my 'must read' list for years. I will garden, learn new skills, play with my grandchildren, visit art galleries, enjoy being around friends... In short, I plan to LIVE.

Thank you to my colleagues for their support, friendship and for being exemplars of what it is to serve faithfully with humility. I will always remember our shared laughter, our joys, as well as our struggles. Thank-you for the never-ending supply of black coffee in the staff-room to keep me awake and alert. Thank-you too, for the notes of appreciation, words of encouragement, sharing of resources, and time but mostly for your sincerity and trust.

And lastly, I leave you with this thought. There is only ever one of each us: one Jane Smith or one Mr Harris. We are unique. We are neither better nor less than anybody else but rather the best or least of ourselves.

I am still working on finding the best of me. It is an exciting on-going journey. Thank-you for being my traveling companions along a large and important part of my way. I am forever grateful for your stimulating company and the enormous collection of shared experiences indelibly printed on my mind.

Thank-you. Happy holidays!

I hope my example retirement speech was useful to you and you're feeling more confident now about writing your own speech.

Remember there are no set rules - just guidelines which you can accept, alter or reject as you see fit.

Resources for writing your own speech

If you're feeling apprehensive, take heart. You can do this.

Go to 'how to write a retirement speech' . These are the guidelines I used for this speech sample, and start putting together what you want to say. If you need additional help there are full notes here on 'how to write a speech'

Do go through my collection of retirement quotations too. You'll find a broad and varied selection of one-liners plus verse. Some are warmly funny while others are sharp. There's sure to be something here for you.

*How long did this speech take to write?

Image: water color painting of an alarm clock. Text: The bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you're the pilot. Michael Altshuler

* For the time-conscious, my retirement speech sample took approximately 5 hours from planning to the form you see now.

Put in perspective against many years of work, that represents a very brief token of respect for your colleagues and yourself.

Is your speech writing 'bla, bla, bland'?

Discover how action verbs make your writing vocally vibrant, succinct and precise.

And lastly, some of you may appreciate this offer...

Speech writer graphic with text: Are you finding writing your speech hard? I could do it for you. Click and find out more.

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Retirement Speech For Teacher - 10 Lines, Short and Long Speech

We used to celebrate people's departure almost always rather than their arrival. Apart from gifts, farewell speeches for teachers by students can reflect their values and ethics. Likewise, it would live on in the hearts of the students and the institution. Therefore, their students should write them a farewell speech before they leave the classroom.

10 Lines On Retirement Speech For Teacher

Teachers are the second-largest source of inspiration after our parents.

We appreciate having a teacher like you who makes learning enjoyable while also assisting us in learning.

He constantly encourages us to attempt new things and novel approaches to challenges.

No matter how challenging the circumstance becomes, he has consistently demonstrated the proper way to behave without becoming sidetracked.

He has imparted to us moral principles and ideals that we will carry with us once we graduate from this institution.

He has taught us to be accountable for our acts and to take responsibility for them.

He has also taught us to treat everyone with respect in all aspects of life.

I appreciate how you illustrate your points with instances from real life.

Even when you leave, we shall never forget you.

I appreciate you helping me in all my endeavours and for also being a great mentor.

Short Speech On Retirement Speech For Teacher

Greetings and a sincere welcome to everyone in the audience, including the principal, teachers, and fellow students. I appreciate being given the chance to begin this event. I feel privileged to be here.

The guest of honour today is also the best teacher in our school, we will all miss him and I feel blessed to be here sharing what we have learnt and what we feel on behalf of all of us. Thank you, sir, for dedicating several years of your life to our school and for the benefit of kids like us and countless others. We have learned how to manage our schoolwork and extracurricular interests from the most inspirational teacher ever.

You have always pushed us to experiment and ask questions because you think that learning should be put into practice. You also diligently worked with us during our tests to ensure that we fully grasped the fundamental ideas and had an understanding of the subjects. You taught us with greater care and patience whenever we performed poorly on an exam, which is very astonishing. You have also inspired us to participate in extracurricular activities and encouraged us to pursue our extracurricular hobbies, such as poetry, singing, and sports.

You've shown us the fun of being curious about everything and how to never stop learning. Because of your efforts, we are knowledgeable now and willing to study because we enjoy it. I appreciate you teaching us such priceless lessons and practices. We will never forget you. We thank you for being the best teacher.

Long Speech On Retirement Speech For Teacher

Greetings to the principal, teachers, and my fellow mates. To honour Mr. Singh's farewell, we have convened here today. We've gathered at this location to say goodbye to our beloved teacher. This is a great chance to express gratitude for our teacher. He has a wealth of knowledge and taught the students some special skills. Although it is really difficult to say goodbye to someone who has grown closer to being a family. But we still need to take this moment to convey our gratitude to him.

Time flies when you're having fun, and under your leadership, sir, we had the best time. For time well spent, departures can even be more joyful than arrivals. The opportunity to express how valuable a person is to you makes goodbyes sweet despite how difficult they can be. In light of this, I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our teacher for teaching us to learn even outside of the classroom and for inspiring us to think creatively. After parents, the teacher has the second-highest level of influence over students, and what an example he sets for us to follow.

He has spent the previous years teaching students the best and most appropriate skills. In the teaching field, he makes an excellent mentor. He also challenges the kids to work outside their comfort zones to solve problems. We appreciate how he supported us when the students faced difficulties. He has raised a powerful generation of scholars. It appears that the school is more than just physical building construction, balancing all the abilities and skills of life with instruction. In fact, for the students, the school edifice evolved into a temple of knowledge and wisdom.

Being a recipient of honours is not a simple thing to do in light of your knowledge, contributions, and abilities. In actuality, you merited more credit for your efforts while working as a teacher. We are incredibly appreciative of your sincere, passionate, and zealous teaching. I appreciate how you kept the class interesting and made it clear how important learning is to succeed in life. You were always able to keep the student's interest in any subject you taught.

You undoubtedly inspire a lot of the teachers here, and they all benefit from your depth of knowledge. No one will ever be able to take your position as a beloved and highly regarded teacher in our lives, and it will take a lot of time to find someone deserving of stepping into your shoes. We are delighted that you can now spend your time pursuing your interests in life and spending time with your family and friends as we part ways with you with good wishes and heartfelt regards.

Your expertise, kind deeds, and tenderness to us have left an indelible mark on our hearts that no one can ever remove. We wish you the very best in life on behalf of the entire school that is present at this time. I appreciate you taking on so many different jobs at once and being the best mentor, friend, and teacher.

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Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs.

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story.

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook.

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion.

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article.

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications.

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product.

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans.

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party.

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems.

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process.

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Retirement Speech by a Teacher

Updated on September 14, 2023

“Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions. As I stand here today, I’m overwhelmed with memories of faces that have passed through my classroom…”

“When I first stepped into this school [X years] ago, I was a young educator, eager to make a difference. The chalk was whiter, the blackboards darker, and the school bell rang a tad louder.”

“Over the years, chalk turned to markers, blackboards to smart screens, and traditional classrooms transformed into hubs of digital learning. But one thing remained constant – the zeal to learn and the joy of witnessing an ‘aha’ moment.”

“There were days of pure joy, like when our team won the national science fair, and days of challenges, like preparing lessons during snowstorms. But every day was a testament to the spirit of learning.”

“As I bid adieu, I pass the baton to the next generation of educators. May you keep the flame of knowledge burning bright and continue to inspire, educate, and shape the leaders of tomorrow.”

Relate personal anecdotes to universal teaching experiences.
Incorporate school-specific memories or traditions.
Highlight significant milestones in your teaching career.
Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom. – Oprah Winfrey
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. – Mark Van Doren
Teaching is not a lost art, but the regard for it is a lost tradition. – Jacques Barzun
Remember the time a challenging student had a breakthrough moment, surprising not just you but the entire class?
Recount a humorous classroom incident that still brings a smile to your face.
Think back to an unexpected teaching moment that became a valuable life lesson for your students.

Template A Tribute to a Mentor

Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we are here to celebrate the retirement of Mr. Smith, who has been a teacher and a mentor to many of us for over 30 years. Mr. Smith, you have touched the lives of countless students with your passion, wisdom and humor. You have inspired us to pursue our dreams, to challenge ourselves and to never stop learning. You have shown us what it means to be a true educator and a leader.

I still remember the first day I met you in your biology class. You greeted me with a warm smile and a friendly handshake. You made me feel welcome and curious about the subject. You taught me not only the facts and concepts of biology, but also the skills and values of scientific inquiry. You encouraged me to ask questions, to experiment and to discover. You also taught me how to work with others, how to communicate effectively and how to respect different opinions. You were always patient, supportive and respectful.

You were not only my teacher, but also my mentor. You helped me with my academic and personal problems. You gave me advice, guidance and feedback. You motivated me to pursue my interest in medicine and to apply for medical school. You were always there for me when I needed you. You were like a second father to me.

Mr. Smith, you have made a lasting impact on my life and on the lives of many others. You have left a legacy of excellence and integrity in this school and in this community. You have earned our respect, admiration and gratitude. We will miss you dearly, but we will never forget you. We wish you all the best in your retirement. Thank you for everything you have done for us.

Template A Toast to a Friend

Hello, everyone. I am honored to be here today to say a few words about Mrs. Jones, who is retiring after 25 years of teaching English at this school. Mrs. Jones, you are not only a colleague, but also a friend to me and to many others here. You are one of the kindest, most generous and most fun-loving people I know.

You have been a wonderful teacher and a role model for your students. You have taught them how to read, write and speak English with confidence and creativity. You have introduced them to the beauty and diversity of literature from different cultures and eras. You have fostered their critical thinking, analytical skills and appreciation for language arts. You have also nurtured their personal growth, their social skills and their moral values.

You have been a great colleague and a team player for your fellow teachers. You have shared your expertise, your resources and your insights with us. You have collaborated with us on various projects, activities and events. You have supported us in our professional development and in our personal endeavors. You have always been helpful, cooperative and cheerful.

You have been a loyal friend and a confidant for me and for many others here. You have listened to our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears, our successes and failures. You have offered us your comfort, your encouragement and your wisdom. You have celebrated with us our milestones and achievements, our birthdays and anniversaries, our holidays and vacations. You have always been there for us when we needed you.

Mrs. Jones, you have been a blessing to this school and to this community. You have enriched our lives with your friendship, your humor and your grace. We will miss you terribly, but we will always remember you fondly. We wish you happiness, health and peace in your retirement. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher, colleague and friend.

Template A Farewell from a Student

Good morning, everyone. I am here today to say goodbye to Mr. Lee, who is retiring after 20 years of teaching math at this school. Mr. Lee, you are one of the best teachers I have ever had. You have made math fun, easy and interesting for me and for many other students.

You have taught me how to solve math problems with logic, creativity and confidence. You have explained math concepts with clarity, simplicity and enthusiasm. You have demonstrated math applications with relevance, practicality and innovation. You have challenged me to think critically, to work hard and to excel in math.

You have also taught me how to be a better person with character, integrity and compassion. You have shown me how to respect myself and others, how to cooperate with my classmates and teachers, how to overcome difficulties and failures, how to appreciate diversity and differences, how to contribute to society and the world.

Mr. Lee, you have made a difference in my life and in the lives of many others. You have given us knowledge, skills and values that will help us in our future endeavors. You have earned our trust, admiration and gratitude. We will miss you a lot, but we will always keep you in our hearts. We wish you joy, fulfillment and adventure in your retirement. Thank you for being such an amazing teacher.

Template A Goodbye from a Principal

Good evening, everyone. I am here today to bid farewell to Ms. Green, who is retiring after 15 years of teaching music at this school. Ms. Green, you are one of the most talented, dedicated and passionate teachers I have ever worked with. You have brought music to life for me and for many others here.

You have taught us how to play music with skill, expression and emotion. You have exposed us to the richness and diversity of music from different genres and periods. You have inspired us to appreciate music as an art form, a cultural heritage and a universal language. You have encouraged us to explore our musical talents, interests and potentials.

You have also taught us how to live music with joy, harmony and spirit. You have shown us how to enjoy music as a source of pleasure, relaxation and inspiration. You have demonstrated how to use music as a tool for communication, collaboration and connection. You have instilled in us a love for music that will last a lifetime.

Ms. Green, you have been a gift to this school and to this community. You have enriched our lives with your music, your energy and your charisma. We will miss you immensely, but we will always cherish you dearly. We wish you all the best in your retirement. Thank you for being such a wonderful teacher.

We are delighted to extend our professional proofreading and writing services to cater to all your business and professional requirements, absolutely free of charge at Englishtemplates.com . Should you need any email, letter, or application templates, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at englishtemplates.com. Kindly leave a comment stating your request, and we will ensure to provide the necessary template at the earliest.

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Financial Independence For Educators

Tips for Giving a Great Farewell / Retirement Speech for a Teacher

posted on March 1, 2021

So, you’ve been asked to give a farewell or retirement speech for a teacher leaving your school? Perhaps it’s a beloved colleague and you want to make sure you send them off with exactly the right memory and ending to an amazing career. Or, maybe you’re a new principal nervous about getting this right in front of your staff. Either way, these tips will help you give a great farewell to a deserving educator.

We are entering the time of year where educators announce their retirement or accept a new gig for the coming year. I too, am making a change and stepping into optional retirement for now. This has me thinking about the end-of-year ritual of farewell speeches.

As a school principal, I’ve given dozens of these farewells. I’ve heard many more. While I’m no expert, I think I’ve got a good handle on what does, and doesn’t work. Keep these things in mind and you’ll create a moment to remember.

1. take it seriously, 2. it’s not about you, consider the honoree, ask kids / former students, comments from colleagues, work history, 4. emphasize contribution, 5. use quotes and poems sparingly, 6. close with thanks and retirement wishes.

Note – I did not say make it serious. It’s okay to use humor if appropriate! What isn’t okay is taking a final moment of someone’s time at a school lightly and winging it with a sloppy send-off.

You don’t need to stress (relaxed is good!) but this is worth spending a bit of time on in advance. If you’d dedicated years (and sometimes decades!) to a career or school, how would you want the person giving your farewell to treat it?

Oh, and while I mentioned a teacher in the open – don’t forget that every educator deserves the same respect and treatment. Don’t be the principal who goes on and on about a teacher, but virtually ignores the paraeducator who has given their career to supporting the school. Each one matters.

If you’re an administrator, public speaking is an important part of your role. You know I believe that takes effective preparation (if not, just check out how I prepared with over 200 principal interview questions ). Take the time to do this well and it will pay off in credibility and connection with your staff.

Treat this opportunity as an honor, not a burden.

Remember, the point here isn’t for you to be the star. Don’t spend time talking about yourself. Don’t center yourself in any remarks or stories you may share. I’ve seen too many of these where the audience is treated to a long story about the speaker that ties in loosely at the end with the honoree.

Remember, it’s their moment. Make sure your farewell remarks reflect that.

3. Personalize It

You’ll probably find a number of pre-written teacher retirement speeches online. I’m intentionally not doing that here. Canned speeches are obvious and usually awkward. I even attended a retirement event once where the same basic speech, with the same quotes, was used more than once! Don’t do that.

Since this tip is so important, and personalization makes the speech, I’m going to offer specific tips for how to create a simple, but personal, speech:

This one links to the “it’s not about you” above. You, as a speaker, may have certain strengths. You may use humor brilliantly, tell stories that make people cry, or love performing.

Those are all great and may be ideal in some cases. But make sure you are considering the personality of the educator who is leaving. This is their moment, not yours.

Introverts may not want to be the center of attention and having them get up in a performance may create a horrible memory. A serious teacher may not appreciate being the object of jokes or parody. Some may feel that cheesy kid story demeans their professional contribution.

Or…all of those things might be exactly what they want! The point here is that you consider their personality in how you approach the farewell speech.

Do Some Research

The best, and most well-received, speeches I’ve seen include a little research woven into the speech. Even better, this takes most of the work off your plate. In fact, if you’re an introvert nervous about public speaking this is my #1 tip because it lets you use the words of others.

It doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Usually it can be done with a short email or conversation and a simple question.

Here are three types of “research” in their order of effectiveness:

If you have access to any students the educator worked with, their comments are always crowd pleasers. You’ll get touching stories, humorous comments, and memorable pictures.

A simple question like, “What do you remember most about Mr./Ms. XYZ?” will get you amazing results.

If former students aren’t accessible, colleagues make a great source of materials too. Ask them for their most memorable moment, or what they think their colleagues biggest contribution to the school was.

Speech written!

Finally, if you don’t have time (or the ability) to talk to colleagues or former students, you can often find some great speech material by looking back on the educators career.

I’ve seen some administrators look in personnel files or old hiring documents to dig out timelines and previous positions. I don’t advise this.

Instead, I like to sit down with the educator who is leaving and have a conversation about their career path. Giving them this time is another form of respect and what you learn will often be surprising.

For this, I just open with something like, “I can’t believe you’re moving on and I wanted to learn a little more about the path that led you here.”

Stories, jokes, and appreciation is great – but people want to feel like they’ve had an impact. Make sure your remarks include a healthy dose of how they impacted the school they’re leaving.

Trust me – they’ll feel that and remember it down the road more than anything else you say.

Generic quotes/poems pulled from google are overdone.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using a favorite poem or meaningful quote in your farewell remarks. Just make sure it’s actually personal to the honoree. Talk about how it fits them perfectly, exemplifies something they’ve done, or why it made you think of them.

You’d be surprised how many times I’ve seen a solid speech sputter out at the end, or close in an awkward way that lessens the impact. Be prepared and keep it simple by doing two things:

Thank them for their contribution to the school. (again – emphasize contribution!)

Wish them the best on their future steps. Even if you desperately wish they were staying or think they are making a mistake by leaving, it is important that they know you support them in the future.

A simple example:

“In closing, it’s been an amazing 15 years working with Educator XYZ. They have dramatically changed the way our team impacts student learning. You have made a positive difference in an entire generation of kids. I will miss working with you every day, but know you’ll do great things in your next job. Cheers!”

Tips for giving a great retirement speech for a teacher!

Being asked to give a farewell speech can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be! It’s a great honor and you will help create a meaningful moment in an educator’s life by keeping the following in mind:

Take it seriously
Remember – it’s not about you
Consider the honoree’s needs
Do some research
Emphasize contribution
Use quotes / poems sparingly and meaningfully
Close with thanks and best wishes

Now, go give a great teachers retirement speech!

How to Write a Retirement Speech for a Teacher

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Retirement speeches are a beautiful way to honor and celebrate the career of a beloved teacher. However, crafting a memorable and meaningful speech can be a daunting task, especially when you consider the scope of a teacher's achievements and the impact they have had on the lives of countless students. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to write a retirement speech for a teacher that is both heartfelt and inspiring.

