- Introduction
- The Basics
- Job Description
- Average Salaries
- Job Outlook
- Take the Quiz
- Applying for the Job
- Using Your Education Degree
- Teaching Skills for Resumes
- Sample Reference Letter
- Sample Cover Letter
- Interview Questions and Answers
- Explain Your Teaching Philosophy
- Teaching Jobs
- Finding a Position
- Top Jobs in Education
- Substitute Teacher
- Music Teacher
- Special Education
- School Principal
- Other Jobs
It’s an honor when a teaching colleague asks for a reference, but do you know how to write one? Or maybe you’re the one applying for a job, and you need to request a reference letter for a teaching job. In either case, knowing how to write a reference letter, and having a sample, will come in handy. Read on for advice on writing a recommendation letter for a teacher, and review the sample as well.
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How to Use a Reference Letter Sample
If you’re writing a letter for a teacher, use this sample to guide your own writing. A letter sample can help you decide what kind of content you should include in your letter, as well as how to format it.
While letter samples are a great starting point for your own letter, you should always tailor a letter to fit the particular person you are writing the letter for, and the information he or she asks you to include.
If you’re requesting a reference letter for a teaching position from a colleague or previous boss, you might send this reference letter sample to the writer to help guide their own letter.
Be sure to also provide them with clear instructions on what information you need them to include and give them a resume or list of your skills and experiences to help them write the letter.
You don’t want them to simply copy and paste the sample reference letter.
In fact, there are a number of things think about when asking someone for a letter of reference for a teaching job. Review guidelines for requesting a reference letter before you ask your references to endorse you.
Tips on Writing a Reference Letter for a Teacher
Follow business letter format. Use official business letter format when writing your letter of recommendation. If time is of the essence, you might consider sending a recommendation email instead of a letter.
Focus on the job description. Ask the person for whom you’re writing the letter for a copy of the job posting or job description. This way, you can focus on the requirements of the position while you write. Try to include language from the job description in your letter. Even if you’re writing a more general recommendation, you can still ask the person about the types of teaching jobs they’re interested in (i.e. what teaching positions, what kinds of schools).
Include specific examples. In the letter, provide examples of ways in which the person demonstrated various positive traits in the past. If possible, use numbers to quantify their successes. For example, “Under Mr. Smith’s guidance, our students’ state test scores improved in Biology by 20 percent.”
Remain positive. When you write the letter of recommendation, be sure to state that you believe this person is a strong candidate. You might say something like “I recommend Ms. Johnson without reservation,” or “I would hire Mrs. Smith again if I could.” You want to help this candidate stand out among all the other prospective candidates.
Share your contact information. Provide a way for the employer to contact you if they have further questions. Include your email address, telephone number, or both. If your reference is in business letter format, your contact information will be at the top of the letter. If you are sending an email reference letter, include your contact information below your typed signature.
Follow the submission guidelines. Ask the person, for whom you’re writing the reference, how to submit the letter. You may be asked to email it or upload it online. Make sure you follow any requirements, especially about where to send it and when, as well as the format (for example, PDF, physical letter, etc.). Make sure you have the correct address or email address.
Sample Reference Letter for a Teacher
This is a reference letter example for a teacher. Download the reference letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
Download the Word Template
Sample Reference Letter for a Teacher (Text Version)
March 1, 20XX
Sean Lee
Manager
ABC Consulting Group
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321
Manager
ABC Consulting Group
123 Business Rd.
Business City, NY 54321
Ms. Lee:
I highly recommend Michelle Johnson as a candidate for the position of fifth-grade lead teacher at your school. As principal of St. Paul's School, I have had the pleasure of working with Michelle for the past five years. She is a driven, organized teacher who develops inspiring relationships with her students.
Michelle has always been driven to develop her skills as a teacher. She came to us a student teacher, eagerly taking up extra responsibilities such as advisor of the school newspaper and was a member of our curriculum committee. She continued to demonstrate this drive through her tenure at our school, even becoming the head of the curriculum committee last year. Michelle embraces any opportunity for professional development, which makes her an ideal leader.
