A reference letter for teaching position is a letter that attests to the qualifications, skills, and experience of a teacher. It is often written by a previous employer or colleague and is intended to help the teacher secure a new teaching position. A good reference letter can greatly enhance a teacher’s chances of getting hired, so it is important to write a strong and convincing letter.
Tips on Writing a Strong Reference Letter for Teaching Position
To write an effective reference letter for teaching position, follow these tips:
1. Start with a Title
Your reference letter should have a clear and descriptive title that summarizes the purpose of the letter. For example, “Reference Letter for Elementary School Teacher.”
2. Explain Your Relationship to the Teacher
In the first paragraph of the letter, introduce yourself and explain how you know the teacher. This will give the reader context about your relationship and your credibility as a reference.
3. Highlight the Teacher’s Qualifications and Skills
In the next paragraph(s), provide specific examples of the teacher’s qualifications and skills that make them an excellent candidate for the position. Use concrete and measurable examples whenever possible.
4. End with a Strong Recommendation
In the final paragraph, summarize your recommendation and express your confidence in the teacher’s abilities. Provide your contact information in case the reader has any follow-up questions.
Readers can find examples of reference letters for teaching position online and edit them as needed to fit their specific needs.
Examples of Reference Letters for Teaching Position
Reference Letter for Elementary School Teacher
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Doe for the elementary school teacher position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with Jane for two years at XYZ Elementary School, where she taught second grade.
Jane has an exceptional ability to connect with her students and create a positive learning environment. She is skilled at developing lesson plans that are engaging, challenging, and aligned with curriculum standards. Her classroom management skills are also top-notch, and she is adept at handling behavior issues in a calm and professional manner.
I highly recommend Jane for any teaching position. She is an outstanding educator who is committed to the success of her students.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Reference Letter for High School English Teacher
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Lee for the high school English teacher position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with Sarah for three years at ABC High School, where she taught 9th and 10th grade English.
Sarah is an exceptional teacher who brings creativity, passion, and expertise to her classroom. She has a deep understanding of literature and writing, and is skilled at helping students develop critical thinking skills and a love of learning. Her classroom is always lively and engaging, and her students consistently produce high-quality work.
I am confident that Sarah would be an excellent addition to your school’s faculty. She is a dedicated, enthusiastic, and effective teacher who is committed to the success of her students.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Reference Letter for Preschool Teacher
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend David Kim for the preschool teacher position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with David for two years at Little Sprouts Preschool, where he taught the three-year-old program.
David is a skilled and compassionate teacher who has a special gift for working with young children. He creates a warm and nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and respected. His lesson plans are developmentally appropriate and engaging, and he incorporates music, art, and play into his curriculum.
I highly recommend David for any preschool teaching position. He is an exceptional teacher who is committed to helping children learn and grow.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Reference Letter for Special Education Teacher
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Michael Johnson for the special education teacher position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with Michael for four years at XYZ School District, where he served as a special education teacher for middle and high school students.
Michael is a highly skilled and dedicated teacher who is committed to meeting the unique needs of his students. He has a deep understanding of special education law and best practices, and he works tirelessly to create individualized education plans that are tailored to each student’s strengths and challenges.
I am confident that Michael would be an outstanding addition to your school’s special education team. He is a compassionate, knowledgeable, and effective teacher who is committed to helping his students succeed.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Reference Letter for Art Teacher
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Emily Martinez for the art teacher position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with Emily for five years at DEF Elementary School, where she taught art to students in grades K-5.
Emily is an exceptional art teacher who is passionate about helping students develop their creativity and artistic skills. She has a deep knowledge of art history and techniques, and she uses a variety of media and materials to engage her students in the creative process. Her classroom is always lively and colorful, and her students produce beautiful and original artwork.
I highly recommend Emily for any art teaching position. She is a talented, enthusiastic, and dedicated teacher who is committed to helping her students succeed.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Reference Letter for Physical Education Teacher
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Mark Davis for the physical education teacher position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with Mark for three years at GHI Middle School, where he taught physical education and coached several sports teams.
Mark is an outstanding physical education teacher who is passionate about helping students develop healthy habits and physical fitness. He creates a safe and fun environment for his students, and he uses a variety of activities and games to engage them in physical activity. He is also a skilled coach who is respected by his athletes and fellow coaches.
I am confident that Mark would be an excellent addition to your school’s faculty. He is a dedicated, knowledgeable, and inspiring teacher who is committed to helping his students achieve their full potential.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Reference Letter for Substitute Teacher
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Maria Rodriguez for the substitute teacher position at your school. I had the pleasure of working with Maria for two years at JKL High School, where she served as a long-term substitute teacher in several subject areas.
Maria is a versatile and adaptable teacher who is able to step into any classroom and provide high-quality instruction. She is skilled at creating lesson plans on short notice and adjusting them to the needs of the students. She is also excellent at managing classroom behavior and keeping students engaged in learning.
I highly recommend Maria for any substitute teaching position. She is a reliable, flexible, and effective teacher who is committed to helping students learn and grow.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a reference letter for teaching position?
A reference letter for teaching position should include an introduction that explains the writer’s relationship to the teacher, specific examples of the teacher’s qualifications and skills, and a strong recommendation for the teacher. The letter should also include the writer’s contact information in case the reader has any follow-up questions.
Who should write a reference letter for teaching position?
A reference letter for teaching position should be written by a previous employer, colleague, or supervisor who has worked closely with the teacher and can speak to their qualifications, skills, and experience as an educator.
How long should a reference letter for teaching position be?
A reference letter for teaching position should be one to two pages long and should include specific examples and details that support the writer’s recommendation for the teacher.
What should the tone of a reference letter for teaching position be?
The tone of a reference letter for teaching position should be professional, enthusiastic, and positive. The writer should convey their confidence in the teacher’s abilities and their belief that the teacher would be an excellent addition to the school’s faculty.
Should a reference letter for teaching position be personalized for each job application?
Yes, a reference letter for teaching position should be personalized for each job application. The writer should tailor the letter to the specific position and school, highlighting the teacher’s relevant qualifications and skills.
How should a reference letter for teaching position be submitted?
A reference letter for teaching position should be submitted according to the school’s application instructions. It may be submitted electronically or in hard copy, depending on the school’s requirements.
Conclusion
A well-written reference letter for teaching position can make a significant difference in a teacher’s job search. By following the tips outlined in this article and using the examples provided, writers can create strong and persuasive letters that will help their colleagues succeed in their careers.