Sample Letter of Recommendation for Teacher

Kay Traester has been my student teacher in my eighth grade English classes
during the winter/spring period of the 2004-2005 school year. Kay came well prepared to
her student teaching experience. Prior to being my student teacher, she was a tutor for
several weeks for some of my needier students after school. In this capacity she was
consistent, compassionate and reliable. While student teachers are required to spend one
hundred hours for field study, Kay had clocked well over double that amount prior to her
student teaching experience with me further evidencing her dedication to the teaching
profession. This enthusiasm and philosophy of hard work did not wane after she began her
formal student teaching in earnest.
When she began her student teaching, it was immediately evident that Kay
had a love for the profession and a sincere interest in and concern for the students. She
was willing to come up with creative lessons that proved to be interesting and educationally
effectiive. Furthermore, she spent many hours with an individual student working on reading
strategies on her own time to help one of my less capable readers.
Kay has approached any and all aspects of the work involved in teaching my
students with eager anticipation. She wrote extremely detailed and well thought out plans in
spite of the fact that during this entire student teaching experience she maintained her
responsibilities as editor in chief of the Colgate University Maroon News weekly newspaper.
In fact, in my thirty years of teaching I have never experienced any student teacher who was
better prepared and who worked harder than Kay. Her lessons have been thought out and
professional. She was always willing to adjust any parts of her lessons she thought could
be improved.
Kays classroom management style seemed closer to that of a veteran teacher than
to the student teacher she is. Her maturity in dealing with the students was evident and, as
a result, commanded real respect from the students.
On a practical level, all the papers, quizzes and tests Kay assigned to the students
were immediately graded and returned to the students. She maintained a level of efficiency
that was fueled by her obvious work ethic and her professional concern for her students
progress. No time was wasted in her class.
While teaching in my classroom Kay took the initiative to create many colorful,
creative and effective bulletin boards relating to the work being done and the units studied in
class. She became ever more efficient in her teaching, keeping lists of students who owed
work on the board as well as announcing the homework assigned each day.
Overall, as the chairman of our English department, I would not hesitate to offer Kay
a teaching position in our district were we to have an opening. Wherever she decides to
accept a teaching position, I know with all confidence that she will do an outstanding job and
become an asset to the school district fortunate enough to receive her application for
employment
Should you desire further information, please contact me at Sherburne-Earlville
Central School.
Respectfully submitted,

Reinerus M. Korver,
English Department Chair
Sherburne-Earlville Central School
Sherburne, N.Y. 13640

How to Write a Letter of

Recommendation for Business
School Admissions
Recommendation letters are often used by students during
college admissions or by jobseekers seeking employment. Many
colleges prefer that applicants supply at least two letters of
recommendation during the admissions process. If you want to truly
enhance your application, recommendation letters should be written
by someone who knows you very well.
Business schools are primarily interested in recommendations from
professors who know the applicant and his/her academic work, as
well as from employers. Note: Schools which usually only accept
applicants with several years or more of full-time experience often
place greater importance on letters from employers. They are
interested in summary estimates of the applicant's general promise
as a student of business. The more the evaluation reflects real
knowledge of the applicant and his/her performance, the more
useful the letter is to the business school admissions committees
and thus to the applicant. The letter should address the following:

Interpersonal skills and leadership ability: How effective

is the candidate in establishing and maintaining
relationships? How well does he or she work with and/or
through supervisors, peers and subordinates? How do you
assess the applicant's ability to lead, ability to delegate
responsibility, sensitivity to those less competent and
potential for future success as an administrator? Has the
applicant demonstrated willingness to work in a team
environment?
Personal achievements: Has the applicant sought or
created opportunities to make use of his or her native
ability and how effectively has he/she exploited it? How do
the applicant's achievements compare to those of his/her
peers?
Candidate's insight into his or her own assets and
liabilities: Will the applicant accept constructive criticism?
Will he/she accept a challenge with self-confidence, admit
mistakes and ask for help when needed?
Intellectual qualifications: What is your assessment of

