Do you know how to write a recommendation letter for a former student or colleague? If you ever need a recommendation letter for teaching, do you know how it should be written? Continue reading to learn how to write one and what to anticipate if you ever need someone to write you a recommendation letter.
How to write a letter of recommendation for a teacher
Recommendation letters are sometimes a crucial component of a teacher’s application. Here are some guidelines you can use if you’re asked to write a letter of recommendation for a colleague:
1. Include the proper heading
It is customary to put your name, job title, address, phone number, and email address at the top of your letter. The right heading can assist in giving the reader crucial identification and contact information as soon as they open the letter. Additionally, it can show that you gave your application letter careful thought and show that you are able to follow instructions. With this letter, you are showcasing the candidate, so these qualities may well reflect favorably on both of you.
2. Begin with an introductory paragraph
It’s beneficial to start your letter with a paragraph that introduces the recipient, you, and your relationship. You could, for instance, mention the institution where they work, the position they hold as a teacher, and any other pertinent information, such as the duration of their employment. Following that, you can give the same information about yourself and talk about your collaboration with the prospective candidate.
The subject of your letter, a recommendation, is another crucial component that needs to be introduced in this first paragraph. To help the reader understand the proper context for your letter, it is helpful to include this information in the opening sentence. In order to inspire a similar enthusiastic response from your reader, you can also use enthusiastically positive language.
3. Discuss their skills and accomplishments
You can start this section off by going over the person in question’s professional background. For instance, if you have observed them grow or take on new roles over time, that information may be helpful to include as it can show reviewers their capacity to advance. You could also mention specific achievements or abilities that could aid the reviewer in understanding the teachers level of competence. When doing so, it can help to include specific examples. These can aid in setting the stage for your assertions and aid the reviewer in recalling this applicant later.
4. Discuss their educational values
You might decide to discuss the teacher’s guiding principles for the classroom. This can show what kind of educator they are and what kind of school culture is most likely to make for a place where they would be happy to work. Additionally, it can show their capacity to translate abstract principles and notions into explicit instructional techniques.
Ask them why they chose this career if you’re unsure of what their educational values are. Many people choose teaching as their profession because they enjoy it and recognize how much of an impact it can have on students’ lives. You can take into account which of these might apply to the instructor you’re recommending and how they express those values in their classroom or teaching methods.
5. End with a conclusion
Finally, consider ending your letter with a conclusion paragraph. You can reiterate your support for the person and highlight significant aspects of their background or character that make them a strong candidate for the job or honor they’re applying for in this paragraph. Examining the application to review the position’s requirements can also be helpful If there are any requirements that you haven’t covered, you can add one or two sentences addressing them.
6. Submit your letter promptly
Your letter can be received by the review committee and added to your coworkers’ other application materials if you submit it on time. This might entail writing your letter well in advance of the deadline for applications so that you have enough time to review and edit it before submitting it. When deciding when to write the recommendation in a letter you’re mailing, take delivery time into account. Check the deadline for recommendation letters and submit yours at least a week before that date to help facilitate timely delivery.
What is a letter of recommendation for a teacher?
A teacher’s accomplishments and abilities are described in writing in a letter of recommendation. These letters may be requested as part of an application for a new teaching position or an award. A teacher may ask you to write a letter of recommendation for them if you are their coworker, mentor, or adviser. Additionally, principals may compose letters of recommendation for the instructors at their institution.
A letter of recommendation for a teacher might make specific mentions of their accomplishments, abilities, or character traits that make them qualified for the job or honor they’re applying for. The reviewer can benefit from all of this because it may enable them to develop a deeper understanding of the personality and skills of the applicant. In order to verify any information a candidate may have provided about themselves, it can also be helpful for the reviewer to hear favorable remarks about them from a secondary source.
