If you’re searching for a teaching job, having a strong set of references is crucial. Your references can help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your skills and qualifications. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips for creating excellent references and offer seven examples of reference letters to help you get started.
Tips for Creating Excellent References
When creating references for teaching jobs, it’s essential to keep a few things in mind. Here are some tips to help you create strong references:
Choose the Right People
When selecting your references, choose people who can speak to your skills and qualifications as a teacher. This might include former colleagues, supervisors, or even parents of students you’ve worked with.
Ask for Permission
Before providing someone’s name as a reference, ask for their permission first. This shows respect for their time and also ensures that they are willing and able to provide a positive reference for you.
Provide Information
When asking someone to be a reference, provide them with information about the job you’re applying for and the skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. This will help them tailor their reference to the specific job.
Keep in Touch
Don’t wait until you need a reference to reach out to your contacts. Keep in touch with former colleagues and supervisors by sending occasional emails or meeting for coffee, so you can maintain these relationships over time.
Provide Thanks
Once you’ve secured a reference, be sure to thank them for their time and assistance. You might send a thank-you note or even a small gift to show your appreciation.
Edit Examples as Needed
The examples provided below are intended to give you an idea of what a reference letter for a teaching job might look like. However, remember that every situation is different, so you may need to edit these examples to suit your needs.
Examples of References for Teaching Jobs
Reference for Elementary Teacher Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am thrilled to recommend Jane Doe for the elementary teacher position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with Jane for two years when we taught together at ABC Elementary School. During that time, I was consistently impressed by Jane’s professionalism, dedication, and ability to connect with her students.
Jane is an exceptional teacher who goes above and beyond to create engaging and meaningful lessons for her students. She is skilled at managing classroom dynamics and is always willing to lend a helping hand to her colleagues. Her positive attitude and passion for teaching make her an asset to any school community.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions about Jane’s qualifications.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Reference for High School English Teacher Position
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I am writing to highly recommend Sarah Lee for the position of high school English teacher at your school.
I had the pleasure of working with Sarah for three years when she taught at XYZ High School. During that time, I was consistently impressed by her innovative teaching methods and her ability to inspire her students to achieve their full potential. Sarah is a dedicated teacher who is always willing to go the extra mile for her students.
Her knowledge of the subject matter is extensive, and she is skilled at making complex concepts accessible to her students. In addition, Sarah is an excellent communicator who is always willing to work collaboratively with colleagues to improve student outcomes.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information about Sarah’s qualifications.
Best regards,
Dr. Amanda Jones
Reference for Special Education Teacher Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Tom Johnson for the position of special education teacher at your school. Tom worked for me as a teacher’s aide for three years, and I was consistently impressed by his commitment to his students and his ability to work collaboratively with colleagues.
Tom has a deep understanding of the unique needs of students with special needs and is skilled at creating individualized plans that enable these students to succeed. His ability to build positive relationships with students and their families is exceptional, and he is always willing to go above and beyond to ensure that his students receive the support they need to thrive.
Tom is an asset to any school community, and I highly recommend him for any position in special education.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer Lee
Reference for Music Teacher Position
Dear Principal Rodriguez,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Maria Hernandez for the position of music teacher at your school. Maria worked as a music teacher at ABC Elementary School for five years, and during that time, she consistently demonstrated a passion for teaching and a deep commitment to her students.
Maria is an accomplished musician who is skilled at sharing her knowledge and love of music with her students. She is adept at creating engaging lessons that inspire creativity and foster a love of learning. Her ability to connect with students and build positive relationships with parents and colleagues is exceptional.
If you have any questions about Maria’s qualifications or experience, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Dr. Michael Smith
Reference for Substitute Teacher Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jack Chen for the position of substitute teacher at your school. Jack worked as a substitute teacher at XYZ School District for two years, and during that time, he consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a dedication to his students.
Jack is skilled at managing classroom dynamics and creating a positive learning environment for his students. He is always well-prepared for his lessons and is able to step into a variety of subject areas with ease. His ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and adapt to changing situations is exceptional.
If you have any further questions regarding Jack’s qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Dr. Sarah Chang
Reference for Preschool Teacher Position
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
I am excited to recommend Emily Nguyen for the position of preschool teacher at your school. Emily worked as a teacher’s aide at ABC Preschool for two years, and during that time, she consistently demonstrated a passion for teaching young children and a dedication to their well-being.
Emily is skilled at creating engaging and developmentally appropriate lessons for preschool-aged children. She is able to build positive relationships with her students and their families and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their success. Her knowledge of child development and early childhood education is exceptional.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions about Emily’s qualifications or experience.
Best regards,
Dr. Michelle Kim
Reference for ESL Teacher Position
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am pleased to recommend Yuna Lee for the position of ESL (English as Second Language) teacher at your school. Yuna worked as an ESL teacher at XYZ Language School for three years, and during that time, she consistently demonstrated a passion for teaching English language learners and a dedication to their success.
Yuna is skilled at creating engaging and effective lessons that help students develop their English language skills. She is able to build positive relationships with her students and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure their success. Her knowledge of second language acquisition and her ability to work collaboratively with colleagues is exceptional.
If you have any further questions about Yuna’s qualifications or experience, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Dr. David Kim
Frequently Asked Questions About References for Teaching Jobs
What should I do if I don’t have any teaching experience?
If you don’t have any teaching experience, you can still ask former colleagues or supervisors to be a reference for you. They can speak to your skills and abilities in other areas, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
How many references should I provide?
Most employers will ask for three references, but it’s always a good idea to have a few extra in case one of your references is unavailable. Always check the job posting or application instructions to see if there are any specific requirements for references.
Should I include references on my resume or job application?
No, you should not include references on your resume or job application. Instead, provide your references only when requested by the employer.
What if I’m new to teaching and don’t have any references?
If you’re new to teaching and don’t have any teaching-related references, you can ask former employers or colleagues from other industries to be a reference for you. You might also consider including a personal reference, such as a mentor or community leader.
What should I do if I’m not sure if someone will give me a positive reference?
If you’re not sure if someone will give you a positive reference, don’t include them as a reference. Instead, try to build relationships with other colleagues or supervisors who can speak to your skills and qualifications.
Should I provide a list of references or reference letters?
Most employers will ask for a list of references rather than reference letters. However, if you have reference letters available, you might consider including them in your application to provide additional context about your skills and qualifications.
Conclusion
Creating strong references is an important part of the job search process for teachers. By choosing the right people, providing information, and keeping in touch, you can create a set of references that will help you stand out from other candidates. Use the examples provided in this article as a guide, and remember to tailor your references to the specific job you’re applying for. Good luck!