Teaching Jobs - Confidential Letters of Recommendation

Confidential Letters of Reference

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Problem:

This person applied to a district and sent in "confidential references." These are reference forms that administrators and colleagues fill out and send in without you-- the applicant-- seeing.

This person is afraid that her old principal might have said some negative things.

Answer:

Personally, I would try to avoid confidential references at all

costs. I feel that you should be entitled to see what your

references are saying about you. And, if possible-- and if

you know the references well enough-- they should offer to

give you a copy anyway. (Which, I know they're not supposed

to do-- but the whole "secret" reference thing gives people

TOO much freedom to be brutally honest about your

weaknesses.

Did the district require it or just recommend it? If they

require it, you have no choice but to go along with it. I

might even call a district and say, "I only have standard

letters of reference-- can I submit those?"

But... if it really is required... then:

1. Only get references from people you know and trust

really, really well.

2. Ask them if they can give you a copy (if you know them

well enough). I know you're not supposed to-- but ask

anyway.

3. Tell people straight out-- I'm not comfortable with

confidential references. PLEASE say good things! (Chances

are, they will feel sympathetic towards your plea.)

4. Don't use a principal if you fear s/he might not say

super-awesome things. Go with a reference from another

teacher you've worked closely with instead.

Best of luck to you.

- Fireboat

Here's a good eBook that may help you on your job search.

There is a small reference to my HATRED of confidential

references in it. It also has cover letter and resume tips,

interview advice, and 50 common teacher interview questions

and answers. The eBook is at:

"Guide to Getting the Teaching Job of Your Dreams"

http://www.iwantateachingjob.com

Includes:

- Best people to turn to for references

- More rants about confidential references

- 50 Common Teacher Interview Questions (and Answers)

- Resume and Cover Letter Secrets

- Lots more

Original Post: http://teachers.net/jobs/jobtalk/topic11153/6.13.07.19.10.00.html