Understanding the Purpose of a Retirement Speech

The first step in writing a successful retirement speech is to understand its purpose. A retirement speech is more than just a farewell address. It is an opportunity to celebrate the teacher's achievements, express gratitude and appreciation for their service, and inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps.

Celebrating the Teacher's Career

Begin by reflecting on the teacher's career and the impact they have had on the community. Think about their accomplishments, awards, and milestones. Consider the qualities that set them apart as a leader and educator. Take note of the areas in which they excelled and made a positive difference in the lives of students.

For example, during their tenure, the teacher may have led numerous successful initiatives such as implementing new teaching methods, introducing extracurricular activities, or spearheading community outreach programs. These efforts may have resulted in improved academic performance, higher student engagement, and a stronger sense of community among students, staff, and parents.

Furthermore, the teacher may have received recognition for their contributions to the field of education. Perhaps they were awarded Teacher of the Year, or their work was published in a respected academic journal. These accomplishments not only reflect the teacher's dedication and hard work but also serve as an inspiration to others in the field.

Expressing Gratitude and Appreciation

Expressing gratitude and appreciation is a crucial element of any retirement speech. Take some time to reflect on the ways in which the teacher has made a difference in your life or the lives of others. Consider the ways in which they have brought joy and inspiration to their students, colleagues, and the wider community.

For instance, the teacher may have gone above and beyond their duties to support students who were struggling academically or emotionally. They may have provided a listening ear, offered words of encouragement, or even helped to connect students with resources outside of school. These acts of kindness and compassion can have a profound impact on students, and it is important to acknowledge and thank the teacher for their selflessness.

Additionally, the teacher may have served as a mentor or role model to other educators. They may have shared their expertise, offered guidance, or simply been a source of inspiration. These contributions to the profession of teaching should be recognized and celebrated.

Inspiring Future Generations

A great retirement speech should also inspire future generations to follow in the teacher's footsteps. Highlight the importance of education and the role that teachers play in shaping the lives of young people. Encourage the next generation of educators to be passionate, dedicated, and committed to making a difference in the world.

One way to inspire future generations is to share stories of the teacher's impact on students. For example, you may recount a time when a student who was struggling in school was able to turn their academic performance around with the help of the teacher's guidance and support. Or you may share a story of a student who was inspired by the teacher's passion for a particular subject and went on to pursue a career in that field.

Furthermore, you may emphasize the importance of lifelong learning and professional development. Encourage educators to continue to seek out new knowledge and skills, and to remain committed to their own growth and development as teachers.

In conclusion, a retirement speech is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of a dedicated educator, express gratitude and appreciation for their service, and inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps. By reflecting on the impact that the teacher has had on the community, expressing gratitude for their contributions, and inspiring others to continue their legacy, you can create a retirement speech that will be remembered for years to come.

Gathering Information and Memories

Once you have a clear understanding of the purpose of your speech, it's time to start gathering information and memories. This will help you to create a speech that is both personal and meaningful. Here are a few ways to gather information and memories:

Conducting Interviews with Colleagues and Students

Interviewing colleagues and students is a great way to gather information and stories about the teacher. Ask them to share their favorite memories, anecdotes, and insights about the teacher's career. Take notes and use these stories to add color and depth to your speech.

Reviewing the Teacher's Accomplishments

Familiarize yourself with the teacher's career by reviewing their accomplishments and awards. This will give you a deeper understanding of their contributions and achievements. Use this information to highlight the key themes and ideas in your speech.

Incorporating Personal Anecdotes and Stories

Personal anecdotes and stories are an excellent way to connect with your audience and add a touch of humor and warmth to your speech. Choose stories that illustrate the teacher's character, personality, and quirks. Whimsical stories that highlight their humanity can make the speech truly memorable.

Organizing Your Speech

With all the information and memories at your disposal, it's time to organize your speech. Here are a few tips to help you create a clear and cohesive structure:

Creating an Outline

An outline is an essential tool for organizing your speech. Start by creating a broad outline that includes your key ideas and themes. Then, fill in the details by adding anecdotes, stories, and other supporting material.

Balancing Humor and Sentiment

A great retirement speech strikes the right balance between humor and sentiment. Use humor to lighten the mood and create a sense of warmth and connection. Use sentimentality to convey the depth of your feelings and create a sense of nostalgia.

Ensuring a Clear and Cohesive Structure

Your speech should have a clear and cohesive structure. Use transitions to move smoothly from one idea to the next. Use repetition to reinforce key themes and ideas. And be sure to end your speech with a strong and memorable conclusion.

Writing the Introduction

The introduction is the most critical part of your speech. It's your chance to capture the audience's attention, establish a personal connection, and set the tone for the rest of the presentation.

Capturing the Audience's Attention

The best way to capture the audience's attention is to start with a compelling quote or anecdote. You could also begin by sharing a personal story that illustrates the teacher's influence on your life. Use vivid language and sensory details to create a vivid image in the minds of your listeners.

Establishing a Personal Connection

Establishing a personal connection is essential for building rapport with your audience. Share your own experiences and emotions about the teacher's retirement. This will help your listeners to connect with you emotionally and invest in your message.

Setting the Tone for the Speech

The introduction should also set the tone for the rest of the speech. Determine whether you want to be lighthearted and humorous or more sentimental and serious. Your tone should reflect the overall mood of the event and the personality of the teacher.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Retirement Speech for a Teacher

Use the following prompt in an AI chatbot . Below each prompt, be sure to provide additional details about your situation. These could be scratch notes, what you'd like to say or anything else that guides the AI model to write a certain way.

Compose a retirement address for a teacher that is both eloquent and heartfelt, expressing gratitude for their years of service and highlighting their impact on students' lives. Your speech should be personal and specific, emphasizing the teacher's unique contributions to the school community and the wider educational field. Additionally, it should recognize the teacher's achievements and accomplishments while also acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices they have made throughout their career. Overall, your speech should celebrate the teacher's legacy and inspire others to continue their commitment to education.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

Writing a retirement speech for a teacher requires time, effort, and thought. But with the right approach, you can create a speech that honors the teacher's achievements, inspires future generations, and expresses gratitude and appreciation for their service. Remember to gather information and memories, organize your speech effectively, and capture the audience's attention from the very beginning. With these tips and a little bit of creativity, you can create a memorable and meaningful speech that pays tribute to a beloved teacher's career.

Retirement Speech For A Teacher | Guide + Examples & Tips

Do you want to say goodbye to your teacher? You've come to the right place because in this guide you will find all the information you need about retired teachers speaking. Whether you are a colleague, friend, manager, student, or family member, this guide will help you have a fun, meaningful or kind conversation that recognizes and celebrates the incredible contributions of retired teachers. Ready? Let's go!

Retirement Tips for Teachers

Here are 11 great ideas to help you give your teacher a good retirement talk. By following these tips you can have a memorable, meaningful, and fun teacher retirement talk for everyone.

1) Start with a Strong

Begin your message with a catchy and clear opening that sets the tone for your message. This could be a joke, a personal anecdote, or a statement that describes the teacher's personality or teaching.

2) Thank You

Thanking a retired teacher is a good way to start your message.

You can talk about how they affect your life or the lives of others. For example, "We're here today to celebrate Ms. Johnson, who has been an outstanding teacher for over 30 years. Her dedication to students and the community at home, homeschooling has a lasting impact, and we're all better off. Well done. Like the gifts they receive or the work they do.".

For example, "Mrs. Johnson is a two-time Teacher of the Year award winner and runs the school's Environmental Club, which has won multiple state awards."

4) Share Memorable Moments

Share Memorable Moments with Teachers It can make communication more effective and interactive. For example, "Ma'am. Johnson took our class on a field trip to a state park.

Even though it was raining, it never lost its interest and even though we got wet, it made sure we had a good time.

5) Discussing a teacher's background

Discussing a teacher's impact on the school and society can have a lasting impact. For example, "Ms. Johnson's dedication to her students and passion for teaching has inspired others, and her legacy will impact generations to come.

6) Share About Happiness

It's a good idea to express happiness to a teacher for her future work.

For example, "On behalf of the entire school community, I wish Ms. Johnson the best in her future endeavors. I wish you the best of luck in life. In your retirement."

7) Add humor

Adding a little humor can make a conversation more interesting. For example, "Mrs.

Johnson always has a bad comeback or an interesting story to tell us. His sense of humor made our lessons fun and memorable. ' or make a funny joke about retirement.

8) Be Personal

Personalizing it according to the teacher's personality and interests can make it more effective. For example, "Miss.

Johnson's love of gardening inspired many of his students to take up the hobby. Thanks to him, we all have a talent for gardening.

9) Keep it short

Keeping your message short and concise is important as it will help you keep the audience engaged. For example, "Even if she's a lady. Johnson was perfect in her short and sweet.

Thank you for your service and dedication to our school.

10) Audience participation

Encourage the audience to make the presentation interactive and collaborative. For example, "I invite everyone affected by Ms. Johnson to stand up and share a memory or a few words about her."

11) Closing on a Good Note

Ending a speech on a good note can leave a lasting impression.

For example, "We are all grateful for Ms. Johnson's impact on our lives. We thank you for your service and wish you a happy and successful retirement."

How to Record a Retired Teacher's Speech

Maybe you should give a retired teacher's speech? In your head.

Here are some tips for writing a retirement speech for teachers:

1) Plan Ahead

Before you write, make sure you have enough time to plan and prepare your speech. Make a rough outline by writing down the main points you want to address.

Writing Notes: Use bullet points to organize your thoughts and link to your presentation.

Public Speaking Tips: Speak clearly at a reasonable pace and pause to emphasize points. Don't talk too fast or too loud.

2) Consider the target audience

Write a message with the target audience in mind. Consider their age, interests, and experience with retired teachers.

Writing Note: Consider your audience's level of knowledge and experience, and use language and style that suits them.

Public Speaking Tips: Make eye contact with your audience and try to get their attention with your words. Encourage their participation by asking questions or inviting them to share their experiences.

3) Teacher Survey

Research retired teachers, their achievements, and contributions to schools and communities.

Writing: Use specific examples and explanations to highlight the teacher's achievements and impact on the school community.

Public Speaking Tips: Use gestures and body language to convey content and engage your audience. Make sure your speech is well rehearsed so you can speak with confidence and personality.

Example: "Ma'am"

Johnson was instrumental in founding the school's environmental organization, which has won multiple state awards. Her dedication and commitment to the environment have inspired countless students to take action and contribute to their communities.

4) Use a speaking voice

Use a speaking voice that is easy to understand and engages your audience. Conversation Tips: Use Fun and Personal descriptions to make your message relevant and engaging.

For example: "Ms. Johnson always has a past or a funny story to tell us. Her sense of humor makes our conversations fun and memorable."

5) Provide anecdotes and personal stories

Share anecdotes and personal stories of retired teachers from your own experiences or others who have worked with them.

Writing: Use specific details and descriptions to create a positive image in the minds of your audience.

Public Speaking: Change your tone and pace to create enthusiasm and discontent. Use pauses and inflections to express thoughts.

Example: "Ms. Johnson took our class on a school field trip to the state park. Even if it rains, she never loses interest and makes sure we have a good time even when we get wet.

6) Hello

Focus on the positive aspects of the teacher's job and avoid the negative or problematic aspects. Use your own experiences and emotions to connect with your audience

Johnson's passion for his students and teaching has inspired others, and his legacy will affect generations to come.

7) Practice your words

Practice your words a few times before actually speaking, this will help you familiarize yourself with the content and avoid speaking

Writing: Read your speech aloud for clarity and clarity.

Public Speaking Tips: practice your voice, voice, and gestures.

Record your own recordings and watch playbacks to identify areas for improvement.

8) Take Time for Yourself

Take time for yourself during practice to make sure the speech is delivered at the right time. Generally speaking, it is recommended to keep the talk time between 3-5 minutes. This is a great opportunity to show your interest and highlight the teacher's achievements while keeping the conversation clear and engaging. Writing

Note: Edit and expand your message as needed to fit the time frame.

Public Speaking Tips: Use a stopwatch or timer to time your speech. Do not exceed the time limit as it would be disrespectful to the retired teacher and the audience.

9) Thank you to the retired teacher

At the end of your speech, we would like to thank our retired teacher for his help and contributions to the school and society.

Writing: Express your gratitude and appreciation for the facts.

Public Education: When thanking a retired teacher, use a tone of honor and praise.

Look into their eyes and use a warm, friendly tone of voice.

Example: "Mrs." Johnson, on behalf of all students and teachers, thank you for your commitment to education and your impact on our lives. we will miss you so much

10) End with a Reminder or Inspirational Word

End your message with a catchy or engaging closing message that highlights the main points of your message and keeps your listeners patient.

Write a Quote: Choose meaningful words about the teacher's retirement and achievements.

Public Speaking Tips: Use a strong, confident voice to convey your closing message. Make sure the audience knows your presentation is over.

Example: "I want to quote you this quote from Maya Angelou, 'I know people forget what you said, what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' Multiple Sclerosis.

Johnson, you inspired, encouraged, and supported us and we will never forget the impact you had on our lives.

Teacher Retirement Speech Example

Here is an example of a retirement speech honoring a retired teacher:

“Dear [Teacher’s Name], Today, we gather to honor and celebrate your incredible teaching career. For [number of] years, you have been an integral part of our school community, and your contributions have been immeasurable. As a teacher, you have touched the lives of countless students, inspiring them to learn, grow, and pursue their dreams. Your passion for teaching, dedication to your students, and commitment to excellence have been shining examples for us all to follow. You have been a mentor, a guide, and a friend to so many of us, always willing to lend a listening ear, share your expertise, and offer your support. Your positive impact on our school and our students will be felt for years to come. As you retire and move on to the next chapter of your life, we want you to know that you will be deeply missed. Your legacy as a teacher will live on, and your influence will continue to inspire us all. On behalf of [school or department name], I would like to thank you for your years of service, your unwavering dedication, and your many contributions to our community. We wish you all the best in your retirement, and we hope that you will continue to stay in touch and remain a part of our school family. Congratulations on your retirement, [Teacher’s Name]. You have truly made a difference in the lives of so many, and for that, we are eternally grateful.”

Retirement Speech For Teacher By Principal

Here’s an example of a retirement speech for a teacher given by a principal:

“Good morning, everyone, Today is a bittersweet day for our school community as we gather to honor and celebrate the retirement of [Teacher’s Name], who has been an integral part of our school for [number of] years. As a teacher, [Teacher’s Name] has profoundly impacted our students, inspiring them to learn, grow, and achieve their goals. She has been a mentor, a guide, and a friend to so many of our students, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their success. Beyond the classroom, [Teacher’s Name] has been an active member of our school community, serving on various committees and helping to organize school events. Her dedication and commitment to our school have been invaluable, and we are deeply grateful for all that she has done. As [Teacher’s Name] retires, we will miss her kind spirit, positive attitude, and unwavering commitment to our students. Her legacy as a teacher will live on, and her influence will continue to inspire us all. On behalf of our school community, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to [Teacher’s Name] for her years of service and her many contributions to our school. We wish her all the best in her retirement and hope she enjoys this new chapter. [Teacher’s Name], you will be deeply missed, but your impact on our school and our students will never be forgotten. Congratulations on a wonderful career as a teacher, and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.”

Retirement Speech For A Teacher | Guide + Examples & Tips

Do you want to give a retirement speech for a teacher? Well, you’ve come to the right place because, in this guide, you find everything you need to know regarding a teacher’s retirement speech. Whether you’re a colleague, friend, principal, student, or family member, this guide will help you deliver a funny, meaningful, or heartfelt speech that honors and celebrates the incredible contributions of a retiring teacher. Ready? Let’s go!

Retirement Speech For A Teacher Tips

Here are 11 amazing tips to give a great retirement speech to a teacher. By following these tips, you can give a retirement speech for a teacher that is memorable, meaningful, and appreciated by all.

1) Start With A Strong Opening

Begin your speech with a memorable and attention-grabbing opening that sets the tone for the rest of the speech. This could be a joke, a personal anecdote, or a quote that reflects the teacher’s personality or teaching style.

2) Show Gratitude

Expressing gratitude towards the retiring teacher is an excellent way to start the speech. You can talk about how they have impacted your life or the lives of others. For example, “We are here today to celebrate the remarkable career of Ms. Johnson, who has been an exceptional teacher for over 30 years. Her commitment to her students and the school community has left a lasting impact, and we are all the better for it.”

3) Highlight The Teacher’s Accomplishments

This is an opportunity to showcase the teacher’s notable achievements, such as awards they have received or projects they have completed. For instance, “Ms. Johnson has been the recipient of the Teacher of the Year award twice, and she spearheaded the school’s environmental club, which won numerous awards at the state level.”

4) Share Memorable Moments

Sharing memorable moments with the teacher can make the speech more engaging and relatable. For example, “I remember when Ms. Johnson took our class on a field trip to the state park. It was pouring rain, but she never lost her enthusiasm and made sure we had a great time, even though we were soaked.”

5) Talk About The Teacher’s Legacy

Discussing the teacher’s impact on the school and community can leave a lasting impression. For instance, “Ms. Johnson’s dedication to her students and passion for teaching has inspired countless individuals, and her legacy will continue to influence generations to come.”

6) Offer Well Wishes

Extending your good wishes to the teacher for their future endeavors is a thoughtful gesture. For example, “On behalf of the entire school community, I want to wish Ms. Johnson all the best in her future endeavors. May you continue to lead a fulfilling life after retirement.”

7) Include Humor

Adding some lighthearted humor can make the speech more enjoyable. For instance, “Ms. Johnson always had a witty comeback or a funny story to share with us. Her sense of humor has made our classes enjoyable and memorable.” Or make a funny joke about retirement.

8) Make It Personal

Personalizing the speech to the teacher’s personality and interests can make it more meaningful. For example, “Ms. Johnson’s love for gardening has inspired many of her students to take up the hobby. We all have a green thumb, thanks to her.”

9) Keep It Concise

Keeping the speech concise and to the point is crucial, as it helps to maintain the audience’s attention. For example, “Although Ms. Johnson has accomplished a great deal throughout her career, I’ll keep this short and sweet. Thank you for your service and dedication to our school.”

10) Involve The Audience

Encouraging the audience to participate can make the speech interactive and engaging. For example, “I invite anyone who has been influenced by Ms. Johnson to stand up and share a memory or a few words about her.”

11) End On A Positive Note

Ending the speech on a positive note can leave a lasting impression. For instance, “We are all grateful for the impact that Ms. Johnson has had on our lives. Thank you for your service, and we wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement.”

How To Write A Retirement Speech For A Teacher

Perhaps you have the question, how do you write a retirement speech for a teacher? On your mind. Well here is a guide on how to write a retirement speech for a teacher:

1) Plan ahead

Before writing, ensure you have enough time to plan and prepare for the speech. Create a rough speech outline, jotting down the key points you want to cover.

