What is a Teacher Letter of Recommendation?
A letter of recommendation for a teacher is a letter written by a colleague to endorse a candidate for a teaching job. This letter showcases the applicant’s skills and qualifications for the desired position. A recommendation describes the relationship between the referrer and the recommendee. It also aims to include examples of their accomplishments.
Use Legal Templates’s free teacher letter of recommendation template to create an effective letter. Our form helps enhance a teacher’s application and advance their career in education.
Students seeking a letter of recommendation from their teacher can use our letter of recommendation for students template.
Who Should Write a Recommendation for a Teacher?
A letter of recommendation is most effective when the writer has experience and authority in the educational field. Consider any of the following to write a recommendation for a teacher:
- Other teachers
- School administrators
- Principals
- Department heads
Parents can provide valuable perspectives, but they are not ideal for writing a teacher’s recommendation letter due to potential bias and lack of direct classroom interactions.
How to Write a Letter of Recommendation for a Teacher
A letter of recommendation for a teacher requires information about both the referrer and the applicant. It should also display specific and relevant teaching experiences and skills. Consider the different elements necessary to create an effective recommendation.
1. Introduce the Referrer and Provide Context
Start your letter by noting the date it’s being written. Then begin by identifying yourself as the referrer who is writing the letter. Include your name, place of employment, job title, years of experience, and relationship to the applicant. Additionally, provide your contact information so the hiring manager can reach you to follow up.
2. Describe the Teacher Applicant
Next, describe the applicant pursuing the teaching position. Provide the applicant’s name and their desired role and institution. Confirming these details ensures the reader understands who you are recommending and adds a personal touch.
3. Write Your Body Paragraph
Once you’ve established the facts and introduced the parties involved, work on your letter’s body paragraph. State your relationship with the applicant and include information about how long you have worked together and where you both worked. Also, select which of the most relevant skills you observe in the applicant. Focus on skills specific to the position and highlight the applicant’s strengths.
In this section, include the applicant’s specific and measurable accomplishments. Describe the achievements, their results, and the attributes demonstrated. Aim to provide two relevant work experiences with positive outcomes and a direct connection to the applicant’s desired role.
4. Address the Recepient
Further personalize your letter by addressing the recipient directly. If you know the details, include their personal name or the name of the organization. Also, provide the institution’s address if you have its specific information. In cases where you aren’t sure of the recipient, you can use a generic greeting, such as “To whom it may concern”.
Individuals applying may also consider including a letter of intent for teaching or non-teaching school positions to boost their application.
Sample Teacher Letter of Recommendation
Legal Templates’s free letter of recommendation for a teacher demonstrates the proper structure and elements. Use our customizable template, available in PDF and Word formats, to write an effective recommendation.
