Teacher Education References Guide

If you have questions about creating a reference page, please contact Career Services. To download a copy of the Teacher Education References Guide, click here.

Basics
Content
Suggestions
Whom Should You Ask?
Sample Reference Page

Basics

References should only be included when an advertisement specifically calls for them, however, references should ALWAYS be a separate document from your resume.
Include 3-5 professional references who can comment specifically on your work ethic, teaching experience, academic achievement, or involvement in community service, volunteerism, clubs.
Include your name and contact information as it appears on your resume.
Include the header – References.

Content

Name with courtesy title (Ms., Mr., Dr., Professor)
Position title
Company/Organization
Address
Telephone number
E-mail address

NOTE: If you use a teacher as a reference, be sure to include their summer contact information if it is different than their contact information during the school year.

Suggestions

Do not use personal references (friends, family).
Cultivate strong working relationships with your supervising/cooperating teachers.
Be sure to ask the individual for permission before listing them as a reference.
Keep references informed of your goals by providing them with a current resume and description of what types of positions you are considering. References will then be able to offer a potential employer more information about your achievements and involvement.
Always ask a reference what information can be included on your reference page (home or work address, home or work phone number, e-mail).
Be sure to keep your references informed of your job search progress.
Send your references a note when you get a job to share your good news and to thank them for acting as a reference for you.
After your job search is complete, maintain contact with your references in order to use them again in the future.

Whom Should You Ask?

Supervising/cooperating teachers
Principal
Another teacher
Field work supervisor
Former/current supervisors
Mentors
Professors
Customers/clients
Academic advisors
Colleagues
Contacts from volunteer work
Coaches

Sample Reference Page