the applicant's analytical skills and ability to grasp new

ideas? Has the applicant's academic record been affected
by any special circumstances such as work or academic
background? Does the applicant have the ability to apply
his/her knowledge creatively?
Ability to communicate: Is the applicant an effective
writer? Does the written work submitted demonstrate a
mastery of the conventions of English? Is the written
material clear, well-organized and forceful? Is the applicant
articulate in oral expression?
Industry and self-discipline: To what extent does the
applicant possess the traits of persistence, efficiency and
motivation? Is there any reason to doubt the applicant's
diligence as a student?
Potential for the study of business: What is your
prediction of the applicant's probable performance in the
study of business? How well do you think the applicant has
thought out plans for graduate study? Among others
recommended for business school, how does this
candidate rate?
Is there any other information about the applicant which
you would like to share with admissions committees?

The bottom line, please choose recommenders who are able to

provide specific answers to the following questions:

How long and in what capacity have you known the

applicant?
How does the applicant stand out from others in a similar
capacity?
Please give an example of the applicant's impact on a
person, group, or organization.
Please give a representative example of how the applicant
interacts with other people.
Which of the applicant's personal or professional
characteristics would you change?
Please tell us anything else you think we should know
about this applicant.

Nowadays, recommenders may submit recommendations either

online or through the mail.

Letters of Recommendation for Graduate School

Scholarship

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The ideal letter of recommendation

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Your letters of recommendations should come from teachers or academic advisors who are familiar not
only with your academic abilities, but with your personal interests and background and how those relate
to your ability to carry out the program of study you wish to pursue. If the teacher or academic advisor is
familiar with your extracurricular activities and leadership abilities, s/he should also incorporate that into
the letter.

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The letters should address the qualifications sought. Recommenders should address only those elements
of your application on which they can comment confidently.

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Choosing your recommenders

These letters are extremely important. Choose your recommenders carefully. Think of the letters as an
integral part of a package that will present an accurate and complete picture of you and your
qualifications. Because the Regents' Scholarship considers not only academic achievement, but
leadership ability and community service as well. While maybe one letter of recommendation should be
from an academic source, at least one should address your leadership abilities and commitment to the
community.

How to ask for a letter of recommendation

Start early. Discuss your plans with your recommenders now, before the application is even available. Let
them know what you would like to study and why you want to apply for Regents' scholarship. These
discussions can help you clarify your goals and plans as well.
As soon as you have the application forms (available at your high school counselor's office, the office of
Outreach Services and the Scholarship Office around November), schedule a meeting with your
recommender. Give your recommender a written description of the scholarship and a copy of your
personal statement and proposed academic program. You may also want to provide a copy of your

transcript and an autobiography or resume highlighting activities and honors. You should also give your
recommenders appropriately addressed envelopes with postage, if necessary. Be sure to also give them
plenty of time to write the letter, do not wait until the last minute.

Sample Reference Letter Format

Below is a suggested format for reference letters. The bracketed words are suggested
options to use when applicable to your particular letter.
SALUTATION:
Dear [NAME OF EMPLOYER:] or [TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:]
PARAGRAPH 1:
If written to a specific employer:
I am writing this reference letter at the request of [student] who is applying for the position of
[job title] with your [firm, company, school, etc.]
If written to whom it may concern:
I am writing this reference letter at the request of [student]. S/he has asked me to write this
general letter which s/he may show to any prospective employer who asks him/her for
references.

