You may not be familiar with the best practices for writing a letter of recommendation for elementary teachers. In addition to invoking candidates’ knowledge and skills, it is important to provide a sense of their personality and ability to encourage students to learn.If you have witnessed the applicant in the classroom, such as during student teaching, you should write a recommendation that covers all the elements of teacher presence. If you are a personal or other professional reference, you can offer insight into character as it pertains to capacity to instruct young students.Regardless of how you know a candidate, it is important to make sure that your letter focuses on his or her professionalism. Refer to our letter of recommendation elementary teacher templates and tips for guidance on writing a useful document.
Letter of Recommendation Elementary Teacher Template
Julia Torres is applying to teach fourth grade in a public school. As part of her training, Julia completed her student teaching requirement working under Cynthia Simmons at Griffith Elementary School. Julia has asked Cynthia to write a letter of recommendation.
Dear Mr. Campbell,
It is my pleasure to recommend Julia Torres for the fourth grade teaching position at Washington Elementary School. Julia assisted me in the classroom for six months and was one of the most exceptional student teachers I have encountered.
Julia was always eager to teach. She took time to work with students in small groups and one-on-one to ensure that they understood fundamental concepts in reading and mathematics. She also helped me revitalize my curriculum by working with me to revise lessons for two units. Together, we were able to determine which students might benefit from additional attention or guidance and follow through on these assessments.
Julia truly cares about students’ success, and her interest made a significant difference in my class last year. Students were more engaged while she was participating in instruction and the time she spent working with my class continued to make a difference throughout the year. It is rare to find new teachers who take to the classroom environment so well early in their careers.
I would rank Julia among the top three student teachers I have ever had in more than twenty years of teaching elementary school. I would be happy to discuss Julia’s qualifications at greater length. Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information.
Sincerely,
Cynthia SImmons
How To Write a Letter of Recommendation Elementary Teacher
A recommendation letter for elementary school teachers should focus on their approach to teaching, personal qualities, and any relevant aspects of their background. Depending on the nature of your relationship, you will be able to offer insight into different aspects of their personality. A former teacher, for instance, might be aware of the candidate’s knowledge and sense of responsibility, whereas a boss from another type of job might speak to work ethic.
Open the letter by informing the recipient that you recommend the applicant and try to express the level of confidence you have in his or her ability to succeed in this line of work. It is a good idea to make the tone of your recommendation clear from the first paragraph. No matter how you know candidates, be sure to give specific examples of their qualifications to teach at the elementary level.
If you are a personal reference, you might refer to the difference the tutor or nanny made in the academic success of your child. Former teachers might reflect on the abilities their colleague demonstrated when they worked together. A teacher assisted by a student in the classroom –
as shown in the letter of recommendation elementary teacher template – can describe how the candidate functioned in a real academic environment.
Draw your correspondence to a close by affirming your recommendation in light of the examples of conduct you have described. It is a good idea to provide contact information and to encourage the recipient to follow up with you if they would like to find out more about the candidate.
What To Avoid in Your Letter of Recommendation Elementary Teacher
A critical or noncommittal letter of recommendation can harm a prospect’s chances of landing a teaching job. If you have reservations about whether the person requesting a referral from you is fit for an elementary school teaching position, you should either discuss your opinions with him or her, or refuse to write a letter. Otherwise, be as specific as possible about an applicant’s qualifications for this job. If you would like a reminder of achievements or background, ask to see a copy of his or her resume.
Try to make sure that your letter of recommendation builds on a candidate’s representative outlook and training. If you feel someone is misrepresenting himself or herself in any way, do not attempt to set the record straight. Instead, bring up any issues with the applicant before writing and determine whether you want to offer the requested referral. If you do not feel comfortable recommending the individual, kindly say so.
How To Follow Up After Sending Your Letter of Recommendation Elementary Teacher
There are two types of follow-up to a recommendation letter. You may follow up with a school or district office to make sure they received your letter and have added a copy to the applicant’s file. If you provide contact information and invite the addressee or members of a hiring committee to contact you, you might also receive a follow-up call or message.
It is a good idea to be ready to clarify or expand on the description you gave in your letter, in case the prospective employer reaches out to you. You might want to keep a copy of the candidate’s resume on hand so you are ready to field questions about his or her abilities. In general, you should be capable of naturally describing why someone you recommend is a good fit for a teaching position.
Top 5 Letter of Recommendation Elementary Teacher Writing Takeaways
1. Set the tone of your recommendation in the first paragraph
The recipient of a letter of recommendation should be able to tell you endorse the candidate from the first paragraph. Your level of enthusiasm and interest in the subject should also be apparent from the start.
2. Provide examples to support your recommendation
When you describe skills and personality, try to think of unique instances that speak to the abilities needed for teaching at the elementary school level. If you have seen someone teach or work with students, think about what he or she did that made an impression.
3. Address skills and traits applicable to teaching elementary school
Even if you have not seen the applicant teach, focus on relevant abilities such as his or her communication skills, enthusiasm, or patience. If you are personal reference or a professional reference in a field other than education, think in terms of transferrable skills.
4. Restate your recommendation in light of your examples
After a paragraph or two of examples, sum up why you recommend the individual. State your confidence in his or her ability to succeed in an elementary school teaching position given the skills or traits you have just described.
5. Include contact information
The most effective recommendation letters make it easy for the recipient to contact you if they have further questions. Include an email address or phone number and express willingness to respond to inquiries.
