A letter of recommendation template for teacher job is a formal endorsement written by a supervisor, colleague, mentor, or administrator that summarizes a teacher candidate’s qualifications, classroom skills, and professional character. Schools, districts, and hiring panels rely on these letters to evaluate classroom effectiveness, subject-matter competency, and cultural fit.
Imagine a promising teacher candidate you admire — now imagine helping them stand out with a structured, specific recommendation that hiring committees can trust. This article explains exactly what to include, offers practical templates for different situations (elementary, secondary, substitute, or curriculum roles), and shows how to format the recommendation so it reads as a professional, persuasive document. Use these templates and tips to save time while producing high-quality, honest recommendations that help teachers advance their careers.
Key Elements / Guidelines
A strong teacher job recommendation letter should include the following parts:
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Greeting / Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person or use “To Whom It May Concern” when appropriate.
Example greeting: “Dear Hiring Committee,” -
Opening Statement / Relationship: State who you are, your role, and how you know the candidate (duration and capacity).
Example: “I am the principal at Lincoln Elementary and supervised Ms. [Name] from 2019–2024.” -
Core Qualifications and Skills: Highlight classroom management, lesson planning, subject expertise, assessment practices, and student outcomes.
Example: “[Name] designed project-based units that raised reading comprehension scores by X%.” -
Specific Examples / Evidence: Provide 1–2 concrete anecdotes or measurable results to support claims.
Example: “She implemented a peer-review system that improved student writing scores and engagement.” -
Professional Attributes & Soft Skills: Note collaboration, communication with families, reliability, and professional growth.
Example: “Highly collaborative—served on the curriculum committee and mentored new teachers.” -
Clear Recommendation & Closing: State your endorsement level (strongly recommend, recommend with confidence) and provide contact info for follow-up.
Example closing: “I strongly recommend Ms. [Name] for the [Position]. Please contact me at [phone/email].”
Check out more recommendation letter templates.
Tips / Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
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Do be specific and measurable. Quantify outcomes (test gains, attendance improvements) when possible to add credibility.
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Do tailor the letter. Match examples to the job (elementary vs. secondary, special education, subject area).
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Do use professional tone. Warm but formal language signals seriousness to hiring panels.
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Do include contact details. Add a phone number and email for verification.
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Do get permission. Confirm the candidate is comfortable with the content and details you share.
Don’ts
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Don’t exaggerate claims. Overstatements can be easily checked and harm credibility.
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Don’t include confidential student data. Avoid names and personally identifiable details—use aggregated results.
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Don’t be vague. Generic praise (“great teacher”) is less persuasive than an example.
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Don’t neglect formatting. A sloppy layout can undermine the letter’s perceived professionalism.
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Don’t omit dates. Always include employment dates or observation periods for context.
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Sample Templates
Below are three ready-to-use letter of recommendation templates for teacher job. Each template includes when to use it, a subject line (for email), and placeholders you can replace.
### 1. Classroom Teacher — Full Recommendation (When to use: hiring for a full-time classroom position)
When to use: For recommending a teacher for a permanent classroom position (elementary or secondary).
Subject (email): Recommendation for [Candidate Name] — [Grade/Subject]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am pleased to recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Grade/Subject] teaching position at [School/District]. As [Your Title] at [Your School], I supervised [Candidate Name] from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During this time, [he/she/they] demonstrated excellent instructional planning, strong classroom management, and a genuine commitment to student growth.
[Candidate Name] designed and implemented standards-aligned lessons that resulted in measurable improvement: during the 2023–2024 school year, students in [his/her/their] class increased end-of-year assessment scores by [X%] in [subject]. [He/She/They] frequently collaborated with colleagues, led professional development sessions on formative assessment, and maintained open communication with families.
I strongly recommend [Candidate Name] for your teaching role. If you would like additional information, please contact me at [Phone] or [Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Name], [Title]
[School Name] | [City, State]
2. Short Recommendation — Substitute or Short-Term Role (When to use: brief, time-limited engagements)
When to use: For substitute teaching positions or short contracts.
Subject (email): Recommendation for [Candidate Name] — Substitute Teacher
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to recommend [Candidate Name], who worked as a substitute teacher at [School] during [Month/Year]. [He/She/They] managed classrooms across grades [X–Y] with confidence, followed lesson plans carefully, and maintained consistent routines. Staff reported that students responded well to [his/her/their] clear expectations and calm presence.
I endorse [Candidate Name] for short-term teaching assignments. Contact me at [Email] if you need further details.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Position], [School]
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3. Recommendation for Leadership or Curriculum Role (When to use: department lead, curriculum coordinator)
When to use: For teachers applying to leadership, instructional coach, or curriculum design roles.
Subject (email): Recommendation for [Candidate Name] — Curriculum Lead
Dear [Hiring Committee or Name],
I enthusiastically recommend [Candidate Name] for the [Position]. In [his/her/their] role as [Current Role], [he/she/they] led our mathematics vertical team, redesigned scope and sequence, and coached colleagues to implement differentiated instruction. Under [his/her/their] leadership, department-wide assessment proficiency rose by [X%].
[Candidate Name] combines instructional expertise with strong leadership and data-driven decision-making—skills essential for a curriculum role. I wholeheartedly support [his/her/their] candidacy. Please reach me at [Phone] for additional insights.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Title], [School/District]
Formatting Tips
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File format: Save as PDF for submission; keep an editable .docx copy.
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Font & Size: Use Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman, 11–12 pt.
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Margins & Spacing: Standard 1″ margins, single or 1.15 line spacing; separate paragraphs.
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Length: 1 page is ideal—concise but evidence-driven.
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Signature: For printed letters, include a handwritten signature; for email, include a typed signature block with title and contact info.
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Tone differences: Formal recommendation for district hiring; slightly warmer tone for private schools or small programs—but remain professional.
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FAQs
How do I write a professional letter of recommendation template for teacher job?
Start with your role and relationship to the candidate, give 1–2 concrete examples of impact, highlight professional traits, and close with a clear endorsement and contact details.
What should I include in a teacher job recommendation letter?
Include employment dates, classroom or role responsibilities, measurable outcomes if possible, collaboration highlights, and a closing endorsement.
Can I email a teacher recommendation letter?
Yes. Attach a signed PDF and include a concise subject line (e.g., “Recommendation for [Name] — [Position]”). Add a short email message introducing the attached letter.
How long should the recommendation be?
Aim for one page—3–5 short paragraphs that provide context, evidence, and a clear recommendation.
Should I disclose weaknesses in a recommendation?
If you must mention development areas, frame them constructively and pair them with evidence of growth or responsiveness to feedback.
Conclusion
A thoughtful letter of recommendation template for teacher job helps hiring teams see both the candidate’s classroom effectiveness and professional maturity. By using specific examples, quantifiable results, and a clear endorsement, your letter can make a meaningful difference in a teacher’s career advancement. Explore more professional templates and communication guides on MsCareerGirl.com to support educators and leaders. Bookmark this guide or share it with a colleague preparing a recommendation.
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