So, it's job fair season already and I want to be as prepared as possible. I have a few good letters of recommendation, but there are some small issues. First, I have a lovely recommendation from my principal last year. Unfortunately, he's not at the school anymore and I don't have any contact information. Second, I have two nice letters from people at my school last year. They're good letters, I'm just not at that school anymore. I don't know if I should still use these letters. I would like to get letters from people at my current school, but have some issues. The only person to observe me thinks I don't have a connection with my students and/or that they think I don't like/care about them. I have no idea why my principal thinks this. I actually have a pretty good relationship with my students. I have a few who come have lunch with me almost every day. I have one girl who is on a couple of different depression medications and having some major drama in her life so she stays after school to talk with me. I'm goofy with my kids. I joke around with my kids. I'm supportive of my students in sports. I work with my kids to keep their grades up. I think the main issue is that I don't do these things during my observations. Also, if I get this issue cleared up with him, I'm still not sure about asking my principal for a letter. He knows that my commute is ridiculous. His commute is half of mine, and I think it's wearing on him, too. If I ask him for a letter, he'll know that I'm looking elsewhere and will think I'm not serious about wanting to be asked back (I'm up for tenure this year and if I can't get a job closer, would like to keep my job). I really don't know what to do here. Then, there's the fact that we don't have department chairs at my school, so I don't really have anyone else that I can ask to write me a letter. There are people who act as leaders of departments, but have no title. I could ask one of these people to write me a letter, but they've never observed me teaching. *sigh* So, I don't know what to do. :mellow:
Go to the fairs with the letters you currently have...You could probably find out from your former school where your former P is now...List where you are working now on your resume and tell prospecitve schools at the fair that you can provide referrals from your current job 'upon request' but that you'd prefer to keep your job hunt on the qt for now as you are still in contract for the current year and don't want to jeopardize your current job relationships until you have a firm offer.
One of the MOST helpful things for me was a letter of rec from a parent. She put her contact info on their as well. It wasn't loaded with education jargon. Just straightforward about how far her daughter had come, my professional relationship with the parents, etc, etc. I really think it helped. I think my boss (now) really liked knowing that I was a young teacher, yet still respected by the parents.:thumb:
I have 3 letters of rec from former P and APs. Unfortunately, they are currently embroiled in a scandal and being investigated by the state. Not sure if I dare use them!
You could also include any cards kids have given you. I would agree with using what you have. A letter for a colleague could be good too if it shows your commitement to working together.