Writing Tip: Use bullet points to organize your thoughts and create a logical flow for your speech.

Public Speaking Tip: Speak clearly and at a moderate pace, pausing to emphasize important points. Avoid speaking too quickly or in a monotone voice.

2) Consider The Audience

Keep the audience in mind while writing your speech. Consider their age range, interests, and familiarity with the retiring teacher.

Writing Tip: Use language and examples that are appropriate for your audience, keeping their level of knowledge and experience in mind.

Public Speaking Tip: Make eye contact with your audience and try to engage them with your words. Encourage them to participate by asking questions or inviting them to share their own experiences.

3) Research The Teacher

Research the retiring teacher’s career, accomplishments, and contributions to the school and community.

Writing Tip: Use specific examples and anecdotes to highlight the teacher’s achievements and impact on the school community.

Public Speaking Tip: Use gestures and body language to emphasize key points and keep the audience engaged. Make sure your speech is well-rehearsed so you can speak confidently and naturally.

Example: “Ms. Johnson was instrumental in starting the school’s environmental club, which won numerous awards at the state level. Her dedication and passion for the environment inspired countless students to take action and make a difference in their communities.”

4) Use A Conversational Tone

Use a conversational tone that is easy to follow and engages the audience.

Writing Tip: Write in a way that feels natural to you, as if you were having a conversation with a friend.

Public Speaking Tip: Use humor and personal anecdotes to make your speech more relatable and engaging.

Example: “Ms. Johnson always had a witty comeback or a funny story to share with us. Her sense of humor made our classes enjoyable and memorable.”

5) Incorporate Anecdotes And Personal Stories

Share anecdotes and personal stories about the retiring teacher, either from your own experience or from others who have worked with them.

Writing Tip: Use specific details and descriptive language to create vivid images in the minds of your audience.

Public Speaking Tip: Vary your tone and pacing to create interest and build suspense. Use pauses and inflection to create emphasis and express emotion.

Example: “I remember when Ms. Johnson took our class on a field trip to the state park. It was pouring rain, but she never lost her enthusiasm and made sure we had a great time, even though we were soaked.”

6) Keep It Positive

Focus on the positive aspects of the teacher’s career and avoid any negative or controversial topics.

Writing Tip: Choose your words carefully to convey your admiration and respect for the retiring teacher.

Public Speaking Tip: Be sincere and genuine in your delivery. Use your own personal experiences and emotions to connect with the audience.

Example: “Ms. Johnson’s dedication to her students and passion for teaching has inspired countless individuals, and her legacy will continue to influence future generations.”

7) Practice Your Delivery

Practice your delivery several times before the actual speech. This will help you to become comfortable with the content and avoid stumbling over your words.

Writing Tip: Read your speech out loud to check for flow and clarity.

Public Speaking Tip: Practice your pacing, tone, and gestures. Record yourself and watch the playback to identify areas where you can improve.

8) Time Yourself

Time yourself during practice to ensure that the speech is within a reasonable timeframe. In general, it is recommended to keep a retirement speech between 3-5 minutes long. This is enough time to express your appreciation and highlight the teacher’s accomplishments while keeping the speech concise and engaging.

Writing Tip: Edit and condense your speech as needed to fit the allotted time.

Public Speaking Tip: Use a stopwatch or timer to keep track of your speaking time. Avoid exceeding the time limit, as this can disrespect the retiring teacher and the audience.

9) Thank The Retiring Teacher

Near the end of your speech, thank the retiring teacher for their service and contributions to the school and community.

Writing Tip: Use sincere and heartfelt language to express your gratitude and appreciation.

Public Speaking Tip: Use a tone of respect and admiration when thanking the retiring teacher. Look them in the eye and use a warm, friendly tone.

Example: “Ms. Johnson, on behalf of all the students and faculty, I want to thank you for your unwavering dedication to education and your impact on our lives. You will be greatly missed.”

10) Conclude With A Memorable Statement or Funny Quote

End your speech with a memorable statement or funny retirement quote that summarizes the key points of your speech and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Writing Tip: Choose a meaningful and relevant statement to the retiring teacher’s career and accomplishments.

Public Speaking Tip: Use a strong, confident voice to deliver your closing statement. Make sure the audience knows that your speech has come to an end.

Example: “I would like to leave you with this quote from Maya Angelou, ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ Ms. Johnson, you have made us feel inspired, motivated, and empowered, and we will never forget the impact you have made on our lives.”

Retirement Speech For A Teacher Examples

Here is an example of a retirement speech honoring a retiring teacher:

Retirement Speech For Teacher By Colleagues

Here’s an example of a retirement speech for a teacher given by colleagues:

“Dear [Teacher’s Name], We are gathered here today to celebrate your amazing teacher career and wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement. For [number of] years, you have been an inspiration to all of us, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to work alongside you. As your colleagues, we have been fortunate to see firsthand your impact on our students. Your love for teaching, tireless devotion to your students, unwavering passion, and your legacy as an educator will undoubtedly endure for generations to come. You are an inspiration to us all. Beyond the classroom, you have been an integral part of our team, always willing to lend a helping hand, offer a listening ear, and share your expertise. Your positive attitude, infectious enthusiasm, and kind spirit have made our work environment more fun and better. [Insert personal anecdote or memory here. Example: I’ll never forget the time when we were grading papers together, and you accidentally spilled coffee all over them. We had a good laugh about it, and you still managed to salvage the papers and get them graded on time. Your calm demeanor and ability to lighten the situation were a testament to your character as a teacher and colleague.] As you embark on this new journey of retirement, we want you to know that you will be deeply missed. Your legacy as a teacher will continue to inspire future generations of students, and your impact on our team will be felt for years to come. Now, before we let you go, we have a little retirement gift for you [present retirement gift]. It’s a small token of our appreciation for all that you have done for us. [Insert joke here. Example: We hope you enjoy your retirement, [Teacher’s Name]. Just remember, now you’ll have to set your own alarm clock!] Congratulations on a wonderful career as a teacher, [Teacher’s Name]. We will miss you dearly, but we know that your future is bright and filled with endless possibilities.”

Retirement Speech For Teacher By Students

Here’s an example of a formal retirement speech for a teacher given by students:

“Good morning, everyone. Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the retirement of an incredible teacher who has touched the lives of countless students over the years. [Teacher’s Name], we are sad to see you go, but we are excited for you to embark on this new chapter of your life. As your students, we have had the privilege of learning from you, laughing with you, and being inspired by you. Your passion for teaching, your dedication to your students, and your warm personality have left a lasting impact on all of us. [Insert funny anecdote here. Example: We will never forget the time when you walked into class with your shirt on backward, and we all had to stifle our laughter until class was over. Or the time when you accidentally called us by the wrong names during roll call, and we had to correct you. Your ability to laugh at yourself and make light of the situation was one of the many things that made you such a great teacher.] Beyond the classroom, you have been a mentor, a friend, and a confidant. Your door was always open, and your kind words and encouraging spirit helped us through the tough times. As you move on to this next chapter of your life, we want you to know that you have profoundly impacted all of us. Your wisdom, humor, and guidance have prepared us for the challenges ahead, and we will always be grateful for the lessons you have taught us. We wish you all the best in your retirement, [Teacher’s Name]. May you enjoy every moment of this next chapter as you have enriched our lives with your presence.”

Here’s a less formal version of a retirement speech for a teacher by students:

“Hey, everyone! Today, we’re here to say goodbye to an amazing teacher who’s retiring. [Teacher’s Name], we’re gonna miss you so much, but we’re also excited for you to start this new chapter of your life. We’ve been lucky enough to have you as our teacher, and we’ve learned so much from you. You always made us feel welcome in your class, and your love for teaching was contagious. [Insert funny anecdote here. Example: Remember that one time when you accidentally walked into the wrong classroom, and all the students looked at you like you were crazy? We couldn’t stop laughing! Or when you tried to do that math problem on the board and got it wrong. You laughed it off and showed us that making mistakes is okay.] But seriously, beyond the jokes, you were an amazing teacher. You made us feel like we could accomplish anything, and you pushed us to be our best selves. We’re gonna miss you so much, [Teacher’s Name], but we know you deserve to enjoy your retirement. You’ve earned it! We hope you have an awesome time doing everything you love, like reading, hiking, or spending time with your family. Thank you for being such an amazing teacher, [Teacher’s Name]. We’ll never forget you and the impact you’ve made on our lives. Congrats on your retirement!”

Retirement Speech For Teacher By Daugther

Here’s an example of a retirement speech for a teacher given by their daughter:

“Hello, everyone. As the daughter of a retired teacher, it’s an honor to stand before you all today and say a few words about my incredible mom, [Teacher’s Name]. Growing up, I always knew that my mom was special. She had an unmatched passion for teaching, and I could see the joy on her face every time she talked about her students. Even though she spent long hours at school, she always made time for me and my siblings. She helped us with our homework, read us bedtime stories, and always listened to us when we needed to talk. [Insert personal anecdote here. Example: I remember when I was in elementary school, and I was struggling with reading. My mom spent hours with me every day, patiently teaching me how to sound out words and encouraging me when I got frustrated. Because of her dedication, I eventually fell in love with reading and became an avid reader. I owe that all to my mom’s teaching and support.] My mom’s love for teaching didn’t stop at school, either. She was always looking for ways to help her students outside of the classroom. She would stay up late grading papers, writing lesson plans, and thinking of new ways to engage her students. Now that my mom is retiring, it’s bittersweet for me. I’m sad to see her leave the profession that she loved so much, but I’m also excited for her to enjoy this new chapter of her life. I know she will take the same passion and dedication she had for teaching and apply it to whatever she does next. So, Mom, on behalf of your family, your former students, and everyone whose life you’ve touched, thank you for being an amazing teacher. Your impact on this world is immeasurable, and we are all the better for being taught by you.”

Retirement Speech For Teacher By Son

Here’s an example of a retirement speech for a teacher given by their son:

“Hello, everyone. It’s an honor to be here today to celebrate my dad, [Teacher’s Name], on his retirement. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m [Son’s Name], and I’m proud to say that my dad is not only a great teacher but also a wonderful father. Growing up, I saw firsthand the dedication and passion my dad brought to his work as a teacher. He would come home every day with stories about his students and always think of new ways to help them learn and grow. But even though he put so much of himself into his work, he never forgot about his family. [Insert personal anecdote here. Example: I remember when I was in grade school, and I had a big science project due the next day. I was overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start, so my dad sat down with me and helped me plan my experiment step by step. We stayed up late working on it together, and in the end, I got an A on the project. I’ll never forget how much my dad helped me that night.] But my dad’s impact went beyond just me and my siblings. He touched the lives of countless students throughout his career, helping them to discover their passions and reach their goals. He was patient, kind, and always willing to go the extra mile for his students. Dad, I hope you know how much you mean to all of us. Your legacy as a teacher will live on for generations, and I know that you have inspired so many people to be their best selves. We’re excited to see what the future holds for you, and we know that you will continue to make a difference in the world.”

Short Farewell Speech For Teacher By Student

Here’s an example of a short farewell speech for a teacher given by a student:

“Good afternoon, everyone, I just wanted to take a moment to say farewell to a teacher who has significantly impacted my life. [Teacher’s Name], you have been an incredible mentor and role model to me and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from you. Your passion for teaching and your commitment to your students have been an inspiration to me, and I will always remember the lessons you taught me. Your encouragement to never give up, even when things get tough, has pushed me to be the best version of myself. As you move on to the next chapter of your life, know that you will always hold a special place in my heart and that I will never forget the impact you have had on me. Thank you for everything, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.”

Teacher Retirement Speeches Funny

Here are a couple of examples of teacher retirement speeches that are funny:

“Good evening, everyone, and thank you for coming to celebrate the retirement of [Teacher’s Name]. Now, I’ve been asked to say a few words about [Teacher’s Name], but honestly, I’m not sure where to start. Should I talk about the time [Teacher’s Name] accidentally set off the fire alarm during a science experiment? Or the time [Teacher’s Name] showed up to class with two different shoes on? Or maybe the time [Teacher’s Name] accidentally called a student by the wrong name for an entire semester? All jokes aside, [Teacher’s Name] has been a wonderful teacher and colleague; we will miss him greatly. Thank you for your years of service and dedication to our students, and we wish you all the best in your retirement.”

Example 2: Funny Retirement Speech For A Teacher

“Hello, everyone, I’m honored to be here to say a few words about my colleague and friend, [Teacher’s Name], on the occasion of their retirement. Now, [Teacher’s Name] and I go way back, and I have to say, I’ve seen some pretty strange things while working with him. Like the time [Teacher’s Name] accidentally spilled coffee all over his lesson plans and had to teach a class on the fly or the time [Teacher’s Name] tried to do a backflip in the teacher’s lounge and almost knocked over a potted plant. But in all kidding aside, [Teacher’s Name] has been an amazing teacher and a wonderful friend. We will miss him so much, but we know that retirement is well-deserved, and we wish him all the happiness in the world.”

Example 3: Funny Retirement Speech For A Teacher

“Good afternoon, and welcome to the retirement party for our favorite [subject] teacher, [Teacher’s Name]. Now, [Teacher’s Name] may have retired from teaching, but she will always hold a special place in our hearts, and not just because she always brought snacks to class. I mean, who doesn’t love a good snack break, right? Enough of the jokes, [Teacher’s Name] has been a fantastic teacher and an even better friend. We are going to miss her infectious energy and enthusiasm for [subject], but we know that she will go on to do great things in retirement. Thank you for everything, [Teacher’s Name], and enjoy your well-deserved retirement!”

Example 4: Funny Retirement Speech For A Teacher

“Hello, everyone, And welcome to the roast of our beloved [Teacher’s Name]. I mean, retirement party. I don’t want to say that [Teacher’s Name] is old, but he taught before smartphones existed. Back then, the only way to cheat on a test was by passing notes or writing answers on your hand. I think we can all agree that [Teacher’s Name] has done a great job keeping up with the times. Moving on to a more serious note, [Teacher’s Name] has been an amazing teacher and friend, and we will miss him dearly. But let’s face it, retirement is probably going to be the most exciting thing to happen to him since he got tenure. Congratulations, [Teacher’s Name], and may your retirement be filled with all the golfing, knitting, and daytime TV watching you can handle.”

Example 5: Funny Retirement Speech For A Teacher

“Good evening, and welcome to the retirement party for the one and only [Teacher’s Name]. I don’t want to say that [Teacher’s Name] is getting old, but I heard she has a prescription for bingo night. That being said, [Teacher’s Name] has been a wonderful teacher and mentor to all of us. But let’s be real; retirement is just a fancy word for ‘I’m done with you people.’ I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend their days sleeping in, watching reruns of Matlock, and yelling at the neighborhood kids to get off their lawn? [Teacher’s Name], we will miss you, but we know you will have a blast in retirement. Congratulations!”

Example 6: Funny Retirement Speech For A Teacher

“Hello, and thank you for coming to celebrate the retirement of our favorite [subject] teacher, [Teacher’s Name]. I don’t want to say that [Teacher’s Name] is ancient, but I heard they were teaching Pythagoras’ theorem when it was still called the Hypotenuse Shuffle. All jokes aside, [Teacher’s Name] has been an amazing teacher and friend to all of us. Did you know that retirement is just an excuse to finally catch up on all the sleep [Teacher’s Name] missed out on during his teaching career? I mean, have you ever seen him without a cup of coffee in their hand? We know you’re going to miss us, [Teacher’s Name], but trust us, retirement will be the best thing that’s ever happened to you. Congratulations!”

Retirement Wishes for Teachers

Here are 10 teacher retirement wishes that you can use in your message:

Let your retirement be pleasant and easy, and do whatever you want.

May your retirement be filled with new adventures, happy memories,s and rest.

Thank you for your commitment to education over the years. I wish you a happy retirement with everything you look forward to.

You have had a positive impact o students over the years.

I wish you to retire with love and joy like everyone else.

May your retirement be full of joy and good luck for the next chapter of your life.

Thank you for supporting us all. We wish you the best in your retirement and look forward to hearing about all your future adventures.

You have influenced the lives o many students and colleagues during your work.

May your retirement be filled with love, laughter,r and everything you love.

May your retirement be filled with peace, happiness, and everything you always do.

You are a great teacher, coach,,h and friend. I wish you happiness and rest.

Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and service to education over the years.

May your retirement be filled with love, laughter, and everything you look forward to.

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Example of a Farewell Speech for a Retiring Teacher Colleague

Are you looking for a farewell speech for a teacher colleague? Here is a sample farewell speech for a retiring teacher by the student, principal, teacher colleagues by students to teacher, colleague, a co-worker who is bidding farewell to their colleagues in a school, university, college, or office. We at semioffice.com giving you many sample speeches on this topic.

Don’t forget to give a nice gift to your teacher colleagues. You can buy gifts for teachers online and from local markets. A gift is a precious thing that reminds about you of many times in life.

Farewell Speech for Teacher Retiring in English

Good Morning, My Dear Colleagues,

Today, we have gathered here to bid farewell to our exceptional teacher and a mentor who retired from active service. Yet, today, I realized how time flies.

It gives me immense pleasure to say that (mention the name of the teacher) has taught us a lot about teachers and how to live our lives as responsible and kind individuals. Our dear teacher has imparted not only skills but also valuable ethics to us. There is no doubt in saying that she was our favorite hello, and is our hardest goodbye. There are no words to express our feelings for her, but it is our responsibility to express our sincerest gratitude. It feels like yesterday when she just started her teaching career. Thirty-five years is an easy number to say but once pondered upon it. It’s a life that we have spent together as a family.

She is much more than a teacher; she is a mother. She is one woman we could trust blindly and discuss whatsoever we want with her. There is no doubt in saying that she is the epitome of a perfect human being. A human with a beautiful inside out. A free soul. I still remember how we could see her roaming around with a cup of tea and helping anyone she saw on her way. It gives us immense grief to let her go. She has set amazing examples for the young generations to follow. I still remember her one piece of advice, which was “Life to Learn, Learn to live.” Having someone like her was no less than a blessing. Our sessions of wisdom in break time were so soulful and relaxing. She always provided us with the most comfortable environment to work in.

I wish there were a way to make her stay a bit longer and to let us enjoy her beautiful company. It wrenches my heart to say Goodbye to his mesmerizing human being. Lots of Love. I hope you stay happy wherever you go. May All the odds be in your favor. Stay Safe. Goodbye!

Farewell Speech for a Retiring Teacher Colleague

How to Write a Memorable Retirement Speech + Examples

Updated 12/28/2023

Published 03/2/2020

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Contributing writer

Follow this guide to write a memorable retirement speech, whether for yourself, a friend, or colleague.

