How to Write a Letter of Reference for a Teacher's Aide

A skillful teacher's aide enhances classroom experiences for students and teachers.

Writing a professional reference letter for a teacher's aide requires knowledge of the aide's abilities and performance, as well as observations about the aide's teaching methods and interactions with students. Beginning with your position, years on the job and grade levels taught in the school where you work provides context for your evaluation of the teacher's aide. Conclude your letter with a brief assessment of the aide's performance and a statement indicating your confidence in his abilities.

Things You'll Need

• Notes and information about the teacher's aide's responsibilities/job description
• Samples of classroom activities or assignments given by the teacher's aide
• Comments about stand-out talents and abilities (optional)

Instructions

1. Gather records including time sheets, performance evaluations and observational notes. Prepare the reference letter in a quiet place, free of distractions and interruptions. Use appropriate school letterhead and envelope. This sets a professional tone and supports the aide's claim of working for a particular school.

2. 

   Provide examples of excellence.

   Start your letter by briefly introducing yourself, your school and your position. Introduce the teacher's aide and mention the duration of her association with your school. Describe your association with the teacher's aide, and its duration. List the grades taught, and specific subjects if applicable. Describe the duties assigned to the teacher's aide, and describe the aide's performance of those duties. Describe how the teacher's aide performed assigned duties beyond expectations.

3. 

   Include examples of assignments, activities and projects developed by the teacher's aide.

   Cite one or two examples the teacher's aide's outstanding "above and beyond" skills and activities. Note any particular skills such as working with special needs students, or building student confidence.

   Conclude your reference letter with examples of why you would hire this person as a teacher's aide, and recommend him for the job. Include your contact information and encourage the reader to contact you for further information if needed. Keep a copy of the letter you have written for future reference if needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Review organizational policies and procedures for writing reference letters. Institutions may require human resources to handle employee references.

• Don't embellish a candidate's performance.

• Avoid writing reference letters involving negative or difficult situations. Refer such requests to human resources.

• Limit comments to job performance and related topics.

• Be aware of possible legal consequences for providing negative employment references.

• Avoid overly complimentary language; this can sound insincere.

• Check with human resources or school administration if you have doubts or concerns about writing a reference letter.

References

• NACE: How to Write Reference Letters