Letters of recommendation play a crucial role in education. They help schools, districts, and hiring committees identify teachers who not only meet expectations but exceed them — in classrooms, staff rooms, and communities. A well-written letter of recommendation for a teacher provides credibility, context, and character — showing what a resume can’t.
Whether you’re a colleague, parent, principal, or student teacher, this guide will help you write a thoughtful, structured, and persuasive letter that highlights a teacher’s strengths and real classroom impact.
The goal of your teacher letter of recommendation
A teacher letter of recommendation is a formal endorsement written to support a teacher’s job application, promotion, award nomination, or academic pursuit. It’s meant to validate their professional reputation and demonstrate their impact with concrete examples — and it’s often a legal requirement.
Strong recommendation letters don’t rely on adjectives alone — they use evidence. For instance, rather than saying “Ms. Rivera is a good teacher,” describe how her innovative reading program increased student engagement or improved test scores.
When done right, a letter of recommendation for teaching position gives decision-makers a clear, memorable picture of the teacher’s professional excellence and character.
According to The Guardian Jobs:
“You can learn a lot about a person’s professional persona from their reference; it helps corroborate the candidate's selling points from the interview and builds trust in their abilities.”
Read more: To whom it may concern: How to write a letter of recommendation
What to know before you write your teacher recommendation
Preparation makes the writing process faster and more personal. Before you begin drafting, collect the following:
- The teacher’s resume or CV (to confirm dates, subjects, and achievements).
- The job description or context (promotion, award, certification).
- The relationship between you and the teacher — how long you’ve known them and in what capacity.
- Classroom examples that show their teaching philosophy in action — lessons, student outcomes, or community involvement.
Once you know what the school or organization values, you can tailor your letter to highlight how the teacher fits those priorities.
How to structure a letter of recommendation for a teacher
A clear structure helps your message land with credibility and ease. Use this simple framework:
- Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person if possible (e.g., “Dear Hiring Committee,” or “Dear Principal Johnson”).
- Introduction: Identify yourself and your relationship to the teacher. State how long you’ve known them and in what capacity.
- Body paragraph 1: Describe the teacher’s key strengths — classroom management, instructional creativity, empathy, or subject expertise.
- Body paragraph 2: Include specific examples of impact: student growth, program success, mentoring, or leadership roles.
- Conclusion: Summarize your endorsement and offer your contact information for follow-up.
Following this structure keeps your letter of recommendation for a teacher organized, easy to read, and professionally balanced.
Templates for letters of recommendation for a teacher
Below are ready-to-use letter of recommendation templates for teachers. Each is customized for a different perspective — whether you’re a fellow educator, parent, administrator, or mentor.
Template 1: Letter of recommendation for a colleague teacher
Subject: Recommendation for [Teacher’s Full Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager or Principal’s Name],
I’m writing to wholeheartedly recommend [Teacher’s Name] for the [specific teaching position] at [School Name]. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside [him/her/them] as a fellow teacher at [Current School] for [number] years.
In that time, I’ve seen [Teacher’s Name] consistently demonstrate exceptional commitment to students and colleagues alike. [He/She/They] bring creativity to every lesson, foster inclusivity in the classroom, and actively support new teachers through peer mentoring.
One of [his/her/their] most impactful contributions was [specific example — e.g., launching a cross-grade science fair that boosted engagement schoolwide].
I’m confident that [Teacher’s Name] would be an outstanding addition to your faculty. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at [your email] if you’d like more insight into [his/her/their] teaching experience.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Position, School Name]
Template 2: Letter of recommendation for teacher from principal or administrator
Subject: Recommendation for [Teacher’s Full Name]
Dear [Hiring Committee or School Board],
I’m pleased to recommend [Teacher’s Name] for the position of [position title] at [School Name]. As [his/her/their] principal for [number] years, I’ve had the privilege of observing [Teacher’s Name] bring energy, dedication, and innovation to every classroom experience.