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

Stepping up to the podium for your own retirement speech or perhaps for a colleague’s grand exit? Bravo! Whether you’re bidding farewell to your own illustrious career or celebrating a coworker’s legacy, it’s a momentous occasion. And guess what? The spotlight’s on you, and people are eager to be moved, amused, and maybe shed a tear or two.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Who Gives a Retirement Speech?

Retirement Speech Etiquette

Tips for writing a retirement speech, short retirement speech examples.

If this is your debut into the world of retirement speeches, you don’t have to fret too much. Think of it as giving a wedding toast but with fewer embarrassing stories and more career highlights.

Even if you’ve mastered the art of public speaking, a retirement speech is a unique beast. After all, you want your words to capture the essence of decades of dedication and hard work.

This article will help you do just that. Keep reading to learn how to write a retirement speech that resonates and leaves an indelible mark.

Tip: Growing older and entering retirement also means watching your friends and family members grow older, too. And that often means coping with loss and grief. If you know a retiree who's facing a loss, our post-loss checklist may be able to help.

Who Gives a Retirement Speech?

Retirement speeches are a rite of passage and a moment to reflect on years of service, shared memories, and the legacy left behind. But who steps up to the mic to deliver these poignant words during an office farewell or retirement party ?

While the retiree is an obvious choice, there are others who’ve shared in the journey and can offer unique perspectives. Each speaker brings something unique to the table, painting a comprehensive picture of the retiree’s impact. Let’s take a look at the roles of these speakers and the insights they can bring to the celebration.

The retiree

If you’re the retiree taking center stage, this is your chance for personal reflection. You can share:

Anecdotes from your journey
The challenges you overcame
Milestones you celebrated
Gratitude for colleagues, mentors, and the organization

A retiree’s speech often carries pride in their achievements, nostalgia for the memories, and excitement for the future. You might also sprinkle in some humor like a light-hearted mistake or a memorable office prank. This speech is your curtain call, so make sure to leave a lasting impression and maybe impart some wisdom to those still in the midst of their careers.

A coworker’s perspective is invaluable because they’ve been in the trenches together, weathered the same storms, and celebrated mutual successes. If you’re giving a retirement speech for a close coworker, you can highlight:

The retiree’s professional attributes and teamwork
The camaraderie you shared
Recollections of shared projects, inside jokes, and day-to-day interactions
Your personal bond and the times you spent together

Your words have the power to connect with many in the room, echoing shared sentiments and reinforcing the retiree’s impact on the team.

A boss or manager

When a boss or manager speaks, it’s a testament to the retiree’s professional impact. Your perspective offers a birds-eye view of the retiree’s contributions, leadership, and the legacy they leave behind.

You can also touch on the personal qualities that made the retiree stand out, such as their resilience, dedication, or mentorship to younger colleagues. The retirement speech is a chance to express gratitude on behalf of the organization, pride in their accomplishments , and to assure the retiree that their shoes were hard to fill.

Retirement speeches are a tribute, a celebration, and a farewell all wrapped into one. As with any significant occasion, there’s etiquette to follow to make the event memorable for all the right reasons. Understanding these nuances can make the difference between a speech that’s cherished and one that’s merely endured.

Consider some retirement speech etiquette to ensure your words resonate with grace, respect, and warmth.

Dress appropriately

The way you dress not only reflects your respect for the occasion but also sets the tone for your speech. Dressing appropriately signifies that you value the event and the person being honored. It's not just about looking good; it's about showing that you've put thought into your appearance as a mark of respect.

Whether it's a formal event or a casual gathering, ensure your attire matches the occasion. Remember, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Use humor wisely

Humor can be a fantastic tool to lighten the mood and engage the audience. However, it's a double-edged sword. What's funny to one person might be offensive to another.

When incorporating humor, make sure it's in good taste and won't alienate or upset anyone. Steer clear of inside jokes that only a few might understand or controversial topics that could divide the room. The goal is to evoke smiles and laughter, not raised eyebrows.

A retirement speech is a heartfelt tribute, and sincerity is its cornerstone. While it's okay to refer to notes or an outline, ensure your words come from the heart.

Authenticity resonates. People can tell when sentiments are genuine versus when they're merely rehearsed lines. Speak with conviction, share genuine anecdotes, and let your true feelings shine through.

Be positive

Retirement is a celebration of a significant milestone. While it's tempting to bring up past challenges or conflicts, focus on the positive. Highlight achievements, growth, and the good times.

Even if there were hurdles, frame them as learning experiences or stepping stones that led to greater successes. A positive tone uplifts the atmosphere and leaves the retiree with fond memories.

Time the speech correctly

While you want to cover all your points, you don’t want to bore anyone to sleep. A speech that's too long can lose the audience's attention, while one that's too short might seem insincere.

Aim for a sweet spot, typically between 5 to 10 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to convey your message without overstaying your welcome. Practice beforehand and, if possible, time yourself to keep on track.

Be grateful

Whether you're the retiree thanking your colleagues or a manager expressing appreciation for years of service, always express gratitude. Recognize the contributions, the memories, and the shared journey. A simple 'thank you' can resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impression on the retiree and the audience alike.

Crafting a retirement speech is an art that can seem daunting. After all, you have to encapsulate decades of memories, achievements, and emotions into a few minutes.

Thankfully, with the right approach and a sprinkle of creativity, you can pen a speech that’s both memorable and moving.

General tips

Whether you’re a retiree or a colleague, retirement speeches should be given with utmost care and respect. Add a touch of creativity, and you’ve got a well-prepared speech that will move hearts and honor the star of the show.

Here are some general tips for crafting a memorable retirement speech.

Choose a speaker who knows the person well

Selecting the right speaker is the foundation of a memorable retirement speech. The speaker's connection with the retiree can make all the difference. Here are some qualities the ideal speaker should have:

Personal connection: The speaker should have a personal rapport with the retiree so they can give genuine anecdotes and heartfelt sentiments.
Knowledge of career journey: Choose someone familiar with the retiree's professional journey, milestones, and achievements.
Eloquence: While personal connection is vital, the speaker should also be comfortable speaking in public and conveying emotions effectively.
Representative of the team: Ideally, the speaker should represent the sentiments of the larger group, ensuring the speech resonates with everyone present.
Avoid last-minute choices: Plan ahead so the speaker has ample time to prepare. Don't leave the selection of the speaker to the last moment.

Focus on the honoree

The retiree is the star of the show, and the speech should reflect that. Here's how to keep the spotlight on them:

Highlight achievements: Discuss significant milestones, projects, and contributions made by the retiree.
Share personal anecdotes: Personal stories add warmth and depth. Share moments that capture the retiree's essence.
Avoid generic praises: Be specific in your compliments. Instead of saying "You're great," mention what makes them so.
Incorporate feedback: Talk to colleagues and gather shared memories or sentiments to include.
Acknowledge growth: Discuss how the retiree evolved over the years, both professionally and personally.

Keep it short — but not too short

Timing is everything when you’re giving a retirement speech. You’ve got to strike the perfect balance. Here's how to ensure your speech is just right:

Set a time limit: Aim for 5-10 minutes. It's long enough to cover key points but short enough to retain attention.
Practice out loud: This helps in gauging the length and making necessary edits.
Prioritize content: Focus on the most impactful memories and achievements.
Engage the audience: A well-timed speech ensures the audience remains engaged throughout.
Leave room for applause: Factor in moments of applause or reactions, ensuring the speech doesn't feel rushed.

Carefully use humor

Humor can elevate a speech, but you’ve got to tread carefully. Here's how to infuse humor without overstepping:

Know your audience: Choose jokes that are appropriate for the audience's sensibilities.
Avoid sensitive topics: Steer clear of controversial or potentially hurtful subjects.
Test your joke: Share them with a trusted colleague to gauge their reaction.
Use light self-deprecation: It's a safe way to add humor without offending anyone.
Stay authentic: Forced humor can fall flat. If humor isn't your strength, focus on warmth and sincerity.

Preparation is key to delivering a confident and heartfelt speech. You can thoroughly prepare in several ways:

Write an outline: Organize your thoughts and structure your speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Rehearse: Practice multiple times to get the flow right and make necessary tweaks.
Seek feedback: Share your speech with a trusted colleague or friend for feedback.
Visualize the day: Imagine yourself giving the speech. This mental rehearsal can boost confidence.
Stay calm and composed: Remember, it's a celebration. Take deep breaths, stay relaxed, and speak from the heart.

As the retiree

If you’re a retiree, there are several ways to create a great speech:

Reflect on your journey: Talk about where you started, the highs and lows along the way, and where you feel like you've "landed" at the end of your career.
Acknowledge and appreciate: There are a lot of people who have helped you on your way. Take the time to acknowledge and thank them for their role in your life and career.
Share life lessons: What lessons have you learned that you want to pass along? Share these during your speech.

As a trusted coworker or superior

What about if you’re a coworker or superior? Focus on highlighting the retiree’s impact, sharing personal anecdotes, and offering well wishes for the future.

You might know the person pretty well, but it's always important to make sure you've got the right information on hand. Make sure to gather information and fact check for items like:

How long the retiree has been in the industry.
How long the retiree has worked for the company.
The previous positions the person held within the company.
The contributions they made while working.
Awards the person who is retiring may have received in the course of their career.
Pertinent information about the retiree's work history.

Here are some snippets of retirement speeches that you can amend for your situation. Remember, it is important to speak from the heart. Your audience will appreciate a more authentic speech rather than a stoic message.

For a friend

When Max began work at our firm, gas was $1.19 a gallon, and Ronald Reagan had just been elected president. Kramer vs. Kramer won Best Picture, and “Call Me” by Blondie was playing on the radio. All that to say, she’s been a fixture here for quite a while. To say that Max knows every aspect of this business like the back of her hand is not an understatement.

I remember the first time I walked into this office. Maxine was the first person to greet me. She gave me advice on where to park, showed me how to fill out a PTO request, and answered all my questions during lunch. She introduced me to everyone on staff. And she made sure I knew all the ins and outs of working for Brighton Industries. This wasn’t part of her job, but she did it anyway. She made every new person in the office feel welcome.

Every office has a “go-to” person. The person who knows how to handle the difficult client. The person who knows how to hire the right person for the job. The person who knows how to load new toner in the printer. Max has been our go-to person for 25 years, and she leaves big shoes to fill.

One of Max’s best qualities is her ability to stay calm in the middle of the storm. Do you remember the great Jones Company fiasco in 2004? While the rest of us panicked about the loss of our biggest client, she went out and found us a new client. And that client brought in twice as much revenue as the client we lost!

We know that Maxine is looking forward to retirement. She told me she is planning to spend more time quilting. And she’ll be hanging out with her daughter and three adorable grandbabies. You’ve all seen pictures of her grandkids, right? Of course, you have! We are all so excited to wish Maxine well as she starts checking off items from her retirement bucket list .

For your retirement

Thank you so much for all the kind words. I have loved working at Brighton Industries. I have had some of the best times in my life at this office. I have made lifelong friends who I treasure. Thank you for being the best coworkers and friends a woman could ask for.

There are a few things that I won’t miss about working for Brighton. I won’t miss filling out the TPS reports. I won’t miss the late nights that came with tax season. I won’t miss how cold the office is in the summer, or how hot the office is during the winter. But I will miss all of you. You have made this office feel like a second home to me. Thank you.

I discovered what amazing coworkers I had when I lost my mom to cancer three years ago. You all stepped in so willingly to pick up the slack when I couldn’t perform my regular duties. Not only did you take on more responsibilities in the office, but many of you also provided meals to my family. It meant the world to me, knowing that I could depend upon you all for help.

For a coworker

I have witnessed many people come and go throughout my years here at Smith and Smith. However, I am sadder today than ever, knowing Michelle won’t be stepping out of our elevator Monday morning.

Even though Michelle has only worked at Smith and Smith for the last eight years, she has contributed much to our organization. For example, she made our network more secure by spearheading our cybersecurity efforts. But she also had a knack for streamlining processes, allowing us to work more efficiently. Before Michelle began working here, we worked a great deal of overtime. The reason we are now able to leave at 5 p.m. is because of the processes she began.

On a personal level, Michelle was always a delight to be around. She’s not one to complain – even when we had to put in extra hours last winter. Michelle was always the first to jump in to help when someone was sick or had a personal emergency. We all have stories of how Michelle helped us during a pinch.

Michele – I will remember you with fondness. I am excited that you will have more time to spend with your beautiful grandchildren, and I wish you every happiness in the future.

I was honored to be asked to speak about Samuel this afternoon. After working for Samuel for over 20 years, I have a lot to say. Don’t worry, Sam. Most of it is good.

First, I would like to tell you some things about Sam’s background that you might not have been aware of. Sam has a degree in Chemistry from Perdue. Even though he was prepared to spend his life in a lab setting, he sat next to a stranger on the subway one day while going to a job interview. He spoke with this person and learned he was starting a new shoe company and looking for someone to oversee the distribution. Of course, that stranger was Frank Jones, our illustrious founder. And that was why Sam never used his chemistry degree.

The second thing you may not know about Sam is that he is a violin virtuoso. I didn’t know this about him until a few years ago when Sam and his wife had me over for dinner. I saw a music stand in the corner of his living room and asked about it. Sam’s wife encouraged him to play for me. Needless to say, I was dumbfounded by his talent.

For a subordinate

I know I have the reputation of being a bit of a perfectionist. In fact, before Lucy was hired four years ago, I had been through twelve assistants in thirteen years. That’s one reason why today is such a sad day for me. While I am ecstatic that Lucy will have more time to devote to her novel, I am sorry that I have to find someone to replace her. It’s not going to be easy.

Lucy is amazingly gifted at reading my mind. In fact, it’s a little scary how she seems to know what I want before I ask for it. This ESP, or whatever gift she has been blessed with, has saved me on more than one occasion. I’ll never forget how she interrupted me during a meeting with Mrs. Franklin to remind me of something that saved that account. She also kept me out of the doghouse at home by purchasing perfect Mother’s Day and anniversary gifts for Louise.

While I certainly will miss Lucy’s contributions to our workplace, I am most sad for our clients. Everyone loves Lucy, and they are as heartbroken as I am that she is retiring.

For a teacher

Throughout Mrs. Anderson’s career, she has taught approximately 2,300 students. That means she has graded more than 18,000 essays, 2,300 research papers, and more book reports than you can imagine. Incredibly, her purple flair ink pen isn’t attached permanently to her hand with all of the grading she has done over the years.

But more important than the essays and book reports are the relationships she has formed with her students over the last three decades. She has comforted students who have lost family members and helped kids find jobs. She has written letters of recommendation for scholarships and advised many in their careers.

On top of her work as an English teacher, she has overseen the publication of the yearbook and newspaper, traveled with students to Europe, ran the concession stand at football games, coached the cheerleaders, and sat through negotiations each year on behalf of the teachers’ union.

Mrs. Anderson – you deserve a break. We hope you can sleep in each morning, stay up late reading novels each night, and travel the globe without the fear of losing a kid. Congratulations on your retirement!

For a family member

It’s hard to imagine our Dad without a job. This place has been a part of his routine for so long that he may show up on Monday simply out of habit. In fact, we may have to put a sign on the back of his front door reminding him to stay at home.

And Dad loved every minute of it. Unlike most people, Dad never complained about his job. In fact, when we prayed as a family before each meal, Dad often expressed thanks for this company and his job.

But, we are thankful that he can now stay home. He’s worked hard for a long time and deserves a break. But don’t worry – he won’t be sitting around for long. My siblings and I all have lists of home repairs that only Dad can do. We’ve also scheduled a few fishing trips over the next several months.

Thank you for inviting my siblings and me to this retirement party. It’s been a lovely day. I only wish Mom could have survived long enough to see Dad retire. She was always so proud of Dad for everything he accomplished. I’m sure she is smiling down on us right now.

Funny retirement speech

Christopher has many gifts and talents. And he has contributed a lot to our company over the years. He’s been the top salesperson for twenty-three out of the twenty-five years he has worked here. He has worked hard to streamline our processes to work smarter, not harder. He has also been a leader in our industry by representing us in front of the state legislature.

Even though I can easily provide you with a long list of awards and accolades, he will forever be known in this office as the person who was always misplacing his stuff. We found his keys by the copier, his wallet next to the giant fern in the back room, his raincoat on Mitch’s desk, and his water bottles – everywhere. It’s always been a mystery to everyone how someone absentminded can perform in a high-pressure job so well.

So, we have purchased a tile tracker system to help you keep track of all your stuff on behalf of your retirement. Now that you won’t have an entire staff of people keeping track of your personal belongings, we think this might help. It may also keep Louise from killing you during your first week at home.

Retirement: The Next Stage in Life

As we stand on the precipice of one chapter ending and another beginning, we must recognize and celebrate the journey that brought us here. Whether you’re the one stepping into the golden years of retirement or honoring a colleague making that leap, words are powerful. A heartfelt speech can encapsulate years of dedication, camaraderie, and growth.

Retirement isn’t just about saying goodbye to a job. It’s about acknowledging the passion, identity, and pride that one has in their career. For many, their career is a significant part of their life’s narrative.

As you craft your speech or pen down your thoughts, remember to celebrate this dedication. It might take a bit more effort, but the impact of genuine appreciation will resonate deeply, marking a memorable transition into the next exciting phase of life.

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85 Emotional Quotes and Tribute to a Retiring Teacher by Students and Principal

As we prepare to say goodbye to a cherished teacher who is embarking on a well-deserved retirement, we cannot help but feel a mixture of emotions. Looking back on the profound impact this remarkable individual has had on the lives of so many, we are filled with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration.

The impact these teachers have had on their students’ lives cannot be overstated. They have been a mentor, a confidante, and a source of timely support for countless young people. Their dedication to their students’ success has been an inspiration to all who have had the privilege of working with them.

It is impossible to fully express the gratitude we feel for the positive influence that this teacher has had on our education, our personal growth, and our aspirations for the future. You should send tribute to a retiring teacher who has impacted your life.

When a teacher retires, it is a bittersweet moment that marks the end of an era. It is a time to reflect on their years of service, the countless lives they have touched, and the impact they have had on the educational community.

Retirement Quotes for Teachers

Words to honor a retiring teacher, retirement speech for teacher, thank you letter to retiring teacher, sample message for retired teacher, retirement speech for teacher by student, inspirational quotes for retiring teachers, tribute to a retiring principal, retirement speech for teacher by principal.

1. Congratulations on your retirement! You have left a permanent mark on learners who have had the privilege of being taught by you.

2. Your absence will be felt deeply, not just by your students but by your colleagues as well. It will be difficult to find someone who can fill your shoes.

3. Your tireless commitment and passion for imparting knowledge and skills have been nothing short of inspiring. Your profound dedication has left a permanent mark on the minds of your students, who have immensely gained from your vast knowledge and expertise.

