I've searched through all of the threads on references, but I think my question is a little different. I apologise if it has been covered before.
So, I am about the start my very last block of student teaching. However, most of my applications for the various positions around have to be in at the same time. Most of these positions are calling for the standard 2-3 references.
Now, I've just finished a really successful student teaching block, and my mentor teacher from that experience is going to be one of my references. However, I don't really have any other teaching-related references. My last student teaching block was in 2004 (had to take 2005 off for various reasons), and my mentor teacher from that time has left (although I doubt she'd remember me, having had a bunch of students through since then). Where I live, you aren't allowed to sub until you are fully qualified, so I don't have any references from there. All of my university classes are huge (100 people +) so I don't know any of my lecturers personally enough for them to give me a reference.
I could use my next mentor teacher, except I will have only known them a week at most, and it seems inappropriate.
So what do I do for these other couple of references I need? I'm thinking of asking my pastor for a reference letter (which will be good for the private schools, but is not good for any public schools), and possibly getting my boss from my part-time job (unrelated to teaching) to give me a "character reference".
I have everything else sorted out beautifully, but I don't know what to do about these missing teaching references. To cut to the point: does anyone have any suggestions for where I might be able to find another person or two to write a reference?
Many thanks,
Pavane
PS: I should note, in case it makes any difference, that I am in Australia where our academic year runs Feb to Nov/Dec, and applications for the 2007 academic year start coming due in about August.
Pavane, I wouldn't bet on your mentor from 2004 not remembering you. If you had a successful experience in that block, it would still make sense to try to locate her (unless you have reason to believe the reference wouldn't be favorable, but that doesn't seem to be the case here). You may want to prime the pump by reminding her which block you were in; if you did a project or presentation, mention it, especially if it was outstanding. (Professors and mentors tend to keep records. One never knows where the next reference request - or lawsuit - is coming from.)
If you've had ANY job that can be somehow related to teaching, that would be a fine source for a reference. Have you worked with children at your church? Then the pastor - or whoever supervised you - will be a fine reference for the public schools as well. Have you done any tutoring or private instruction? That works. Have you ever trained anyone to do a job, including a job that you were leaving? That also counts.
Pavane is there anyone else who observed your student teaching? Any other teacher at the school or anyone from your university? I don't know how your certification program runs, but in mine my master teacher, a school site supervisor (from the school where I taught), and a faculty advisor from my university observed me for a total of 8 observations. I also asked the principal where I taught to observe me so I could ask for a reference letter.
Also, today I filled out an application that asked for references. It specifically said that if I didn't have enough school references, I could use other references as character references.
I was going to make similar suggestions. Try to locate your 2004 mentor teacher. I think she would remember you. Maybe go ask her in person if possible so she can see you again. Ask any other people who have seen you teach or work with children, either at the recent student teaching, volunteer work or other jobs. Did you ever babysit for a family you still know?
The other thing, if you don't have these child-related referrences, get the one from your boss and from your pastor. When enough time passes, before interviews, ask for a referrence or 2 or 3 from your current internship and take those to the interview or ask personell to add them to your file.
Good luck! From my understanding, referrences are checked after they decide they want to hire you but before they acutally do so you'll have some time to explain your situation and provide additional referrences. I wouldn't worry too too much.
I wouldn't worry too much. You have to do the best with the situation. Call that mentor teacher. As others have said, I'm sure it will be a great reference.
My situation is similar but diffeent. I taught 8 years ago. The principal would never give me a good reference( although my evals were always satisfactory). I have decided to make lemonade with my lemons so to speak. I will use my current place of employment as a reference and hope for the best.
I wouldn't worry too much. You have to do the best with the situation. Call that mentor teacher. As others have said, I'm sure it will be a great reference.
My situation is similar but diffeent. I taught 8 years ago. The principal would never give me a good reference( although my evals were always satisfactory). I have decided to make lemonade with my lemons so to speak. I will use my current place of employment as a reference and hope for the best.
I think all will work out great for you
I am doing the same thing. I have 4-5 references from people I have worked with at my non-teaching job. The letters point out that I am flexible, patient, persistant, hard working and have great communication skills - all things that transfer to the classroom. when I finally get to go on interviews, I will sell myself using those skills.
kidatheart- glad to see we think alike Today I got my yearly evaluation, and got a bonus raise because it was so excellent. I am going to bring it on any interviews, because all the skills are transferrable.
I truly believe that we can't change the past, so there's no sense it worrying over it and wasting the precious time that lies ahead. When God feels I'm ready I'll be there, but in the meantime,I'm making an effort to stay on the right track. God helps those who help themselves.
I work with college students and often get requests for references years after the students have left the program. Believe me , your mentor-or supervisor- will not be shocked to hear from you. Give her some info to remind her of you (ex. year you student taught, school district that you student taught in, cooperating teacher you worked with, examples of a few fantastic lessons that she observed, etc.) Even if she does not remember you, she can look back in her files (or the college files) and get information from that.
Good luck!
A different reference question
Today I got my yearly evaluation, and got a bonus raise because it was so excellent. I am going to bring it on any interviews, because all the skills are transferrable. 