[He/She/They] consistently exceed expectations in both academic and community engagement. For example, [describe measurable success — such as improved student reading levels or a successful curriculum redesign].
Beyond results, [Teacher’s Name] is a leader who uplifts peers, supports school initiatives, and builds trust with families. [He/She/They] would be a valuable asset to any educational team.
Please feel free to reach out at [your email or phone number] if you’d like to discuss [Teacher’s Name] further.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Principal, School Name]
Template 3: Letter of recommendation for teacher from parent
Subject: Recommendation for [Teacher’s Full Name]
Dear [Principal’s Name or Hiring Committee],
I’m honored to recommend [Teacher’s Name], who has had an incredible impact on my child’s education and confidence. [He/She/They] taught my child in [grade or subject] at [School Name], and I’ve witnessed firsthand [his/her/their] dedication to every student’s growth.
[Teacher’s Name] communicates with compassion, celebrates each child’s progress, and encourages curiosity beyond the classroom. My child went from struggling in math to loving it — a change I credit entirely to [Teacher’s Name]’s patient, engaging teaching style.
Any school would be fortunate to have such a caring and effective educator. Please feel free to contact me at [your email] if you’d like further details.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Parent of Student, School Name]
Template 4: Letter of recommendation for student teacher
Subject: Recommendation for [Teacher’s Full Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager or Placement Coordinator],
I’m delighted to recommend [Student Teacher’s Name], who recently completed a teaching placement in my [grade/subject] classroom at [School Name].
During the placement, [he/she/they] demonstrated strong lesson planning, adaptability, and enthusiasm for student learning. [He/She/They] quickly built rapport with students and implemented engaging activities that reflected thoughtful pedagogy.
[Student Teacher’s Name] approaches teaching with curiosity and reflection — qualities that will serve [him/her/them] well as [he/she/they] begin [his/her/their] career. I fully recommend [him/her/them] for any entry-level teaching position.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Lead Teacher, School Name]
Template 5: Letter of recommendation for preschool or substitute teacher
Subject: Recommendation for [Teacher’s Full Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager],
I’m happy to recommend [Teacher’s Name] for a preschool teaching position at [School Name]. [He/She/They] worked as a substitute teacher in my classroom and displayed remarkable patience, creativity, and understanding of early childhood development.
[Teacher’s Name] engaged young learners through storytelling, play-based activities, and positive reinforcement. Parents regularly shared their appreciation for [his/her/their] warmth and professionalism.
I’m confident [Teacher’s Name] would bring that same dedication and joy to your preschool team. Please reach out to me at [your contact details] for any follow-up information.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Preschool Director, School Name]
Common mistakes to avoid in your letter of recommendation for a teacher
Even experienced professionals can weaken their message with small missteps. Avoid the following:
- Writing too generally: Avoid vague praise. Hiring managers want proof, not adjectives. Show the teacher’s strengths through real outcomes — improved student results, innovative lessons, or mentoring impact.
- Ignoring the job context or subject area: Tailor your letter to the specific role. A preschool teacher’s compassion reads differently from a high school science teacher’s analytical skill. Match the examples to the position so your recommendation feels relevant and intentional.
- Forgetting your contact details: Always include your full name, title, organization, email, and phone number. It makes your endorsement verifiable and shows you’re open to further discussion.
- Writing about someone you don’t know well: Only write letters for people whose teaching you’ve observed or whose work you understand firsthand. If you have to consult their CV to recall what they’ve done, you’re not the right person to write the letter. A weak, impersonal letter can do more harm than good.
- Letting the letter run longer than one page: A focused, one-page letter is easier to read and more persuasive. Three to four concise paragraphs are ideal — enough space to make your point without losing attention.
- Skipping context for achievements: Don’t list every task or project. Instead, explain the impact — how the teacher’s approach improved learning, supported inclusion, or influenced the wider school community. Context makes accomplishments meaningful.
- Overstating achievements without proof: Avoid exaggerated claims like “the best teacher I’ve ever worked with” unless you can support them with clear evidence. Committees read dozens of letters — unqualified superlatives weaken your credibility.