4. Please allow me to extend my sincerest congratulations on your retirement, and express my deep appreciation for the consistent input you have made to our school during your many years of service. Your impact on our school community will never be forgotten.

5. After a lifetime of diligent work and commitment, your retirement is a richly deserved climax of your efforts. Make the most of this new chapter in your life and savor every moment!

6. You have been an exceptional guide, role model, and confidant, and I am grateful for your support and friendship. Your retirement is a loss for our school, may your next chapter be filled with exciting opportunities and new beginnings.

7. Congratulations on your retirement! You have made a profound impact on the lives of your students, we express our sincere and enduring gratitude for the consistent input you have made to our school, which will always be remembered and appreciated.

8. Your dynamic presence, epidemic enthusiasm, and persistent commitment to teaching will be deeply missed. Your retirement is well-deserved, and we wish you all the happiness and success in the world.

9. Your retirement represents a considerable departure for our school, yet we eagerly anticipate the upcoming phase in your life.

10. Your impact on the lives of numerous students throughout the years is immeasurable, and your legacy will endure far beyond your retirement. Congratulations on this milestone achievement, and we extend our sincere gratitude for your dedicated service.

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Farewell Speech for Teachers by Students in English

Farewell Speech For Teacher By Students is given while bidding farewell to a loved and respected teacher. Along with gifts and surprises, few heartfelt words can have a great and meaningful impact on the teacher. The teacher leaving your school might be the one who inspired you to become the person you are today and in such moments articulating what you feel is so important. Here, we will guide you on how to give Farewell Speech For Teacher in different formats, Long Farewell Speech For Teacher and Short Farewell Speech For Teacher.

Long Farewell Speech for Teacher

The Farewell Speech Given by Students to Teacher is very special because students who usually speak less also pour their heart out for their lovely teachers. The long Farewell Speech For Teacher is useful for students in grades 7-12.

Hello everyone, respected principal, teachers, and my dear friends, we are gathered here today to bid farewell to a highly valuable teacher Mr./Ms. (Name) who has given 20 years (mention the number of years of the respective teacher) of service to this school and is retiring today. Teaching is the profession that creates all other professions we are grateful that you chose to be a teacher and we learned under your umbrella of expertise. Sir joined this school many years ago and contributed so much time and effort to the students and the school. He has worked tirelessly in shaping our minds and leads us on a good path, and many years have gone by it’s so amazing we don’t realize how quickly time flies.

Time goes by quickly when you are having a good time and sir under your guidance we had the best time, and for time well spent sometimes, departures are celebrated more than arrivals. Goodbyes are so hard but also special as you have the opportunity to say how special the person is to them. So on behalf of all fellow students, I would like to say a huge thank you to the teacher who taught us to learn even outside our classrooms and encouraged us to think outside the box. The teacher is the most influential person in a student’s life after their parents and what a great influence he is for us to follow.

Even a rough idea about a new invention was applauded in his class. He was a constant source of motivation for everyone in the class. He taught us the importance of valuing and respecting other’s knowledge and time by him being punctual, he taught us what actually counts. He always taught us by involving in each discussion and letting us learn and grow by ourselves and not concluding on his own. He always believed in teaching us in a practical world so that we don’t forget our way in the real world.

We all look up to sir in more ways than one. As he has been our teacher and guided us academically and by being our friend and mentor he has also shown us the right path to chose personally. He has also inculcated in us the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship. He has always celebrated our successes and failures equally by saying,” Well now you know what not to do.” There is no one like you sir.

Certainly, you are the source of inspiration to many teachers here as well, who are enriched with your wealth of knowledge. He is a well-esteemed and very respected teacher, no one will take his place in our lives and no one is worthy of filling his large shoes. Now it’s time to part, and with good wishes and warm regards we bid you goodbye and we are happy because now you can spend your time exploring your own interests in life and spend time with your family and friends.

Thank you for being the best teacher, mentor, friend, and playing so many roles at the same time.

Short Farewell Speech for Teacher

The Farewell Speech Given by Students to Teacher is very special because students get to share their feeling for their teachers. The Short Farewell Speech For Teacher is useful for students in grades 4-6.

Hello and a warm welcome to everyone present here, respected principal, teachers, and fellow students. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to start this event. I am honored to be here. The guest of honor today is also the best teacher in our school, we will all miss him and I feel lucky to be standing here sharing what we have learned and what we feel on behalf of all of us. Sir thank you for contributing 20 years (mention the number of years of the respective teacher) of your life to this school and for students like us and many more. You are the most inspiring teacher who has taught us to balance both studies and extracurricular activities.

You have always believed in practical learning and encouraged us to experiment and question everything. During our exams, you also have worked unrelentingly with us till the basic concepts were well understood and had a clear idea about the topics. Whenever we did badly at exams you taught us with more patience and kindness which is quite remarkable. You have also motivated us to do in other areas of student life and supported our non-academic interests be it poetry, singing, or sports. You have taught us the joy of living life in curiosity and to always keep learning. Today we are well versed and eager to learn because we enjoy learning is because of your efforts. Thank you for inculcating such invaluable lessons and habits. We will miss you, sir.

Thank you for being the best teacher.

10 Lines Farewell Speech for Teacher

The 10 lines Farewell Speech On Teacher is helpful for students in grades 1-3 as they can keep it short and simple and also say what they feel.

After our parents, teachers are the biggest source of inspiration.

We are thankful for a teacher like you who has helped us in learning as well as making it so much fun.

He is always so encouraging to try new things and new ways of solving problems.

He has always shown us the right way to be and not get diverted in the wrong direction, however difficult the situation gets.

He has taught us the values and good ethics that will be intact even after leaving this school.

He has taught us to be responsible and take accountability for our actions.

He has also taught us to be respectful to each and everyone in life.

Thank you for teaching us subjects with real-life examples.

You will always be in our memories even after you leave. We will miss you.

Thank you for being a guide and a friend.

FAQs on Farewell Speech for Teacher

1. How to begin the farewell speech for a teacher?

With farewell speeches, students get to know how to bid a proper goodbye or farewell to a teacher. It is important for students to know what to write to wish their teacher all the best for the future, be it for a teacher who is retiring or relocating. A well-written speech always remains memorable for the teacher, the school, and the student. A student should always greet the audience before starting with the speech. It helps in having the attention of the audience and building a rapport. Then, the student should tell everyone the purpose of the speech. Finally, set the tone of the speech and get going.

2. What are the tips for the best farewell speech?

The speech should include a positive message, factual experiences, contributions, and achievements of the teacher for which the speech is being made. You can also add humor to your speech in order to make it more engaging and interesting to the audience. There is no specific formula for the best speech, however, these tips help in delivering a well-deserved speech. Always keep your speech moderately short and crisp. Offer gratitude to the teacher. Keep it real and share your experiences.

3. How to make the farewell speech memorable?

There is no specific formula for giving a great goodbye. Stick to anecdotes and make the speech heartfelt. Give some personal touch to the farewell speech and share your stories with the audience. It allows you to provide a human experience. Share with your teachers how they helped you grow and become a better version of yourself. Offer a meaningful message. Deliver a farewell speech that’s unique to you and that particular teacher. By following said tips, your speech will be memorable and inspirational.

60 of the Best Retirement Messages for Teachers

Retirement messages for Teachers will be the last words the retiree remembers from you and the school. You have probably worked with this person for many years and had good and bad times together. The right retirement messages for Teachers will add a touch of emotion during any retirement farewell.

It will be difficult for most retirees to say goodbye after all these years. Teachers bring all of their energy to helping students achieve the best from their studies. The retiree has said goodbye to a lot of students during their career and now it is time for them to leave.

This is a big milestone for the retiree. They are going to stop working and need to find a new direction in life. This big step in a Teacher’s life can be easy for some but exceedingly difficult for others.

To make sure you use the best retirement messages for Teachers, follow our tips or get inspired by 60 of the best retirement messages for Teachers listed below.

168 Retirement Messages
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Best List of 61 Memorable Retirement Quotes for Teachers and Poems for Retired Teachers
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Retirement messages for Teachers – What to Write?

The best way to say goodbye to a Teacher is to write a personal and emotional retirement message. To achieve this, you can incorporate memories you have of the retiree. Your words can be funny or emotional depending on the relationship you have with the retiree.

For example, you can write something like this:

Teachers reach deep inside their students and find their hidden strengths. They never give up on students and believe passionately in their futures. Now is the time to enjoy your future. Enjoy retired life!

In addition to writing personal retirement messages for Teachers, make sure it is complemented by a great retirement gift. The gift needs to be personal and match the occasion. Why not give them a bespoke map of star constellations tailored to their retirement day along with a meaningful message to bring back the emotion of the day? Create your unique star map here.

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Retirement Gifts for Teacher That They Will Love

List of 60 Retirement Messages for Teachers

In time, we might forget what you said and what you did, but we will never forget how you made us feel. You have been an amazing teacher, now enjoy your well-earned retirement!
Teachers teach more by what they are than by what they say.
Teachers touch the lives of so many students each year and leave a lasting imprint on each one for a lifetime. Thank you for your years of guidance and support! Enjoy your retirement!
It is time to forget the timetable and take time out for you! Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!
More important than the curriculum is the question of the methods of teaching and the spirit in which the teaching is given. (Bertrand Russell)

(Name of School/College) will not be the same without a teacher like you. Thank you for your support and wisdom. Here is to a retirement that is filled with happiness and fun!
Thank you for always motivating us to do our best. Enjoy your retirement life.
You have come into the lives and touched the hearts of so many students over the years. We will miss you so much but enjoy your retirement!
A good teacher is like a candle, he dissolves himself to give light to other.
Teachers patiently support and inspire so that students can grow and fulfil their potential. Thank you so much for your passion and dedication to teaching! Enjoy your retirement!

Happy retirement! Life is calling! We wish you a future that is worth every bit of hard work and dedication.
Thank you for your dedication to the teaching profession for (number) years. It is time to put down your marking pen and enjoy retirement life!
A teacher like you can never really retire. You may stop coming to school, but you will continue to inspire your students every day! Happy retirement!
The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, “The children are now working as if I did not exist.” Maria Montessori
Enjoy your retirement secure in the knowledge that you have made a huge difference to (name of school/college) and the many students you have taught over the years.

Each year, you carefully nurture a new class and help them grow. We will miss your patience, understanding and commitment but wish you all the best for your retirement!
The walls of this school will feel hollow, corridors will feel empty and classrooms will feel lifeless without the inspirational presence of a teacher like you.
The true teacher defends his pupils against his own personal influence. He inspires self-distrust. He guides their eyes from himself to the spirit that quickens him. He will have no disciple. (Amos Bronson Alcott)
Sadly, all great teachers need to retire one day. You have left footprints on the hearts and minds of so many students! Enjoy your retirement!
The work of the teacher is not so much to teach everything learnable, as to awaken in the student the desire to learn and know. Enjoy your retirement!

Goodbyes do not really apply to great teachers because they will always be fondly remembered in the hearts and minds of their students! Thank you for your passion and professionalism. Happy retirement!
Contemplate infinity in a grain of sand and may your retirement always be golden! Happy retirement!
Yes, you have helped your students read and write, but you have also made them wonder, question, and explore. Now, it is your time to discover and enjoy the world of retirement. Enjoy every minute!
We will miss your contagious smile and enthusiasm. You have helped so many children learn teaching them to always try their best and never give up. Thank you for being such a fantastic role model over the years. Enjoy your retirement!
Most people retire with a pension fund, but few people retire with the respect and love of all their students! You are a star and we wish you a bright and happy retirement!

Teachers do not just instruct; they encourage and believe that their students can achieve. Wishing you all the best on your retirement and may you achieve all your hopes and dreams!
Good teachers are the reason why ordinary students dream of doing extraordinary things! It is your time to dream big now and try something new! You will be greatly missed but enjoy your retirement!
Although your teachings will forever be treasured, your contribution to our lives can never be measured! Happy retirement!
It takes a big heart to help shape little minds. Thank you and enjoy your retirement.

You are the kind of teacher who has inspired many. We will miss you a lot, but we will always be grateful for your many years of dedicated service. Happy retirement!
Teachers plant seeds of knowledge that grow forever. Enjoy your retirement!
Old teachers never retire, they just grade away! It is time to put down your marking pens and have fun doing the things you want to do in your retirement!
Teaching is one big adventure but now it is time for a new adventure. Enjoy your retirement!
We will miss you in school, but the influence of a good teacher can never be erased. Happy retirement!

You gave us much more than education. You gave us endless inspiration which helped us to rise and soar! We will miss you but enjoy your retirement!
The impact of a good teacher cannot be underestimated. A teacher takes a hand, opens a mind, touches a heart, and shapes a future. We wish you an incredibly happy future for your retirement!
To the world you may be just a teacher but to your students you are a hero! Congratulations on your well-earned retirement.
Your retirement vacancy may be filled by another, but in our hearts, you are simply irreplaceable. We are going to miss you so much but enjoy your retirement!
A teacher affects eternity; he/she can never tell where his/her influence stops. (Henry Adams)

A teacher is a compass that activates the magnets of curiosity, knowledge, and wisdom in the pupils. (Ever Garrison)
A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imaginations, and instil a love of learning. (Brad Henry)
Of all the hard jobs around, one of the hardest is being a good teacher. (Maggie Gallagher)
Everyone who remembers his own education remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the heart of the educational system. (Sidney Hook)
A truly special teacher is incredibly wise and sees tomorrow in every child’s eyes. (Unknown)

It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge. (Albert Einstein)
Do not cry because it’s over, smile because it happened. (Dr Seuss)
A teacher nourishes the soul of a child for a lifetime. (Unknown)
One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. (Carl Jung)
Great teachers empathise with kids, respect them, and believe that each one has something special that can be built upon. (Ann Liberman)

Teaching is the one profession that creates all other professions. (Anonymous)
Being able to help someone learn something is a talent. (Margaret Riel)
The greatest gift of all gifts is to the ability to inspire others to find their own gift. (Alexander Den Heijer)
Teachers teach because they care. Teaching young people is what they do best. It requires long hours, patience, and care. (Horace Mann)
Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, calibre, and future of the individual. If the people remember me as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honour for me. (APJ Abdul Kalam)

The one who plants trees, knowing that he or she will never sit in their shade, has at least started to understand the meaning of life. (Rabindranath Tagore)
Not all superheroes wear capes, some have teaching degrees. (Unknown)
An utterly amazing teacher is hard to find, difficult to part with, and impossible to forget. (Unknown).
The teaching that makes its mark is not what is done head to head, but from heart to heart.
You are leaving us with priceless memories and lessons that will last forever. We could not ask for anymore. Thank you and have a wonderful retirement.

Sarah De Winne

Sarah De Winne creates and edits content for the Enjoy Retirement Life and Off the Tourist Treadmill blogging websites and YouTube channels. She has a professional background in education and is passionate about sharing quality and engaging information. Sarah currently lives in the south-east of England in the UK.

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How To Deliver An Unforgettable Retirement Speech For A Colleague (With Examples)

Hrideep barot.

Speech Writing

Do you want to deliver a heartfelt speech for a colleague who’s leaving work but are unsure how to do it?

Don’t worry. You’re not alone.

For many people, retirement from a place of work can be a very emotional experience. Especially if they’ve been at a place of work for a long time, leaving it–and the people they’ve worked with–can be quite tough. After all, with retirement, an employee is going to be leaving his or her employment permanently.

And this emotional roller-coaster is not exclusive to a the person retiring.

Their co-workers, too, can land a seat at it. Especially if they were close to the person retiring or are quite close to retiring themselves.

But even if you’re not at the front seat of the rollercoaster and simply wish to deliver a nice speech to a friendly co-worker finally leaving the company, finding the right words for the speech can be a confusing task.

Writing and delivering a speech is a tough job.

A good retirement speech needs to factor in many elements. Farewell speeches are important as they express to the person leaving the place of work gratitude for the effort, time, and experiences they’ve provided to the company. They usually include a person’s past history, achievements, services, etc. And are an essential element of a good place of work.

Don’t worry.

We’re there to help you.

What Is A Retirement Speech?

A retirement or farewell address is a speech that is delivered by or for an individual leaving a work position or workplace. They are often used by public figures like politicians, actors, etc. as a capstone to their career, or as statements from persons giving reasons for their leaving.

In a workplace, a farewell speech is often given by a junior member of the organization. A friend, colleague, or junior member are a few common choices for delivering a farewell speech. Sometimes, if a person has done remarkable work or has left an imprint on the organization, the speech might be given by a senior member of the company.

As mentioned above, retirement speeches are delivered to thank an employee leaving a workplace for all the time, effort, and experience that was offered by them to the company throughout their tenure, and is a necessary element of a good and progressive place of work that values its employees.

What Do I Need To Include In A Retirement Speech?

1. Talk About Their Achievements

Who doesn’t like reminded about the good stuff they’ve achieved in life, right? This can be especially important during a farewell speech, as a way of thanking the collegue for the positive elements that they’ve added to the company over the years.

While it’s a good idea to add big achievements, you can also make it more special for the collegue by mentioning something small that they might have done that got overshadowed by all the other big stuff. The leaving person might not even be aware of doing it!

For example, if the collegue was someone who could always make people’s Mondays feel like Fridays, then that’s a pretty big achievement too, right? Make sure to include it in your speech!

2. Narrate Anecdotes and Stories

What’s an emotional speech without a story or two, eh?

Anecdotes and stories are not just a great way of making a speech lively and interesting, but they can also make the speech more personal both; for the person leaving and the ones staying behind.

So, try to include at least 2-3 anecdotes in your speech.

If you don’t know the co-worker that well or are simply unsure of what to include, you can reach out to someone who was close to the person retiring and ask for their input.

Regardless, stories have the power to really captivate an audience as long as we use the 3 core elements of

Characterisation
Final Takeaway

We’ve elaborated on these storytelling tactics in great detail in this video which I HIGHLY recommend you check out if you have a retirement speech coming up:

3. Don’t Forget The Jokes

Humor is a great way to level up any speech, and a retirement speech is no exception to it’s charm. Humor works to lighten the overall mood, which can be quite heavy for a day like this.

So, try to sprinkle a couple of jokes throughout your speech. You can even combine jokes and anecdotes and tell a funny story –maybe a memorable incident that happened with the retiring co-worker in the past!

For more information on how to make your speech funny, check out our article on A Guide To Using Humor In Your Speech.

4. Add A Personal Touch

Don’t just copy paste a random speech from Google. Instead, take your time with the speech. Remember that retirement is a cornerstone in most people’s life, and treat it as such.

Adding little personal details here and there–little quirks that your colleague had, or memorable moments they had at the workplace–goes a great way to make the person in question feel important, liked, and most importantly: appreciated for their efforts.

5. Talk About Their Personality

What was the colleague like? What made them different from other people in the workplace? If there was one word that you could describe their personality, what would it be?

