A character reference letter is often required when applying for a teaching position. While many potential employers will call a candidate's references, schools often require written reference letters to be submitted along with a completed application. These character reference letters can come from professors that taught the teacher candidate, cooperating teachers and previous employers. Character reference letters examples are often helpful for these individuals, as they attempt to write an accurate and helpful reference for the new teacher candidate.
Components of a Good Character Reference Letter
A character reference letter must include information that describes how one knows the individual in question, aspects of the teacher candidate's character with examples and a recommendation, either for or against, that individual's employment.
If a new teacher candidate asks for a reference letter and the individual does not believe that he can recommend the candidate for the position, it is best to be upfront about the issues at stake. A negative character reference letter can ruin a teacher's chances of getting a position in a school. Providing the candidate with constructive feedback might be more helpful than a reference letter in this situation.
Cooperating Teacher Character Reference Example
Here is a sample reference letter that a cooperating teacher might write about a new teacher candidate:
To Whom it May Concern:
Ms. Jane Doe has spent the past semester teaching second grade under my supervision. Ms. Doe developed a rapport with each student quickly and was able to maintain student motivation for learning in each lesson she taught.
Ms. Doe was always prepared for her lessons with detailed lesson plans that tied each activity into the state standards. Her students were always excited to learn and the activities she planned were interactive and focused on curriculum standards.
Ms. Doe would be an excellent addition to the staff at any elementary school and I will miss her cheerful spirit.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jones
Negative Reference Letter Example
While it is always best to write a reference letter for a teacher candidate who is great at what she does, this is not always the case. Here is an example of how to write a reference letter about a candidate who will not always be the best fit for a school.
To Whom it May Concern:
Ms. Jane Doe was a student teacher in my classroom for the past semester. She is a very organized person who places great importance on students acting exactly as expected and that materials are kept straight and orderly.
While organization and high expectations are always helpful for teachers, these qualities caused some tension between her and her students. She has worked hard to adjust her expectations over the past few months and has learned a lot about what it takes to be a great teacher.
If you have any additional questions for me about Ms. Doe, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Jones
When requesting a reference letter, it might be best for a teacher candidate to discuss the reference first in order to ensure the individual's ability to recommend her for the position. When writing a reference letter for an individual, it is important to be truthful, even if this means not recommending the candidate for a position.
Related Information:
Developing a Professional Portfolio – Learn how to put together a teacher portfolio that you can use.
How to Write a Professional Resume to Find a Teaching Position – Here are tips on writing a winning resume that will get you in the door for an interview.
Getting a Job as a Teacher – Everything you need to know about becoming a teacher including certification facts, interview tips and more.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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