Clinical Experiences Handbook
Guidelines for letters of recommendation
At the conclusion of the student teaching experience, cooperating
teachers typically write a letter of recommendation for student
teachers. University supervisors are required to
complete a final evaluation form, however,
on occasion may also be called upon to write a letter of
recommendation. The following suggestions are offered to assist both
in creating an effective representation of the student teacher’s
performance.
- Use school letterhead to write a formal letter of
recommendation.
- Within the text, use the name the student teacher prefers to
appear on official documents.
- Include a brief description of the school and/or community
context in which the student teacher was placed.
- Mention the grade levels and courses/subject matter taught
by the student teacher.
- Using brief examples or anecdotes, describe two or three of
the strengths you observed in the student teacher. Relate these
descriptions to pertinent educational issues and/or the
Minnesota Standards of Effective Practice for Teachers. (See
Section IV.)
- Comment on the future or potential of the student teacher as
a classroom teacher.
- Restrict the length of the letter to one or two pages.
Credential files are no longer maintained at Student Services in
the College of Education and Human Development. Cooperating teachers
should mail letters of recommendation directly to the student, so
he/she can self-manage his/her own file. Students are expected to
make the appropriate copies for their job application process.
More
information on credential services
November 2008 |