Talking about their personal qualities makes the person retiring more real. It reminds them–and the people listening–that they were not just another part in a corporate machine, but a human being. That is someone with feelings, memories, good days, and bad days–just like you.

6. Don’t Neglect Speaking About The Future

While it’s important to give due importance to the past while delivering a retirement speech, it’s also imperative to not neglect talking about what’s ahead i.e the future. Often, people can get so fixated on the good stuff in the past that they don’t notice the amazing stuff coming up ahead.

Is there something the person leaving always wanted to do, but couldn’t because they were so busy with work?

Say, did they always want to go to a nature retreat, spend more time with their spouse, or work at that bar at the end of the street?

Well, now would be the time to bring that up!

Don’t just ramble on about stuff that’s already done. Talk about the opportunities coming upz too!

7. Include mementos and gifts

If a colleague is leaving work–especially if they’re someone who’s contributed a lot to a place–chances are, they’re going to be given a small memento for their work all these years. This can be given by anyone–another co-worker, you, or even higher-ups.

So, make sure to check in with your co-workers about the status of a memento. If it’s going to be included, you can include a small introduction leading up to the handing of the gift right into your speech end.

8. When In Doubt, Ask

This piece of advice can come especially in handy if you didn’t know the former co-worker that well. If you’re unsure whether to include a personal detail or not–or are simply in a dearth of personal information–go ahead and ask someone else for their input. This someone else can be anyone: a close friend of the colleague, a family member, your boss, or even the colleague themself!

Don’t be shy to ask questions.

Sample Retirement Speech

Dear Hannah,

Today is the day you retire from St.Mary’s Public School after over twenty years of teaching English to high-schoolers—most of whom had no interest in learning anything in the first place!

In spite of this hindrance, you never ceased delivering the best you possibly could. When you first started working with us, you were simply a substitute teacher that the students saw occasionally. Remember your first day and the prank that the students played on you?

The entire class banded together and attacked you with a string of questions—none of which had anything to do with English, by the way. But instead of waiting for you to answer, the moment you opened your mouth, the student pretended to fall asleep!

Once you got the hang of it, you turned into a prankster yourself! You played along with the class by listening to a student begin a question but then acted like you’d fallen asleep—just like they had when you were trying to answer—before they finished it.

It was the first time a teacher had chosen to not only indulge their silly pranks but also pranked them right back! Instead of punishing them, you tried to understand them, to relate to them. And you continued trying to do so for the rest of the week.

The students fell in love with you that day, and their admiration for you only grew over the next week. I know this because a few days later when I showed up for class, nobody wanted to learn anything about Shakespeare!

And yet, you not only managed to befriend the students, but you also became friends with the teachers!

You were the only topic of discussion—both, in the classroom and later, in the staff room. In fact, your little stunt with the students had made most of the other teachers realize that they needed to step up their game, too! We had a friendly little competition going after you joined us permanently!

And this was not an isolated incident. Over the years, you have inspired and connected with multiple generations of students and classrooms. So many children have fallen in love with the English language because you taught them to love it.

Just look around the room and you will know that I’m telling the truth—although the crowd could also be because this is probably the last time many of us will get to gobble down your famous baking concoctions!

Truly, we will miss your cookies almost as much as we will miss you!

You have spent almost your whole shaping the lives of people who would later go on to shape the world. You have given your one hundred percent to the classroom—now it’s time you give your one hundred percent to yourself!

During one of our many, many heartfelt conversations, you told me that when you finally retired, you would love to travel the world with your husband and to get to spend more time with your grandchildren.

Well, now you can!

And we can’t wait for our Facebook Feed to be spammed by all the pictures you’re certainly going to upload!

Now, we’d love you to have this little token of appreciation for all the work you’ve done for our school.

5 Ways To Make A Retirement Speech (More) Special

Now that you know all the stuff you need to include in a retirement speech and have an example of how to phrase it in hand, let’s move onto the next step: how to add that touch of uniqueness to your speech and make it truly memorable.

1. Prepare A Skit

Adding a skit is an excellent way of making a retirement speech memorable. The theme for the skit can be anything. However, make sure it’s relevant to the retiring person’s life. A good idea is to structure the skit around some memorable incident from the person’s time at the workplace.

It can be a funny incident, or an emotional one, or even an instance when they inspired you!

If you’re not sure about which incident to pick, try asking someone who’s close friends with the person. The skit doesn’t need to be over-the-top or elaborate. You don’t need to get costumes or spend hours preparing it. Everyone has work to do and deadlines to meet.

To save time, you can stick to a simple 3-5 minute skit with simple dialogues and few characters. You don’t need to dress up, either.

It’s the thought that counts, after all.

2. Make A Video!

A video is another great way of making a retirement speech memorable.

To do this, collect videos and photographs or any other material relevant to the departing employee and organize the contents into a small video that you can show either before or after your speech! Make sure the video isn’t too long, and that it has a positive note.

3. Give Them A Personalized Souvenir

While a token of appreciation is something they’re going to get from the company’s side, if a co-worker has truly touched your life, then giving them a personalized souvenir from the employee’s side is another great idea to make a retirement day unforgettable.

The souvenir doesn’t have to be something expensive or over-the-top either. Rather, something handmade or something personalized might be a better idea.

For example, you can give the employee a jar filled with little note cards that the other employees have written for them.

4. Switch Up The Format

Another way to make a retirement speech unique is by switching up the traditional speech format for something more fun!

Instead, you could write and deliver the speech like a poem–or even a short story! If you want to make things even more interesting, you can turn it into a continuous story by involving a couple of more people with you! However, make sure to check in with the management before you do so, as time constraints or following a standard speech format might be an issue.

If you want some inspiration on unique storytelling formats and approaches you can use for your retirement speech, we’ve explained a few in simple terms in this video:

5. Coordinate Your Dressing

Is there a particular way your retiring co-worker always dressed? A color or pattern they favored? Or a shirt they couldn’t seem to get rid of?

Well, now’s the time to use their personality quirks to your advantage!

Try remembering if there’s anything related to dressing sense that set your departing colleague apart, and coordinate with the rest of your colleagues to spruce up as they once did!

Remember: it’s not necessary to look like carbon copies of your departing friend. You don’t need to stress if your T-shirt is the exact color or pattern as theirs. A close-copy works just as well.

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Conclusion

To sum up, writing a retirement speech for a colleague is not as hard as it sounds. Retirement speeches are offered to commemorate a work that an employee has done for a company and are usually delivered by close friends, fellow co-workers, or sometimes even someone higher up. They usually include a person’s past history, achievements, personality quirks, memorable incidents, etc. Add a touch of uniqueness to the mix, and you’re ready to bid adieu to your colleague with a bang!

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Guide On How To Write An Amazing Retirement Speech With Examples

While some may view a farewell or retirement speech as optional, it’s far more than a mere formality. It offers a powerful opportunity for both the retiree and their colleagues, friends, and family to experience closure, reflection, and connection.

For the retiree, it’s a chance to share their story, reconnect with those they’ve touched, and express gratitude. For colleagues, friends, and family, it’s a moment to appreciate, learn, and be inspired. This speech can even be a cathartic release for the retiree, allowing them to share words they’ve held close.

In this guide, I’ll provide you with ideas and tips on crafting a memorable and impactful retirement speech, whether for yourself or on behalf of another retiree. The latter half will offer some curated examples to inspire your own unique message. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

How To Write A Farewell Speech: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a memorable and impactful farewell speech, packed with practical writing and public speaking tips. Follow these steps to create a speech that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.

Note : This guide primarily assumes you’re the retiree, but the steps and tips are equally applicable if you’re writing on someone’s behalf or honoring a retiree. Just adapt the language as needed.

1. Plan Ahead

Before diving into your farewell retirement speech, ensure you have ample time to plan and prepare. Create a rough outline beforehand, jotting down key points you want to cover.

Some crucial points you may want to prioritize in your draft outline:

The beginning : Reflect on your early days in the company. How did your journey start?
The middle : Share significant experiences and anecdotes from your time here. What shaped your journey?
The end : Discuss your retirement plans and the emotions surrounding your departure. How are you approaching this new chapter?

Remember, these are just suggestions; choose the aspects that resonate most with you and your story.

Writing Tip: Prioritize outlining first. It allows you to visualize the flow of your speech. Work your way down to the last bullet point, and don’t hesitate to cross out anything that feels inappropriate or uninteresting.

Public Speaking Tip: Aim to internalize your outline. It will guide you seamlessly if you choose to deliver the speech without a script.

2. Consider The Audience

Once your outline is complete, it’s time to flesh out the details and craft your script. Before diving in, familiarize yourself with your audience.

Remember, tailoring your speech to your listeners is crucial. Consider their age range and interests. If children will be present, adjust your language accordingly. Similarly, for a formal event, minimize potentially offensive jokes or anecdotes, especially about colleagues or supervisors. You want to leave a positive lasting impression, not be remembered as someone who has turned hostile with retirement.

Writing Tip : Prioritize clear and relatable language, using examples that resonate with your audience’s level of understanding. While AI can be a helpful tool, carefully review its output as the tone and language it generates can sometimes be extreme or inappropriate.

Public Speaking Tip : Establish eye contact to connect with your audience. Consider encouraging participation by asking questions or inviting them to share their own stories, but be mindful of time constraints and use your judgment when deciding if interacting with individuals in the audience is feasible.

3. Set A Goal For Your Speech

Decide what you want to achieve with your speech. Do you want to express gratitude, share memories, or offer advice? While you may have each of those covered in your speech, it’s still critical to choose one of them as your speech’s main theme. Having a clear goal will help you to structure your speech and stay focused.

Writing Tip : Your farewell retirement speech is a unique chance to create a lasting impression that reflects your true essence. Think about what will resonate most with you and your audience. Also, write it as if it’s the last thing you’ll write in your life.

Public Speaking Tip : Sharing personal experiences or feelings can deeply connect with the audience. While staying within your comfort zone is important, consider injecting moments of vulnerability to add authenticity and emotional resonance.

4. Brainstorm Ideas

With a solid outline as your compass and your audience in mind, you can start enriching your script with fresh ideas and engaging content. While your retirement speech holds the potential for countless anecdotes, don’t forget to balance it with lighthearted moments and playful touches.

Begin by brainstorming all the elements you want to weave into your speech. Consider personal stories, noteworthy achievements, and pearls of wisdom you wish to share. Don’t hold back—let your imagination run wild!

Writing Tip : While it’s important to acknowledge your achievements, remember not to overemphasize them or let them overshadow the essence of your speech. Your personal journey takes center stage.

Public Speaking Tip : Watch out for overly playful or flippant tones that might undermine your message. If you become aware of sounding cheeky, playfully acknowledge it and redirect the focus to a more serious tone.

5. Do Research

As you expand your retirement speech with additional content, consider supporting your claims and stories with research. While your personal experiences are inherently credible, verifying surrounding details adds a layer of factuality and gravitas to your message.

Grounding your anecdotes in verifiable truth can significantly enhance your credibility and persuasiveness, effectively driving your points home with greater impact.

For example, if you have a remarkable story from your work, you might consider speaking to others who were present to corroborate the events. This not only strengthens your story’s credibility but can also add more nuance and richness through their perspectives.

Writing Tip : Pepper your speech with specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your achievements and the impact you’ve made on the company. These personal accounts will resonate powerfully with your audience.

Public Speaking Tip : Leverage the presence of individuals you consulted during your research. Their involvement can amplify your claims and add weight to your stories, further solidifying your credibility and speech’s impact.

6. Organize Your Ideas

At this point, your script is becoming longer and longer, filled with memory-inducing details. Now, it can become a hot mess, so you need to make sure that you organize all the thoughts and stories you’ve written.

Group your ideas by theme and decide on the order in which you want to present them. This will help you to create a clear and logical structure for your speech.

Writing Tip : Perform mind mapping. It’s a visual brainstorming technique that can help you organize your thoughts effectively, especially when crafting a complex speech. There are many apps out there that provide helpful and intuitive mind mapping.

Public Speaking Tip : When delivering your speech, remember your well-organized writing plan! But also chunk your ideas, pause between chunks, and signpost your transitions.

7. Write Your Initial Draft

With your ideas nicely organized, you’re ready to write your initial draft. Start by making a memorable introduction that grabs your audience’s attention right away. This is your chance to set the stage and show your tone, whether it’s heartfelt, funny, or a bit of both.

Follow your outline and include personal stories, sincere thanks, and well-timed humor. Remember, balance is important. Your stories should highlight your journey, your thanks should feel genuine, and your humor should bring smiles without making light of the occasion.

Also, keep it short and sweet. Aim for a speech that holds the audience’s interest for about five to 10 minutes to leave a lasting impression. And most importantly, speak from the heart. Use a conversational tone, like you’re sharing these stories with old friends, which is basically what you’re going to do during a speech.

By the way, five to 10 minutes of speech is roughly equivalent to 1,000 to 2,000 words. As you can see, you have a lot of legroom.

Writing Tip: Keep it flexible. Your outline is a guide, not a rigid framework. Be open to modifying it as you write and rehearse your speech. Also, write in a way that feels natural to you, as if you were conversing with a friend.

Public Speaking Tip: Your first draft will likely evolve as you refine your ideas and practice your delivery. Don’t get attached to it or feel pressure to memorize it right away. Meanwhile, don’t get rid of your outline. Your outline serves as a valuable roadmap later, even after you’ve written the full speech. It can help you stay on track, remember key points, and maintain logical flow.

8. Edit And Revise

Depending on the time available, you can edit and revise your initial draft until you are satisfied with it. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and sincerity. Also, make sure to eliminate inappropriate lines and language.

Writing Tip : Read it aloud. Hearing your writing can help you identify clunky sentences and areas that need improvement.

Public Speaking Tip : Prepare key phrases and responses. Anticipate questions or situations where you might need to ad-lib. Some of your listeners may take a jab at you, ask questions, or try to humor you while you speak. It’s unavoidable. So, have prepared answers or transitions ready.

9. Practice Your Delivery

Practicing your delivery is still a part of the writing process. While reading your lines out loud may help you find awkward and even grammatically erroneous sentences and paragraphs, practicing your delivery can help you identify problems with pacing, length, and impact.

Rehearse your delivery several times before the big day and edit as you go. This not only familiarizes you with the content but also helps you avoid stumbles and deliver with confidence.

To ensure comfort and confidence on the big day, practice your delivery in front of a mirror or with a friend. Remember to time your speech to avoid exceeding or falling short of the allotted duration.

Writing Tip: Imagine the questions your audience might ask, especially for complex sections that could ignite their curiosity. By seamlessly incorporating answers within your speech, you can proactively clarify any potential doubts and maintain a smooth, uninterrupted flow.

Public Speaking Tip: Practice your pacing, tone, and gestures. Record yourself and watch the playback to identify areas where you can improve.

Elements Of An Amazing Farewell Retirement Speech

Though you’ve reached the end of the steps on how to write a great farewell retirement speech, chances are you haven’t begun writing yet (that’s a good thing!). Before diving in, be sure to consider these key elements for a truly amazing speech—aspects the previous section might have missed.

1. A Strong Opening

A powerful opening to your retirement speech isn’t just a formality; it’s a strategic move with several compelling advantages:

It suggests there are more interesting things to come and immediately draws the audience in.
It establishes your voice and personality, captivating them with a memorable start even if they already know you.
It raises anticipation and curiosity, leaving them eager to hear the rest of your story and the wisdom you’ll share.

Now, how do you translate this advice into an unforgettable start?

Begin with a memorable and attention-grabbing opening that sets the tone for the rest of your speech. This could be a funny retirement joke that breaks the ice and eases any tension, a personal anecdote that reveals a glimpse into your journey, or a retirement quote that resonates with your personality or your time at the company.

2. Gratitude

As a retiree, take a moment to express gratitude and appreciation to your colleagues, managers, and mentors. Thank the people who helped you along the way, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, guidance, and support. This act not only reinforces the positive relationships you’ve built but also showcases your deep appreciation for their contributions.

3. Achievement Highlights

While highlighting your achievements is a natural part of a retirement speech, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s why your speech offers so much more:

Retirement speeches offer a chance to reflect : bask in achievements, learn from challenges, and express gratitude—a rare mic drop without judgment.
Shine, but share the spotlight : Acknowledge mentors, teams, and the community you built. Focus on impactful accomplishments that inspire, not just accolades.
Balance triumphs with wisdom : Your speech becomes a testament—a farewell filled with gratitude, impact, and the enduring spirit of your career.

No need to fear self-promotion, but remember, don’t cross the line and brag about everything about yourself for more than you should.

Stories can be powerful tools for communication, helping to engage your audience. Choose stories that are relevant to your audience and effectively illustrate your points. Keep them brief and to the point, using them to highlight the impact of your work and the relationships you’ve built.

5. Memorable Moments

For a lighter touch, consider sharing a humorous anecdote that embodies your personality or your dedication to work. Choose something that resonates with you and your colleagues, allowing them to see you beyond just your professional achievements.

Some of the memorable moments you can try to include in your speech are the following:

A humorous yet relatable story : Share a light-hearted anecdote that showcases your personality and connects with the audience.
A significant challenge you overcame : Describe a moment when you faced adversity and emerged stronger, highlighting your resilience and problem-solving skills.
A touching moment of impact : Share a story where your work positively affected someone or the community, demonstrating the purpose and value you brought.

While it’s good to include a lot, remember that you don’t need to tell everything. Leave yourself and your audience some topics to discuss after the speech.

6. Well Wishes

Add heartfelt wishes to your retirement speech. They can make room for your speech to express your thanks, strengthen bonds with the audience, and provide positive closure. They can also capture your audience’s attention and inspire them.

Leave a lasting legacy of goodwill. Well-wishes, sprinkled with personalized mentions and optimism, show you value the relationships built. They warm your farewell and build camaraderie, creating a cherished memory for all.

7. Positivity

Making your speech positive allows you and others to celebrate triumphs more fully, embrace the future with optimism, and solidify bonds with the audience. It also creates a joyful atmosphere, which is something everybody would definitely appreciate.

Beyond these benefits, positivity simply feels good. It allows you to end your career on a high note, filled with joy and satisfaction. It also sets a positive precedent for your retirement, paving the way for new adventures and experiences.

8. Sincerity

Ticking off retirement speech boxes can be tempting, but it often leads to a calculated, formulaic monologue that falls flat. Authenticity, on the other hand, amplifies connections, creates a lasting impact, and sparks genuine inspiration.

Why? A heartfelt retirement or farewell speech isn’t a checklist; it’s an opportunity to express yourself honestly to celebrate your career with integrity. This unfiltered expression resonates with others, forging a genuine farewell that honors your achievements and strengthens your bonds.

