One of the final fields in a teaching job application is usually “references.” You may be asked to provide two or three names with additional information like their title, how long they’ve known you and their relationship to you. References can make or break your candidacy, so don’t let them be an afterthought. Here’s the inside scoop on how references are often used, why they matter and how you should choose them.
What do schools do with references?
Different schools (or districts) handle references differently, but almost all of them will either call or email the people you listed on your application and survey them about your work. Usually schools require a complete reference check before they will extend an offer; and what they hear from your references may help them determine whether to consider you for an offer at all.
First off, schools use references to verify the experience you cited in the application process. Just as importantly, they’re looking to hear how you’ve performed in the past to determine if you’re likely to succeed in this new position. And they’re wise to do so. Research from the National Center for Analysis of Longitudinal Data in Education Research indicates that professional references are predictive of future teacher effectiveness, especially when the candidate has previous teaching experience. But not all references carry the same weight.
Who should you pick as your references?
The research shows that references from a teacher’s direct overseer – their principal, or a university supervisor – are most valid when it comes to predicting future performance. Your most recent supervisor will be your most helpful reference, so it’s recommended to pick that person if you’re able to.
All of your references should be professional references – not personal ones. Do not include family members or friends, only people with whom you have worked. If you’re new to teaching, you could include supervisors from other jobs, even part-time ones. Your mentor teacher from student-teaching is another good choice. And if you’ve held leadership positions in clubs or activities, that supervisor can help, too.
Before writing down anyone’s name, check in with them to confirm they’re willing to be a reference. If they show some hesitation, consider whether someone else would be a better pick. You want someone you are confident will speak positively on your behalf.
How to prepare your references
When asking someone to be your reference, it’s a good idea to let them know why you chose them. Consider questions such as:
- Did you accomplish something unique or important while working with them?
- Did they see you perform well under pressure?
- Did their feedback help you improve?
Providing an example will both refresh their memory and help highlight something you believe makes you a strong candidate. Focus on positive outcomes, including what you learned or how you improved. For example, “I’m hoping you could speak to the improvement you saw in my classroom management in the first quarter as I repeatedly practiced new techniques with you until I was ready to successfully implement them with students.”
You should also share your current resume, the job description and the school’s website with your references so they’re able to see what the school is looking for and potentially prepare relevant talking points based on their experience with you. If the school lets you know when they’re going to reach out to references, pass that information along as a courtesy to the people you’ve asked to speak on your behalf. And once the reference check is complete, be sure to send a personal thank you.
More Than Just a Requirement
References are not just a box to check on your application. They’re trusted voices who can help a school see your strengths in action. To make the most of their influence, choose your references wisely, prepare them thoughtfully and follow up with gratitude. They could be the deciding factor that turns an application into an offer.
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