- Sending without proofreading: Small errors can undercut credibility. Double-check for grammar, clarity, and tone before sending. Reading aloud or using a trusted colleague for a quick review helps ensure the letter reads smoothly.
- Letting the letter run longer than one page: Keep your letter concise — around three to four paragraphs. Reviewers often read dozens of applications, and brevity demonstrates respect for their time.
According to Ira Mellman of Women in Cell Biology:
“All too often letters are nearly useless. It is regrettable both for the candidates and for institutional committees when letters fail to provide accurate, fair, or transparently honest assessments or fail to place the candidate in proper perspective relative to his/her place in the field. Although many of us have come to understand this, committee group dynamic all too often results in letters being used as de facto decision making tools: candidates are dismissed if a letter is deemed to contain coded negatives, dangerous since not all letter writers or nationalities use the same code.”
If you’re sending your letter via email, keep the body concise and attach the full letter as a PDF for professionalism.
Emailing the letter of recommendation (and requesting one)
If you’re the one requesting a recommendation, send a short, polite message. Give at least two weeks’ notice, include your resume, and specify any deadlines.
For example:
Subject: Request for Letter of Recommendation — [Your Name]
Dear [Teacher’s Name],
I hope your week is going well. I’m applying for [position or program] and would be grateful if you could write a letter of recommendation for me. I’ve attached my resume and a brief overview of the opportunity, along with the submission deadline.
Please let me know if you need any additional details. I deeply appreciate your time and support.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
Building teachers up
A thoughtful recommendation letter can open doors for talented educators — and, in turn, for the students they’ll go on to inspire.
Whether you’re a colleague teacher, administrator, or parent, taking the time to write a detailed, authentic endorsement helps ensure great teachers continue shaping strong classrooms.
A great letter doesn’t just support a teacher’s career — it honors the difference they’ve already made.
FAQs about writing a letter of recommendation for a teacher
What should you include in a teacher recommendation letter?
A strong teacher letter of recommendation is personal, specific, and evidence-based. Include:
- Your relationship to the teacher: State how you know them and for how long to establish credibility.
- Core teaching strengths: Highlight subject expertise, communication skills, and classroom approach.
- Real examples of impact: Describe a moment that shows how they improved learning outcomes or inspired students.
- Personal qualities: Mention traits that make them stand out — patience, creativity, leadership, or empathy.
- A confident closing: End with a clear endorsement and an offer for follow-up contact.
Who can write a letter of recommendation for a teacher?
The best letters of recommendation for teachers come from people who know their work firsthand. Anyone who’s seen their teaching in action and can speak to their professional strengths can write one, including:
- Another teacher or department head who’s collaborated with them.
- A principal or administrator who’s evaluated or supervised their teaching.
- A parent offering a character-based perspective on their impact.
- A mentor or university supervisor for student teachers or recent graduates.
Titles matter less than insight. A thoughtful, detailed letter from someone who truly understands the teacher’s impact carries far more weight than a generic note from a senior figure.
Can a teacher write a letter of recommendation for another teacher?
Absolutely — and often, these are the most compelling. A letter of recommendation for a colleague teacher reflects shared experience, practical understanding, and professional respect. Keep the tone supportive, specific, and balanced between collegial warmth and formal professionalism.
Can parents write letters of recommendation for teachers?
Yes. In early education, private schools, or award nominations, a letter of recommendation for teacher from parent can add a valuable, human perspective. Parent letters often highlight the compassion, patience, and connection that don’t always appear in professional evaluations.
What’s the best format for a teacher recommendation letter?
Keep the format simple and professional.
- Length: One page — clear, focused, and easy to read.
- Layout: Left-aligned text in a standard 11–12 pt font (Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman).
- Greeting and sign-off: Use a formal salutation (“Dear [Name],”) and close with “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”
- File type: Save and send as a PDF to preserve formatting and professionalism.
A clean, consistent layout helps your letter look polished and ensures it’s taken seriously.