Getting a reference
Most employers will check your references. A referee check should be seen as positive – most schools will only undertake a reference check for those people they have short-listed.
Having good references can help get you the job you are after. However, you need to be sure you have asked the right people. If you don’t, then a bad reference could have a negative impact on your future job prospects. Referees won't call and warn you that they are not going to be nice, so select your referees carefully.
Who do you ask to be a referee?
Past employers are the most valued referees. Most employers are more interested in the skills or qualities required for the job you are applying for. Some may seek a character reference, but this is likely to be used only if work related references raise questions.
Try to include people who can support facts and provide examples of the achievements listed on your CV. Match your referees to the job - select referees who can best support the skills required eg if applying for an Intermediate job, better to choose a referee who has seen you teaching at Intermediate level
For newly qualified teachers, it is quite appropriate to use lecturers and tutors for references. Also use your Associate teachers (when on TE), particularly where you have been in sole charge of teaching.
How do I go about it?
First get the permission of the referee to use their name.
Ask "Do you know my work well enough to provide a reference for me” – this gives the referee the opportunity to say no.
Ask them what they are likely to say – if not positive, then maybe seek another referee. This requires you to be assertive, but it is worthwhile.
Second, advise them if they are likely to be contacted. Tell your referees what job you are applying for and what you think the employer might need to know.
Is a letter of reference worth getting?
When leaving a school, it is useful to ask for a letter of reference from the Principal or your direct supervisor. As time goes by, you may lose touch. As well as saying nice things, a letter also provides validation that you actually worked at the school. While an employer will not rely too much on a written reference, it still has value.
Having good references can help get you the job you are after. However, you need to be sure you have asked the right people. If you don’t, then a bad reference could have a negative impact on your future job prospects. Referees won't call and warn you that they are not going to be nice, so select your referees carefully.
Who do you ask to be a referee?
Past employers are the most valued referees. Most employers are more interested in the skills or qualities required for the job you are applying for. Some may seek a character reference, but this is likely to be used only if work related references raise questions.
Try to include people who can support facts and provide examples of the achievements listed on your CV. Match your referees to the job - select referees who can best support the skills required eg if applying for an Intermediate job, better to choose a referee who has seen you teaching at Intermediate level
For newly qualified teachers, it is quite appropriate to use lecturers and tutors for references. Also use your Associate teachers (when on TE), particularly where you have been in sole charge of teaching.
How do I go about it?
First get the permission of the referee to use their name.
Ask "Do you know my work well enough to provide a reference for me” – this gives the referee the opportunity to say no.
Ask them what they are likely to say – if not positive, then maybe seek another referee. This requires you to be assertive, but it is worthwhile.
Second, advise them if they are likely to be contacted. Tell your referees what job you are applying for and what you think the employer might need to know.
Is a letter of reference worth getting?
When leaving a school, it is useful to ask for a letter of reference from the Principal or your direct supervisor. As time goes by, you may lose touch. As well as saying nice things, a letter also provides validation that you actually worked at the school. While an employer will not rely too much on a written reference, it still has value.