Sincerity simply feels right and it can allow you to end your journey with grace and authenticity. This, more than anything, will leave a lasting impression, not just on those present, but on your own path ahead.

9. Concision

While “concision” may not be the most common word, it’s the secret ingredient for a captivating retirement speech. Avoid rambling detours and focus on the essence of your journey. It’s easy to get lost in memories, but prioritize the core moments and keep your audience enthralled.

As a rule of thumb, five minutes of speech is highly acceptable, but it’s okay to go longer than that as long as you don’t exceed 10 minutes. Remember, like a good host, leave them wanting more, not wishing for the end.

Injecting some humor into your retirement speech benefits both you and your audience. For starters, a well-timed joke can help dissolve your nervous tension, especially for those of us who aren’t seasoned public speakers. Beyond calming your nerves, humor can also forge a relatable connection with your listeners and leave a lasting positive impression.

Humor further enhances engagement by keeping the audience on their toes and invested in your message. And let’s be honest, a well-placed laugh can provide a welcome emotional release after recounting the trials and triumphs of your career.

While sharing the dramatic moments is valuable, a well-timed joke can lighten the mood and prevent tears (of boredom, of course!). Here are a few retirement speech jokes you may want to draw inspiration from:

Age-Related Humor : “Retirement isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Turns out, ‘early bird’ doesn’t mean waking up at 5 am anymore. Now it means getting the worm discount at Denny’s!”
Work-Life Balance Shift : “My colleagues keep asking me what my retirement plans are. Well, first I’m going to sleep for a week straight, then I’m going to spend another week figuring out how to turn off my email notifications forever!”
Time For Hobbies : “Finally retired! Now I have all the time in the world to do all those things I never had time for, like cleaning the garage… again… for the third time this week.”
Travel Plans (Or Not) : “They say retirement is all about traveling the world. Honestly, the furthest I plan on going is my neighbor’s hammock—it has a built-in margarita holder, you know.”
Goodbye Office Life : “Retirement isn’t just about leaving the office; it’s about leaving the office chair-induced back pain behind. Goodbye, ergonomic nightmare! Hello, comfy recliner!”

Conclude your address with a statement that resonates. Choose a funny retirement quote or expression that embodies the essence of your career and accomplishments, delivered with the gravitas of one taking their final bow. This final message will echo long after your speech is done.

11. Visuals

Elevate your retirement speech by utilizing visuals. With projectors and widescreen televisions now being common in homes and function halls, you can expect to have the opportunity to show some relevant pictures and videos, which can help with your speech.

Photos in a slideshow can illustrate key points and add engagement. Alternatively, create a fun tribute video featuring colleagues, family, and friends. If that sounds daunting, fear not! Here are some of my articles that can help you out with retirement slideshows and tribute videos and clips .

12. A Positive Note

Having a highly positive speech may not be possible. However, you should at least make sure that you end with a positive note.

Concluding your retirement speech on a positive note not only leaves everyone with a smile but also provides a profound sense of closure and satisfaction. This shared positivity extends beyond mere cheer as it serves a more profound purpose. It enables you to wrap up your career on a high note, filled with joy and contentment.

In essence, by ending on a positive and uplifting tone, you not only mark the end of one chapter but also signal the promising beginning of another, creating a seamless transition into the next phase of your life.

Farewell Retirement Speech Examples

Now that you’re familiar with the process of writing a farewell retirement speech and the crucial elements you can include, it’s time for some inspiring examples!

Please note that these examples are condensed for brevity and lack specific details. They’re meant to serve as adaptable templates, not ready-made speeches.

Without further ado, let’s explore these examples!

Retirement Speech For Retirees

Here’s a sample of a retirement speech by a retiree:

Good evening, everyone. I am truly honored to be standing here today, surrounded by my colleagues and friends, to celebrate my retirement. After many years of hard work and dedication, reflecting on my career and the many memories I’ve made along the way feels incredible. As I look back on my time with this company, I am struck by the many challenges and accomplishments that I’ve experienced. I’ve worked with some incredible people, faced some difficult obstacles, and come out on the other side as a stronger and more resilient person. I am especially grateful for the friendships and relationships that I’ve formed over the years. Working alongside such talented and committed individuals has been a privilege, and I know that the memories we’ve made together will last a lifetime. To my colleagues and managers, I want to express my deep appreciation for your guidance and support throughout my career. Your mentorship and advice have been invaluable to me, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from you. To those still working, I want to share a few words of wisdom I’ve learned throughout my career. First, never lose sight of your passion and your purpose. Your passion will keep you motivated and inspired and your purpose will guide your actions and decisions. Second, always remember the importance of teamwork and collaboration. None of us can achieve our goals alone, and only through working together can we make a real impact. Finally, I want to say thank you to everyone in attendance today. Your friendship and support have meant the world to me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you. I will miss you all dearly, but I am excited for the next chapter in my life. As I move on to the next phase of my journey, I feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. I know that retirement will bring its own set of challenges and adventures, and I am ready to embrace them with open arms. Again, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and friendship. Working alongside you has been an honor and a privilege, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together.

Retirement Speech For Teachers

Here’s a sample of a retirement speech by a retiring teacher:

Dear students, colleagues, and friends, I stand before you today with mixed emotions as I announce my retirement from teaching. After [insert number of years] years of being in the classroom, it’s time for me to step back and enjoy the fruits of my labor. As I reflect on my career, I’m filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. Teaching has been more than just a job for me. It has been a calling, a passion that has enriched my life in ways I never thought possible. To my students, I want to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. I have learned so much from you, and I hope that I have also imparted some knowledge and wisdom to you. Watching you grow and develop into successful adults has been the most rewarding part of my job. To my colleagues, I want to express my appreciation for the support and encouragement you have given me over the years. You have been more than just co-workers; you have been my friends and confidantes. I will miss our collaborations and discussions about teaching, but I’m excited to see what the future holds for you and the students. As I begin this new chapter in my life, I look forward to spending more time with my family, traveling, and pursuing other interests. But I will always remember the memories and experiences that I have gained from my time as a teacher. Thank you all for the wonderful years I have spent here, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Retirement Speech For Colleague

Here’s a sample retirement speech from a coworker:

Dear colleagues and friends, Today is a bittersweet day for all of us as we gather to celebrate the retirement of our esteemed colleague and friend [Retiree’s Name]. We’re here to honor [Retiree’s Name] and to acknowledge the incredible contributions [they/he/she] has made to our organization. It’s hard to imagine our workplace without [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been a constant presence here for [insert number of years] years and has played a pivotal role in shaping the culture and success of our team. [Retiree’s Name] has always been a person who leads by example. [He/She] is hardworking, committed, and always willing to lend a helping hand. [He/She] has inspired all of us to be better colleagues and better people. [His/Her] dedication to our team and our mission is something we will always remember. As [Retiree’s Name] begins a new chapter in [his/her] life, we want to express our deepest gratitude for all [he/she] has done for us. [His/Her] hard work, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our team will be greatly missed. [Retiree’s Name], we wish you all the best in your retirement. We hope you will take this opportunity to relax, travel, spend time with your family and friends, and pursue everything you’ve always wanted to do. Know that you leave a lasting legacy here, and you will always be a part of our team. Thank you for being such an amazing colleague, mentor, and friend. We will miss you dearly. Congratulations on your retirement!

Retirement Speech For A Retiree Given By A Friend

Here’s a sample retirement speech from a friend:

Dear [Retiree’s Name], As I stand before you today, I feel both joy and sadness. Joy, because I’m so happy for you as you embark on your retirement journey, and sadness because I know our time together will be more limited. But today is about celebrating you, my friend, and I’m honored to have this opportunity to do so. You have been my true friend over the years, and I’m grateful for the memories we’ve shared. We’ve been through a lot from our college days to our careers. And now, as you retire, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in all that you’ve accomplished. Your work has always been a source of inspiration to me. I have watched you dedicate yourself to your profession, and your passion and commitment have always been evident. Your work has touched so many lives, and you leave a legacy of excellence that will be hard to match. But as much as I admire your professional accomplishments, what I treasure most about our friendship is the person you are. You have always been a kind, caring, and loyal friend. Your wit, humor, and wisdom have enriched my life countless times. As you move into this new phase of your life, I hope you’ll take some time to reflect on all that you’ve achieved. But more importantly, I hope you’ll savor the simple pleasures of life—time with loved ones, new experiences, and the chance to pursue hobbies and interests that may have taken a back seat to work. So my dear friend, as you retire, know that you leave behind a legacy of excellence, friendship, and inspiration. You will be missed, but your impact will live on. Congratulations on your retirement, and I wish you all the happiness in the world.

Retirement Speech For Employee From A Boss Or Colleague

Here’s a sample corporate retirement speech for an employee from a boss or colleague:

Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we’re here to celebrate the retirement of one of our most dedicated and hardworking employees, [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been an integral part of our team for [insert number of years] years, and we’re all sad to see [him/her] go. [Retiree’s Name] has been a true asset to our company. [His/Her] hard work, leadership, and innovative thinking have helped us achieve some of our most important goals. [His/Her] contributions to our team and our mission will be missed. As [Retiree’s Name] moves into retirement, we want to express our deep gratitude for all that [he/she] has done for our company. [He/She] has played a key role in making us the successful organization we are today, and [his/her] influence will be felt for years to come. But beyond [Retiree’s Name]’s professional achievements, [he/she] has been a valued colleague and friend to many of us. [His/Her] kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others have left a lasting impression on all of us. [Retiree’s Name], thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to our company. You leave behind a legacy of excellence that will inspire us for years to come. We wish you all the best as you move into this new chapter of your life. We hope you will take this opportunity to relax, spend time with your loved ones, and pursue everything you’ve always wanted to do. We will miss you dearly, but we’re excited to see what the future holds for you. Congratulations on your retirement, and have fun!

Retirement Speech For Boss From An Employee Or Another Boss

Here’s a sample of a retirement speech for a boss:

Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the retirement of one of the most esteemed leaders in our organization, [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been an integral part of our team for [insert number of years] years, and [he/she] will be greatly missed. [Retiree’s Name] has been an outstanding boss and mentor to all of us. [His/Her] vision, leadership, and passion have helped us achieve some of our most important goals. [His/Her] contributions to our team and our mission have been immeasurable. As a boss, [Retiree’s Name] has inspired us all to improve. [His/Her] ability to lead by example, challenge us to achieve our full potential, and create a culture of excellence has been remarkable. [His/Her] wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on our organization and every one of us. But beyond [Retiree’s Name]’s professional accomplishments, [he/she] has been a valued colleague and friend to many of us. [His/Her] kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others have left a lasting impression on all of us. [Retiree’s Name], thank you for your tireless work and unwavering commitment to our organization. You have left an indelible mark on our company and our lives, and we are forever grateful for all that you have done for us. As you move into retirement, we hope you will take this opportunity to relax, spend time with your loved ones, and pursue all the things you’ve always wanted to do. We know that you will continue to inspire and lead in whatever you do next, and we wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life. Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for everything.

Retirement Speech For Principals From Teachers Or School Staff

Here’s a sample retirement speech for a principal from teachers or school staff:

Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we gather to celebrate the retirement of one of the most distinguished and accomplished principals to ever lead our school, [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been an integral part of our school community for [insert number of years] years, and [he/she] will be greatly missed. As a principal, [Retiree’s Name] has been more than just a leader. [He/She] has been a mentor, a role model, and a champion for our students, faculty, and staff. [His/Her] unwavering commitment to excellence, [his/her] tireless work ethic, and [his/her] dedication to our school have left an indelible mark on our community. Under [Retiree’s Name]’s leadership, our school has thrived. [He/She] has implemented innovative programs, embraced new technologies, and fostered a culture of learning and growth that has inspired us all. [His/Her] ability to connect with students and staff on a personal level, to listen to their concerns, and to provide guidance and support has made [him/her] one of the most beloved leaders in our school. But [Retiree’s Name]’s impact goes far beyond our school walls. [He/She] has been an active member of our community, serving on boards, volunteering, and always striving to make our city a better place. [His/Her] leadership and vision have profoundly impacted our entire community, and [he/she] will be remembered as one of the most outstanding educators and leaders of our time. [Retiree’s Name], we want to thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to our school and our community. You have left a lasting legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire future generations of students, faculty, and staff . As you embark on this next phase of your life, we hope you will take some time to reflect on all that you’ve accomplished. You have touched so many lives, and your impact will be felt for years to come. Congratulations on your retirement, and have a happy, healthy, and joyful retired life.

Retirement Speech For Father From Children

Here’s a retirement speech example for your father:

Good evening, everyone. Today, we come together to celebrate a very special man—my father—[Retiree’s Name]. After [insert number of years] years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, my father has decided to retire. For as long as I can remember, my father has been the hardest-working man I know. He has always put his family first, and he has sacrificed so much to provide for us. Through his tireless work and unwavering commitment, my father has built a legacy of strength, determination, and love that will live on for generations. As a father, my dad has been my rock. He has been there for me through thick and thin, always providing a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and a guiding hand. His wisdom, compassion, and selflessness have helped shape me into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for his love and support. Now that my father is retiring, I know that he will finally have the chance to relax and enjoy his well-deserved retirement. I am excited to see him explore new hobbies, travel the world, and spend more time with his us. Dad, on behalf of our family, I want to thank you for all that you have done for us. You have been an amazing father, provider, and role model, and we are so proud of all that you have accomplished. You have left an indelible mark on our lives, and we will always cherish the memories we’ve shared and the memories to come. As you enter this next phase of your life, know that we are here for you and support you. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you, and we know that you will continue to inspire and lead in whatever you do next. Congratulations on your retirement, Dad, and thank you for everything.

Retirement Speech For Mom From Children

Here’s a sample retirement speech for a mother from her children:

Welcome, everyone. Today, we gather to celebrate a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to her family and her career—my mother—[Retiree’s Name]. After [insert number of years] years of hard work, sacrifice, and devotion, my mother has decided to retire. As a mother, my mom has been an inspiration to us all. She has always put her family first, sacrificing so much to provide for us, support us, and love us unconditionally. Through her unwavering commitment and dedication, my mother has built a legacy of strength, resilience, and compassion that will live on for generations. As a professional, my mother has been a true leader. She has dedicated her career to [insert profession], making a profound impact on the lives of so many people. Her expertise, innovation, and passion have inspired colleagues, mentees, and students alike, and she will be remembered as one of the most outstanding professionals in her field. Now that my mother is retiring, I know that she will finally have the chance to relax and enjoy [her/his] well-deserved retirement. I am excited to see her explore new hobbies, travel the world, and spend more time with her loved ones. Mom, on behalf of our family, I want to thank you for all that you have done for us. You have been an amazing mother, provider, and role model, and we are so proud of all that you have accomplished. You have left an indelible mark on our lives, and we will always cherish the memories we’ve shared. As you enter this next phase of your life, know that we are here for you and support you. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Make sure to kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Congratulations Mom. You deserve a happy, healthy, and joyful retirement.

Retirement Speech For Retired Military Personnel

Here’s an example of a military retirement speech by a retiree:

Good afternoon, everyone. As I stand here today, I am filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, I am excited for the next chapter in my life, but on the other hand, I am sad to be leaving behind the military family that has become such a big part of my life. After [number] years of service, it is time for me to hang up my uniform and retire. When I first joined the military, I could never have imagined the incredible experiences that were in store for me. I have had the privilege of serving alongside some of the finest men and women this country has to offer. Together, we have faced countless challenges, from training exercises to deployments to combat missions. Through it all, I have learned the true meaning of teamwork and the importance of trust, loyalty, and dedication. I would like to take a moment to thank my fellow service members for their unwavering support and camaraderie. You have made my time in the military unforgettable, and I am honored to have served alongside every one of you. I would also like to thank my family for their constant love and encouragement. Your sacrifices and support have made it possible for me to pursue my dreams and proudly serve my country. Without you, I would not be where I am today. As I prepare to transition to civilian life, I am excited about what the future holds. I look forward to spending more time with my loved ones, pursuing new interests and hobbies, and positively impacting my community. I want to express my gratitude to the military for allowing me to serve my country and make a difference in the world. Working alongside you has been an honor and a privilege, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together. Thank you, and goodbye!

Retirement Speech For Retired Military Personnel From Another Personnel

Here’s a sample military retirement speech for a retiree:

Dear [Retiree’s name], Today, we gather to honor and celebrate your years of dedicated service to our country. You have served with distinction, and we are grateful for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Throughout your career, you have demonstrated the qualities that define the best of the military: loyalty, honor, and selflessness. You have sacrificed much, spent long hours away from your loved ones, and faced danger with courage and resolve. Your service has made a real difference, and we are proud to have served alongside you. But now, as you enter this new phase of your life, we know you will continue to impact the world. You will apply the lessons you learned in the military to whatever path you choose next. You will inspire others with your example, just as you have inspired us. As you leave the service, we want you to know that you will always be a part of our military family. We will remember your contributions, and we will be here for you whenever you need us. On behalf of everyone here, I want to thank you for your service and wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement. May the years ahead be filled with joy, adventure, and the satisfaction of a life well-lived. Congratulations!

A farewell retirement speech is more than just a formality. It’s a meaningful moment for saying goodbye, reflecting on your journey, and connecting with your colleagues, friends, and family.

When you retire, you often get one chance to share your story, which is through your retirement speech. Take this unique opportunity to make your story known and leave a lasting impression on everyone. To do so, follow the steps and suggestions mentioned earlier. Also, feel free to use the examples provided and add your own experiences and personality to them.

If you want to learn more about retiree life and get extra insights, check out my website for more relevant content.

In 2021 we sold our house and most of our belongings and hit the road to travel full time and enjoy our retirement. We spent 2 years full time in an RV traveling the United States. Recently we left the US for travel abroad and we can be found on the beaches and cities of SE Asia.

The little-known loophole that boosts teachers’ pensions by thousands of pounds

Educators can benefit from opting out of their retirement scheme for 30 days

Almost half a million teachers in England and Wales could get tens of thousands of pounds more in their pension if they use a little-known loophole, analysis suggests.

Teachers in the profession before 2012, which records show was over 440,000, could be unaware that they could boost their retirement income by opting out of their pension for just 30 days.

These teachers are part of the final salary scheme, but even though it’s now closed, they’re still entitled to have the latest years in their career considered when their pension income is calculated – often when their salaries are highest.

But not every teacher earns more at the end of their career, and those who don’t could really hurt their pension unless they get those early years considered as well.

This is where the loophole comes in, and with the teacher median salary already up to £41,604 in England and £42,869 in Wales, and many earning much more, not using it could cost a huge amount in retirement.

Teacher pensions have changed

Teachers in the pension scheme before 2007 retired at 60 with a proportion of their “average salary” as an annual income for life. This was either their final wage, or an average of the highest consecutive three from the previous 10 – whichever was more.