If letter is confidential:
This is a confidential letter and should be shared only with people in your firm who are
directly involved in the hiring decision. This letter should not be shown to [student] who
waived the right to see the letter.
PARAGRAPH 2:
I have known [student] for [length of time] in my capacity as a [your job title] at [your
employer]. If Applicable: [student] worked for me as a [job title]. or [student] belonged to the
[club or organization] for which I served as an advisor. or [student] took [number] courses
from me, including [names]. [Student] earned grades of [list grades], respectively, in those
courses. Based on [student's] grades, along with his/her [excellent, good, etc.] attendance
and class participation, I'd rate [students] performance in my class as [rating].
PARAGRAPH 3:
[Student] has a number of strengths to offer [an employer, a graduate program]. List
qualities here, backing each one up with examples. Try to pick qualities that tie into the
specific type of job student is seeking or requested on the grad school application.
EXAMPLE: "[Student] often exhibited excellent leadership in my class, volunteering to lead
groups and then organizing the group's project quickly and efficiently. This attribute would
serve [student] well in the position of Assistant Manager with your company."
PARAGRAPH 4:
In conclusion, I would [highly] recommend [student]. If his/her performance in my class(es)
is any indication of how she/he'd perform [on the job, in graduate school, etc.], [student] will
be a positive addition to your [firm, college, etc.].
Sincerely yours,
NAME
TITLE

Free Reference Letter Template

An invariable component to certain job applications, e.g. federal judicial clerkships, is the
inclusion of reference or recommender letters. It is the responsibility of the applicant to
cultivate relationships with key individuals such as faculty members or employers in order to
secure such references. Sometimes the reference will ask the student to construct a draft
from which they will personalize their letter. Sample paragraphs - introductory, descriptive,
and concluding - tailored to the judicial clerkship process are available below. The examples
can be adapted for use in other job pursuits as well. These examples can used by students
or the recommenders.

Introductory Paragraph Samples

John Doe has asked me to write a letter of recommendation concerning his

possible employment as a judicial clerk, and I am pleased to do so.
I have been asked to write a letter in support of John Does application for a
position as a judicial clerk in your chambers.
I am pleased to recommend Jane Doe for a judicial clerkship position.
I am writing on behalf of Mr. John Doe who is applying for a judicial clerkship with
you. Joe was a student in my _______ class during his first year of law school.
It is indeed a pleasure to write in support of Jane Does application for a position as
a judicial clerk in your chambers.

Descriptive Paragraph Samples

John Doe is well-liked by his classmates and has demonstrated on several

occasions that he is willing to do more than is required. He has conducted class
review sessions, and all the indications that I received suggest that he did an
outstanding job. His work on law review is additional evidence of his positive
attitude toward the study of law, and his work as a member of the student
ambassadors demonstrates both his willingness to contribute and the high esteem
in which he is generally held.
John Doe was a student of mine in _______ during the 2003-04 academic year.
Although I had over a hundred and fifty students in ____ that year, I clearly
remember his performance as a student. The extent of my contact with him makes
me confident in my assessment of his abilities.
I have come to know Jane as a student in my ______ course. Without question,
she was one of the top three students taking the course. This course places the
primary responsibility of putting the black-letter law together on the student so
that class time can be devoted to developing the students analytical skills through
the case method. Jane demonstrated depth in her understanding of the cases and
sophistication in her employment of legal doctrine.
Janes resume clearly demonstrates her academic qualifications, which are
outstanding. Beyond that, in my course she demonstrated a healthy, perceptive
skepticism in her approach to the subject matter. In a large class, her comments
and questions always pointedly and helpfully relevant. She did not occupy class
time unduly with her interests, but per word uttered in class, I can think of no
student who contributed more to the success of the course.
Johns performance and contribution in class were superior. In my judgment, he is
a bright, articulate and incisive student. Although somewhat reserved, he is not
timid in taking positions or expressing himself. He was one of the few students that
year who received extra credit on his final grade based on the quality of his
classroom participation. Johns performance on his final exams was excellent and
he ranked near the top of the class.
John was a student in my ______ class during his second year of law school.
Because there were fewer than 40 students in the class, I had the opportunity to
become more fully acquainted with John and the other students than did
professors teaching larger sized classes. I was very impressed with Johns

performance in class, in his legal writing assignments, and on his examinations.

