A retiring teacher’s keepsake can carry the faces of the students who made the year special. Organize a class-shirt tribute for the farewell celebration, with drawings made by the children and wording checked by a trusted adult coordinator.
Artwork ideas for a personal farewell
These existing class-shirt samples show a self-portrait layout and a handprint approach. Use them to choose how your students will contribute to the tribute.
A farewell idea from an existing customer
“We just received our t-shirt order and I have reviewed the sizes and count. They look great. Thank you so much! The classes of the retiring teachers are going to wear them next week for a luncheon.”
– Sylvia L.
Read more teacher experiences with Classroom Faces.
Decide who is included in the tribute
The teacher’s current class
A portrait from each child keeps the project tied to the group the teacher knows now. Assign one adult to collect drawings and sizes, and arrange a make-up opportunity for absences.
Several classes, staff or former students
Decide who will contribute before collecting artwork. Ask us about the proposed layout and quantities so the artwork and order structure are clear.
For a surprise, choose the adult contact carefully
If you are keeping the celebration a surprise, choose an adult organizer who can receive the order communication and proof. Use that person’s correct contact information on the form, and make sure they can review wording and respond to questions. Confirm the teacher’s preferred name, school name and any farewell wording before mailing. Agree on any special communication request with the team before submitting the order.
Separate the teacher gift from the group quantities
Decide whether the plan is for students to wear shirts at the farewell, for a teacher gift, or both. Check current minimums and small-order charges before collecting money. The free teacher-shirt offer applies to orders with 15 or more paid shirts and must be claimed when submitted; follow the form instructions. A retirement occasion does not create an additional discount or change those requirements.
Prepare the drawings and the farewell schedule
- For portraits, choose one template size and read the directions before the activity.
- For young children, review the handprint instructions before choosing supplies.
- Use an editable parent letter if families are ordering shirts; keep individual sizes and responses private.
- Allow time before the farewell for inbound mailing, processing, adult proof review and shipping. Ask about a specific celebration date before promising it.
Ordering resources for this project
For quantities and product requirements, review pricing and the complete FAQs. Read the instructions on the order forms page before selecting either the PDF or Excel form. Students create the artwork on paper; an adult mails the original drawings and completed packet, then reviews the layout proof before printing.