Michelle has a wonderful rapport with people of all ages, especially children. Her ability to connect with her students and her talent at teaching simple concepts, as well as more advanced topics, are both truly superior. She also has excellent written and verbal communication skills with both parents and teachers.
Michelle accomplishes all these tasks with great initiative and with a positive attitude. I recommend Michelle to you without reservation. If you have any further questions with regard to her background or qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Mary Haddock (signature hard copy letter)
Mary Haddock
Principal
St. Paul's School
Principal
St. Paul's School
Sample References, Reference Lists, and Letters Asking For a Reference
Do you need to request or write a reference? Both tasks can be difficult. If you're asking for a reference, you have to know who you can ask, and how to word your reference request. If, on the other hand, you are writing a reference letter, you'll need to know how to format it, and what information to include.
Unlike the rest of an application, a reference letter provides information about the candidate from an outside source, providing details about qualifications, skills, traits, and abilities, as well as listing achievements, and giving a somewhat personal perspective of the candidate. A well-written recommendation letter endorses the candidate's qualifications for an internship, job, college, graduate school, or other employment, experiential or educational experience.
Reference letters can be required for many different reasons:
- Schools often require a reference as part of an application.
- Companies sometimes ask for reference letters for candidates under consideration.
- Certain professional organizations may require a reference, as well as lenders, landlords, or coop or condo boards.
Review a Letter Sample
Review an example of a reference letter written by an employer, and see below for more samples of recommendation letters based on position and relationship, as well as information on how to format reference letters and templates you can download.
Download the Reference Letter Template
Reference Letter Example (Text Version)
Jane Williams
Pacific Corp
47 Ocean Street, Suite 12
Los Angeles, CA 90001
(555)456-7890
[email protected]
Pacific Corp
47 Ocean Street, Suite 12
Los Angeles, CA 90001
(555)456-7890
[email protected]
January 5, 2019
Andrew Lee
Atlantic Operations, Inc.
41 East 14th Street, Fourth Floor
New York, New York, 10001
Atlantic Operations, Inc.
41 East 14th Street, Fourth Floor
New York, New York, 10001
Dear Andrew,
John Wilson has worked for me here at Pacific Corp. for four years. He started as an intern and quickly rose to an administrative position while still attending classes at Ocean Community College.
He quickly became one of our most valued employees, the person everyone went to with questions and special projects. His dedication and willingness to work long hours to get the job done have made him a favorite team member for everyone on staff.
I highly recommend John for your assistant position. In his time at Pacific, he has shown that he has the technical, organization, and interpersonal skills that make a truly exceptional administrative assistant. In particular, I know that you’re seeking someone with exceptional customer service and telephone skills, as well as the ability to get up to speed quickly with proprietary software. John offers all these skills, plus adaptability and grace under pressure.
We will miss having John on our team, but our loss can be your gain. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Best regards,
Jane Williams (written signature)
Jane Williams (typed name)
More Reference Letter Samples
Review the samples reference letters here - including academic references, personal references, and letters asking for a recommendation - to help you write your own. Plus, review guidelines and tips for requesting and writing reference letters. There is also information about how to create lists of references.
Format Samples and Templates
Reference Letters and Emails
Character / Personal Reference Letter Samples
Use these examples if you need to write a personal reference letter.
For this type of letter, include information on how you know the person, their qualifications and characteristics, and whether you'd recommend them.
Academic Reference Letters
An academic reference letter will highlight a student's strengths. Information on grades, attendance, and class participation, as well as any specific examples of strong papers or research, is relevant to include in this type of letter.
Letters Requesting a Reference
Asking for a letter of reference can feel intimidating. Learn how to politely request a reference, as well as what information to pass along to the person writing the recommendation.
Sample Reference Lists
During a job interview, you may be asked to provide references. See examples of how to format your list of references, and who to include on the list.
Reference Checking Letter Example
Are you an employer who needs to check a candidate's employment references? Use this sample letter to help you format a request to check an applicant's references.
How to Write a Reference Letter
Review guidelines for how to write a reference letter, including what to include in each section of your letter and the best way to format and send or upload it.