Your file may also contain a Summary of Credits and your final student teaching evaluations from your supervising teacher and university instructor. Your SOU transcripts are not kept in this file. Letters of reference can be requested by anyone you choose, but most school administrators prefer references from someone who has observed you in a teaching capacity. Recommendations from your supervising instructors, cooperating teachers and administrators are the most effective. However, good references from community and volunteer activities, showing your leadership and coaching skills, are also beneficial.
Personal references are the least effective.
Ask the writer to type a one-page recommendation on their letterhead, if possible. Provide the writer with your current resume. This will give them a broader view of your qualifications. Copies of typical job listings in which you are interested will also help them identify the most relevant aspects of your background to highlight in the letter. Make sure the writer includes their phone number so the reviewer can follow up with a call, if necessary.