Although John is a quiet person, he made many significant contributions to our
class discussions. He was always well prepared and took a keep interest in our
class discussions. All of Johns _______ assignments were well written and his
final legal memorandum was one of the top two or three I received that year. John
received a grade of 88 on his final exam which was one of the highest grades
received.
Beyond that, Janes experience as a teaching assistant in journalism is apparent in
all her writings. Law school blue books are not known for their literary quality;
Janes are the exception. In sum, I can think of few students who would be able to
offer more to a judge in search of a clerk.
Jane is active in various student organizations. She works very well with others
probably because she is a sincere and honest person. She is enthusiastic and hard
working and is very much respected by the faculty and students alike. She is a
mature person who takes her responsibilities seriously.
Jane is one of the top students in my class. She received the highest grade in the
class during the fall semester; one of the highest grades I have ever awarded.
Janes class participation indicates an enthusiasm for the study of law and a skill in
legal reasoning. Jane is also active in several student organizations, including the
Pro Bono Students Association, and works part time for a local law firm. Jane is
well liked by her fellow students.
John was a student in my _____ class this last semester. His frequent and
enthusiastic participation in class discussion as well as his probing inquiries outside
of class demonstrated the seriousness and dedication with which he approaches
the study of law. On a personal note, John possesses a quick wit and a warm
personality.
Jane is an intelligent and conscientious student. The written work she did for my
class (four assignments) was always well above average. She displayed an ability
to express her ideas clearly and concisely on paper. Although I have not seen Jane
deliver an argument in a moot court setting, I do know that she is very articulate in
the classroom setting.
On a more personal basis, I have found Jane to be a vivacious, yet gracious
individual with a warm smile and a delightful sense of humor and perspective. She
is one of those rare individuals that one senses is headed for certain success.
As a student in my _____ class, John has distinguished himself with consistency of
preparation, obvious grasp of issues, clarity of reasoning, and an ability to express
himself in front of his classmates. He was always keenly interested in subject
matter, and was quick to initiate discussion of important topics. His examination
results were consistent with his high class standing.
I have known Jane Doe for over a year and have been very impressed by her
intelligence and enthusiasm. She is a very bright, well-read individual who strives
for excellence in all she does. She is articulate, and displays the ability to think
clearly and creatively on her feet. She is very motivated and approaches work in a
conscientious and hard-working manner. She has a sincere desire to continue her
education and has the intelligence and motivation to perform at a high level.
Jane Doe has compiled a remarkable record at the Oklahoma City University
School of Law. Scholastically, she has achieved the highest laurels. She has been
an editor of the Law Review and has been extremely active in curricular and

extracurricular affairs. She has achieved a status of renown among her peers and
a reputation for excellence with the faculty and the administration.

Concluding Paragraph Samples

Jane Doe can be best described as intelligent, sincere and hard working. As a
former law clerk to a federal district judge, I know that she has the ability and desire
to be a very capable judicial clerk. I highly recommend Jane for a clerkship in your
chambers.
For all these reasons, I can highly recommend Jane Doe without reservation for
your program. I know that she will perform well and be an asset to your program.
Please feel free to contact me regarding this letter or my impressions of Jane.
In summary, I believe that John would be an excellent choice as a judicial clerk. He
has demonstrated a high level of competence and exhibits a temperament that
ideally suits him for the position he seeks. I recommend him to you without
reservation.
I am extremely supportive of John Doe, and I am confident that he would make an
outstanding judicial clerk in your chambers. I highly recommend him to you, and if I
may be of further assistance please telephone or write me.
Few predictions can be made with absolute assuredness. In this instance, I am
absolutely certain that your choice of Jane Doe as your clerk will be a decision you
will long cherish having made.
John Doe is a well rounded person and a fine and dedicated student. He is certain
to be an asset to your chambers and I highly recommend that you consider him
seriously for a position as your clerk.
John has informed me that he has an interest in the judicial system. On the
personal side, John is personable, one in whose company it is comfortable to be.
He would be an asset to the legal profession in any capacity. I am certain that he
would be a worthy addition to your staff. I recommend him wholeheartedly.