Template for a letter of recommendation for a teacher
Here is a sample recommendation letter for a teacher that you can use as a guide. To tailor the letter to the candidate you’re recommending, you can update, modify, or add to any of the sections below as you write:
[Your name]
[Location]
[Phone number]
[Email address]
[Date]
[Name of recipient]
[Job title of recipient]
[Organization name]
[Organization location]
To [person reviewing the letter],
It is with great honor that I write this letter of recommendation for [teacher’s full name]. I’ve worked with [name of teacher] for [number of years] as [professional relationships] and I currently hold the position [explain current position]. They are an excellent teacher who [include one or two qualities] I wholeheartedly support their application for the [job or prize they’re vying for]
Beginning at this school in [name of original position] and [describe professional trajectory], [name of teacher] has a long history. They are a highly qualified educator who frequently goes above and beyond their duties as a teacher and consistently exhibits a high level of care and interest in every interaction with a student. For example, [include example]. [Name of Teacher] has demonstrated [another skill] in their work [extracurricular accomplishment] in addition to their commitment to the classroom.
[Name of Teacher] is a great teacher because they are committed to their educational values, among other things. I once questioned them about their decision to become teachers. They told me [explain reason]. This mission is evident in the [describe their instructional approach or learning environment] For example, [give example].
I therefore have the pleasure of recommending [teacher’s full name] for [position or award name]. I am aware that [name of school or award] typically seeks candidates who meet [certain criteria], and I am hoping that this letter will demonstrate how well [name of teacher] meets these requirements. Please feel free to get in touch with me by phone or email at the numbers above if you have any more questions or want to talk about their candidacy in more detail.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Example of a letter of recommendation for a teacher
Here is an illustration of how to create a letter of recommendation for a teacher using the sample provided above:
Josh Denington
Madison Hills, OH
(300) 546-4794
[email protected]
Dec. 20, 2021
Eleanor Smith
Principal
Ferris View High School
Los Angeles, CA
Ms. Smith,
It is a great honor to provide Mable L with this letter of recommendation. St. Johns. Im the principal at St. Johns’ present school, where she has been a history teacher of ninth- and tenth-graders for four years She’s a model educator who puts a lot of effort into her students and instills in them a strong sense of justice through a carefully designed curriculum. When she relocates to Los Angeles this fall, I wholeheartedly support her application for the position of humanities teacher at Ferris View High School.
Ms. Beginning at this school as a tutor, Mable, as her students refer to her, quickly moved up the ranks to teaching assistant before becoming a full-time teacher. She is an excellent teacher who consistently exhibits a high level of concern and interest whenever she engages with a student. She frequently goes above and beyond to ensure that her students understand the significance of the historical events they are studying. For instance, she arranged a Holocaust survivor speech for the entire school last year to support her curriculum. The event was highly effective and emotional, earning Ms. Mable well-deserved praise from students and colleagues.
In addition to her dedication to the classroom, Ms. Mable has demonstrated her dedication to her students through her work with our after-school programs. She quickly joined the efforts and played a crucial role in reviving the Social Justice Club, even though participation in these programs is optional for teachers at our school. Attendance jumped from four students to 15, and St. Johns guided them through tasks like sending letters to senators and visiting Washington, D C. , to participate in the Climate March last February.
One thing that makes Ms. Mable’s commitment to her educational values makes her such a fantastic teacher. I once questioned her about her decision to become a teacher. Regardless of how students’ home lives or prior educational experiences have been, she told me she loves having the chance to make school a welcoming environment that students can look forward to. Her warm demeanor around her students and infectious enthusiasm for learning are both manifestations of this mission. Her involvement with the Social Justice Club serves as a prime example.
Therefore, its with pleasure that I recommend Mable L. St. Johns for the position of humanities teacher. I am aware that Ferris View High typically seeks candidates who can arouse students’ genuine concern for the world and cultivate a desire to be lifelong learners. I hope this letter may help show St. Johns is a perfect match for these criteria. Please feel free to get in touch with me by phone or email at the numbers above if you have any more questions or want to talk about their candidacy in more detail.
Sincerely,
Josh Denington
How to get a strong recommendation letter (Get Accepted to Your Dream University Part #8)
FAQ
What makes a good teacher recommendation letter?
- Choose a professional format. …
- State your qualifications. …
- Reference the position the teacher is applying for. …
- Highlight notable skills, traits, and accomplishments. …
- Give specific examples. …
- Provide contact information.
How do you write a teacher recommendation letter for an elementary student?
Your contributions, accomplishments, drive, attitude, dependability, consistency, and other qualities will be highlighted in a strong letter. Make sure the person writing the recommendation is familiar with you and has high regard for your abilities.