They accrued one 80th of this for every year they made pension contributions, plus a tax-free lump sum of three times that amount.

In 2007, the retirement age increased to 65. The lump sum was removed, but teachers now accrued one 60th – meaning more per year.

Both schemes stopped in 2015, but pre-2012 members could accrue more 80ths or 60ths until 2022. Whichever pension teachers have, it increases annually with inflation.

The loophole that could net teachers thousands

Normally, any salaries from over 10 years ago aren’t considered for a teacher’s final pension calculation.

However, anyone who doesn’t leave the profession for more than five years can easily get around this. All they have to do is opt out of their pension for one month, then opt back in.

This freezes the entire previous decade, allowing those years to now be taken into consideration whenever they retire.

Teachers can keep freezing 10-year periods by repeatedly opting out. It’s called the hypothetical calculation.

The retiree will automatically get the highest amount from their last salary or any three consecutive years from all those available periods. Earlier salaries will be used if they’re higher, and given they all have inflation added every single year up to retirement, they often are.

Dave Fountain, himself a former teacher, came across the loophole by “talking to older and wiser heads who’d been through it.”

He said: “I found it late because I wasn’t looking. I lost about £6,000 from my lump sum and £2,000 a year from my pension, more now with inflation. You think ‘if I keep paying in, it must get better’. But you can end up paying less, by taking a month out, and you can get more. It’s about looking at the rules and seeing what they do.”

He’s since dedicated hours of his time to setting up a website and helping other people unlock more for their pension.

“One lady was in a position where her pension was going down. She said she needed to get to £15,000 a year then she could leave,” Mr Fountain said.

During the conversation, she broke down in tears because she couldn’t get out of teaching until she hit her milestone. He asked her to send a pension statement, which provides an estimate of a teacher’s pension income.

“She had one of these breaks, but it wasn’t included in the statement. I went through the figures and her pension was £16,000, 20pc higher than the statement and over her target.

“I said ‘don’t take my word for it, get confirmation’. She did, and handed in her resignation.

“People are making decisions based on data that isn’t correct.”

Dave has heard countless more examples, with significant sums involved.

If someone started in 1982 at 20, worked 30 years, became a head teacher in London and topped the payscale, by 2012 their salary could have hit £108,069.

If they then stepped down and moved to the countryside to work their last 10 years as a classroom teacher in a more relaxed, small school, their annual pension could drop as low as £20,850, with a lump sum of £62,550, due to their new lower salary.

If they’d simply opted out for a month in 2012, it could be boosted to £47,884 and a £143,652 lump sum.

Better still, if they’d opted out for a month in 2019, just as the highest paying years of 2009-12 were about to be removed from consideration, inflation is added and it becomes £59,057, with £177,170 as a lump sum.

As with all pensions, it all depends on your circumstances. Asked what his one message to all teachers would be, Mr Fountain said: “Do your research. Look at how the scheme works, work out where your best salaries are and see if you need to take action to protect them.”

Justin Corliss, of investment firm Royal London, said: “Members of the teachers’ pension scheme should be aware of ‘hypothetical calculations’, designed to preserve final salary pension benefits if their pensionable salary reduces later in their career.

“The scheme should carry these out automatically where applicable, but it’s advisable to check with the scheme if they’re in any doubt.”

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Retired Pa. teacher, Boy Scout troop leader arrested for unlawful sexual contact with a student

A Delaware County man has been arrested and charged for sexually abusing a child while he worked as a Boy Scout troop leader and as a teacher at a boarding school, officials said.

Keith Steininger, 68, worked as a teacher at Girard College for 41 years before retiring in July of 2022. While at Girard College , he served as a troop leader for the school's Boy Scout troop.

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Officials say that on Jan. 25, 2024, the foster parent of a child who had attended Girard College called Upland Borough Police to report the assault after the child told her about it.

The child told their foster parent that he had been assaulted over the course of two years by Steininger between 2018 and 2022. The victim was between 11 and 13 years of age at the time of the incidents.

Resources for victims of sexual assault are available through the National Sexual Violence Resources Center and the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673 .

The foster parent told authorities that the child said he had been touched in his "private parts" while he was staying with Steininger as he was acting as his teacher and Boy Scout troop leader.

"The defendant in this case worked with children, many of whom were particularly vulnerable by virtue of coming to Girard through the foster care system, for more than 41 years. He was placed in a position of particular respect by becoming a Boy Scout troop leader. It is both heartbreaking and deeply disturbing that such an individual would take advantage of a vulnerable child,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer.

The alleged abuse stopped one the child was no longer at Girard College and he stopped spending time at Steininger's home.

Then, on Feb. 27, 2024, officials say the child victim handed over text messages between himself and Steininger during an interview with detectives where the child also gave more information into what happened.

On April 11, Steininger admitted to the sexual contact and gave the victim an apology during a phone call.

In a statement shared with NBC10, Girard president David Hardy said they learned of the allegations against Steininger on Tuesday: "I am shocked and angered by these deeply troubling allegations, and the College has pledged our full cooperation with Delaware County law enforcement officials in their continuing investigation of this case."

The college "is offering counselling and other support services for all students and families who request them," Hardy said. "We will continue to keep our families updated about this matter as we learn more in the days to come."

The Boy Scouts' Cradle of Liberty Council said they ended Steininger's membership upon learning of the allegations Tuesday.

"The BSA and Cradle of Liberty Council will cooperate with law enforcement as requested," the organization said.

"Steininger has been suspended from Scouting and will no longer be permitted to register or participate in the Boy Scouts of America in any capacity. Anyone with information on Steininger’s actions are encouraged to call the Upland Police Department at 610-872-3040, extension 207.

"Police have indicated that there is no suspected connection between Scouting and Steininger’s actions at this time. Steininger had valid credentials for BSA’s Youth Protection Training, Pennsylvania’s Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance and a Federal Bureau of Investigations Criminal History Clearance."

Steininger was charged with sexual contact with a student, indecent assault of a person less than 13, unlawful contact with a minor, endangering the welfare of a child, and related offenses.

Steininger was being held at a Delaware County jail on $250,000 bail. He will have a preliminary hearing on May 2. Online court records don't list an attorney who could comment on his behalf.

District Attorney Stollsteimer said that investigators believe there could be more victims of Steininger.

If you have any information, please call the Upland Police Department at 610-872-3040 extension 207 or Detective Sergeant Steven Bannar of the Criminal Investigations Division at 610-891-4118.

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Keith Steininger has been arrested for alleged sexual contact with a minor

Jack Edwards, longtime Bruins play-by-play announcer, to retire after season

BOSTON - NOVEMBER 6: NESN Bruins broadcaster Jack Edwards is pictured in the booth high above the TD Garden ice. The Boston Bruins hosted the Edmonton Oilers in a regular season NHL game at the TD Garden. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

Boston Bruins play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards will retire after this season, he announced Tuesday. He has called Bruins games for NESN for 19 seasons.

Jack, you have been the voice of a golden era of Bruins hockey. Over the course of two decades, you brought passion and authenticity to the NESN broadcast each night as you narrated so many unforgettable moments and memories for B’s fans across New England. As you enter your… pic.twitter.com/TBQ1Hv9FMT — x – Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) April 16, 2024

Edwards, 67, has been struggling with his speech for the last two seasons. Edwards’ doctors have not been able to diagnose his issue. Edwards’ condition has not allowed him to keep up with the pace of play. He is at full health otherwise.

“In collaboration with Bruins and NESN leadership, I recently decided that the time has come for me to finish my shift as the voice of the Boston Bruins,” Edwards said in a statement. “I am no longer able to attain the standards I set for myself, to honor the fans, the players, the Bruins organization and NESN with the best they all deserve.”

The colorful and cheery Edwards established himself as one of the NHL ’s most unique play-by-play announcers. He did not hold back in his enthusiasm for the Bruins in his calls. Boston’s opponents and officials often landed in Edwards’ verbal crosshairs. He had one of his most infamous run-ins with current Bruin Pat Maroon , then with the Tampa Bay Lightning , over the power forward’s playing condition.

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The University of New Hampshire graduate also worked for ESPN and Boston’s WCVB-TV prior to working at NESN.

“Congratulations to Jack Edwards on a tremendous career,” Bruins coach Jim Montgomery said. “Personally disappointed he’s retiring. But (I’m) really happy for him. He’s a Bruins icon and a big part of the Black and Gold’s tradition with what he’s done over a tremendous career.”

Alex Faust, the former Los Angeles Kings play-by-play announcer, has filled in for Edwards on occasion this season. Faust is a Northeastern graduate who currently lives in New York. Faust could be the leading candidate to replace Edwards next to analyst Andy Brickley.

NESN concludes its regular-season coverage Tuesday when Boston hosts the Ottawa Senators . NESN will air first-round games that are not claimed by ABC, ESPN or TNT.

You can buy tickets to every NHL game here .

Required reading

Inside the Bruins TV booth, where Jack Edwards is at home in the role he was born for

(Photo: Jim Davis / The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

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Fluto Shinzawa is a senior writer for The Athletic covering the Boston Bruins. He has covered the team since 2006, formerly as a staff writer for The Boston Globe. Follow Fluto on Twitter @ flutoshinzawa

woman killed

74-year-old shot to death in her senior living apartment, but management has yet to tell neighbors

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A retired teacher was identified as the 74-year-old woman found shot to death inside a senior living facility in west Houston.

According to the Houston Police Department, Carol Webber was found shot to death on the floor of her apartment at the Treemont Senior Living Community at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Police said there were no suspects or a motive.

Several people who live at the senior living center and family members told ABC13 this was the first time they heard of a shooting, and management has not notified them.

One woman told ABC13 she knew Webber, who claimed someone knocked on her door during late hours.

Residents and their family members demanded answers with a suspect on the loose and little transparency.

Brandy Demeris, whose mother lives there, said she trusts the facility.

"If there was actually a shooting here and they are aware of it, and they would have to be, I would be incredibly upset and would consider moving my mother, hearing they wouldn't let families know or the residents," Demeris said.

ABC13 contacted Treemont Senior Living about whether security was increased, the concerns about someone knocking on doors late at night, and why residents weren't notified. A spokesperson said they have no comment.

"The majority of people I have come into contact with, who live here, are alone and are borderline needing assisted living, more or less someone to check on them," Demeris said. "I would say Treemont has been pretty good with keeping up with them, but this could be completely swept under the rug without these people knowing."

ABC13 has requested calls for service at the location over the last few weeks.

According to the victim's family, Webber's siblings haven't spoken to her in years, but they also want answers about what happened.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS .

For updates on this story, follow Brooke Taylor on Facebook , X and Instagram .

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COMMENTS

Retirement speech sample
Retirement speech sample. By: Susan Dugdale | Last modified: 04-18-2021 Refusing to rest honorably - a teacher's farewell address. The retirement speech sample below was written to show you the end result of using the step by step guidelines I put together on 'how to write a retirement speech' and, to find out just how long it took to follow my own advice!
Write A Memorable Retirement Speech For A Teacher: A Detailed Guide
If you're looking for templates instead of a long guide, I suggest that you visit that page as well. Table of Contents. Elements Of A Memorable Retirement Speech For A Teacher. 1. Start With A Strong Opening. 2. Express Your Heartfelt Gratitude. 3. Celebrate The Teacher's Impact.
Best Farewell Speech for a Retiring Teacher (as a Student)
What to Say in a Retirement Speech for a Teacher . Clarity: Avoid the use of ambiguous words. Write sentences that have the same meaning to you and your audience. It should be clear and understandable enough. Short and simple sentences: Don't make your sentences too long; rather, use fewer words to convey your message. Remember to include ...
More Than Goodbye: Your Guide to Writing a Heartfelt Farewell Speech
Farewell Speech For A Teacher Templates And Examples. Armed with the essential elements for crafting a moving farewell speech for your teacher, dive into our collection of templates and examples tailored to various relationships. Find the perfect starting point to weave your unique tribute. Farewell Speech For A Teacher From A Student
Retirement Speech For Teacher
Long Speech On Retirement Speech For Teacher. Greetings to the principal, teachers, and my fellow mates. To honour Mr. Singh's farewell, we have convened here today. We've gathered at this location to say goodbye to our beloved teacher. This is a great chance to express gratitude for our teacher.
Retirement Speech by a Teacher
Think back to an unexpected teaching moment that became a valuable life lesson for your students. Crafting the perfect retirement speech as a teacher is about honoring your journey, the lives you've touched, and the legacy you leave behind. Let this template guide you, and may your words inspire and resonate with all. Retirement & Farewells.
Example Of A Farewell Speech For A Retiring Teacher Colleague
Template A Farewell from a Student. Good morning, everyone. I am here today to say goodbye to Mr. Lee, who is retiring after 20 years of teaching math at this school. Mr. Lee, you are one of the best teachers I have ever had. You have made math fun, easy and interesting for me and for many other students.
Tips for Giving a Great Farewell / Retirement Speech for a Teacher
6. Close With Thanks and Retirement Wishes. You'd be surprised how many times I've seen a solid speech sputter out at the end, or close in an awkward way that lessens the impact. Be prepared and keep it simple by doing two things: Thank them for their contribution to the school. (again - emphasize contribution!)
How to Write a Retirement Speech for a Teacher
The Neuron is a daily AI newsletter that tracks the latest AI trends and tools you need to know. Join 250,000+ professionals from top companies like Microsoft, Apple, Salesforce and more. 100% FREE. Retirement speeches are a beautiful way to honor and celebrate the career of a beloved teacher. However, crafting a memorable and meaningful speech ...
Retirement Speech For A Teacher
How to Record a Retired Teacher's Speech . Maybe you should give a retired teacher's speech? In your head. Here are some tips for writing a retirement speech for teachers: 1) Plan Ahead . Before you write, make sure you have enough time to plan and prepare your speech. Make a rough outline by writing down the main points you want to address.
Example of a Farewell Speech for a Retiring Teacher Colleague
Farewell Speech for Teacher Retiring in English. Good Morning, My Dear Colleagues, Today, we have gathered here to bid farewell to our exceptional teacher and a mentor who retired from active service. Yet, today, I realized how time flies. It gives me immense pleasure to say that (mention the name of the teacher) has taught us a lot about ...
Farewell Speech for Teacher
The body of the speech includes: Factual experiences should be shared. A positive message should be passed. The outstanding contributions and achievements made to the school by that particular teacher. The duration of that teacher has spent. Dont forget to add some humor in your farewell speech. Question 2.
How to Write a Memorable Retirement Speech + Examples
Follow this guide to write a memorable retirement speech, whether for yourself, a friend, or colleague. We use cookies to improve your experience. By accepting, you agree to our Cookie Policy. Learn about ... For a teacher. Throughout Mrs. Anderson's career, she has taught approximately 2,300 students. That means she has graded more than ...
40 Tips To Give The Best Retirement Speech (+ Examples)
9) Speak From The Heart. Speak from the heart, and let your genuine emotions shine through. This will help to make the speech more authentic and engaging. Don't be afraid to show your appreciation and admiration for the retiree, and express your heartfelt congratulations and well-wishes.
Retirement Farewell Speech
Long Retirement Farewell Speech. Good morning everyone! Today we all have gathered here to celebrate the career of our beloved teacher and mentor, Mr. Shah. Today he will be bidding farewell to us after 25 years of service to this institution. Mr. Shah is the best when it comes to teaching.
85 Emotional Quotes and Tribute to a Retiring Teacher by Students and
Retirement Speech for Teacher by Principal. 76. Your retirement marks the end of a distinguished teaching career, and we want you to know that your contributions to our school and its students will never be forgotten. 77. Your dedication to the craft of teaching has been truly awe-inspiring, and the profound influence you have had on the lives ...
Farewell Speech for Teachers by Students in English
The long Farewell Speech For Teacher is useful for students in grades 7-12. Hello everyone, respected principal, teachers, and my dear friends, we are gathered here today to bid farewell to a highly valuable teacher Mr./Ms. (Name) who has given 20 years (mention the number of years of the respective teacher) of service to this school and is ...
60 of the Best Retirement Messages for Teachers
Happy retirement! The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, "The children are now working as if I did not exist.". Maria Montessori. Enjoy your retirement secure in the knowledge that you have made a huge difference to (name of school/college) and the many students you have taught over the years.
Farewell Speech to a Teacher by Student
Are you looking for the best farewell speech to a teacher by a student? You are in the right place! This video provides you with the best retirement speech ...
Farewell Speech for a Teacher by a Teacher
Want to have a farewell Speech for a Teacher by a teacher? You are in the right place! This video provides you with the best Retirement speech for a teacher...
How To Deliver An Unforgettable Retirement Speech For A Colleague (With
1. Prepare A Skit. Adding a skit is an excellent way of making a retirement speech memorable. The theme for the skit can be anything. However, make sure it's relevant to the retiring person's life. A good idea is to structure the skit around some memorable incident from the person's time at the workplace.
A Small, Common Sign Sparks A First Amendment Fight
A fine of just over a hundred dollars might seem like a small thing to some people, but our free speech rights are worth defending over even minor violations by the government. Imagine if the ...
Commonwealth of Kindness
The idea for "Tutor Time" came along when June and Janice noticed that because of COVID-19, students were needing extra help.
Retired teacher found shot to death in apartment at senior ...
Police say 74-year-old Carol Webber, a retired teacher, was found shot to death at 2:30 p.m. Saturday on the floor of her apartment at the Treemont Senior Living Community in Houston. There are no ...
Guide On How To Write An Amazing Retirement Speech With Examples
1. Plan Ahead. Before diving into your farewell retirement speech, ensure you have ample time to plan and prepare. Create a rough outline beforehand, jotting down key points you want to cover. Some crucial points you may want to prioritize in your draft outline: The beginning: Reflect on your early days in the company.
The little-known loophole that boosts teachers' pensions by thousands
Educators can benefit from opting out of their retirement scheme for 30 days. Almost half a million teachers in England and Wales could get tens of thousands of pounds more in their pension if ...
Aspiring teachers react to new teaching laws
Aspiring teachers react to new teaching laws. Updated: 23 minutes ago. While student-teachers say the increased minimum starting salary for educators is a step in the right direction, they believe ...
Retired Pa. teacher, Boy Scout troop leader arrested for unlawful ...
Keith Steininger, 68, worked as a teacher at Girard College for 41 years before retiring in July of 2022. While at Girard College, he served as a troop leader for the school's Boy Scout troop.
Jack Edwards, longtime Bruins play-by-play announcer, to retire after
Apr 16, 2024. 244. Boston Bruins play-by-play announcer Jack Edwards will retire after this season, he announced Tuesday. He has called Bruins games for NESN for 19 seasons. Jack, you have been ...
Houston retired teacher murder: Treemont Senior Living residents only
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A retired teacher was identified as the 74-year-old woman found shot to death inside a senior living facility in west Houston. According to the Houston Police Department ...