When I began to pursue this third degree, I knew that the reference letter would be a key component. I have worked in my district for over 10 years, but the administration has changed several times. Before I considered whom I might ask for a letter, I thought about the letters I used to land my current position. These letters were from colleagues who believed in me, and gave strong credence to my abilities.
I felt that asking an administrator that knows me closely for a letter of reference, would be better than asking my superintendent. While my superintendent is a strong supporter, he is not as familiar with my day-to-day abilities. Luckily for me, I have a new administrator in my building that I could call upon, and also an administrator who has been in the district almost as long as I have been.
When I approached each one about writing a letter, I approached it as if it were a job interview, knowing that this letter was an integral communication, and an introduction to get acceptance into the graduate program. I spoke to my head principal, who has known me the longest. Getting him on board was critical. I noted that his initial interest in why I wanted to pursue the degree was that he saw this as an advantage for my professional approach to the building and to the classroom. He readily accepted my letter of interest in the program, and wrote a supportive and convincing letter to the university. Giving him detailed information helped him to understand the information that he needed to include to make the letter appealing.
I followed the same protocol with my assistant principal. He had only known me for two years at that point. I was on his supervisory list for the year, so this was an advantage for me. His impression of my classroom, the structure, and the dedication to building relationships with my students was evident in his letter. The letter that he wrote reflected every aspect of how I view teaching. The power of his written word impressed to me how important this degree would be. The content was similar to the head principal’s letter, with a fresh approach to language that reflected a defined confidence in my abilities.
Both of these letters confirmed that they believed in the possibility of me becoming a leader and attaining a third degree. They gave me the confidence to not give up. Also, I keep the letters close by. Whenever I feel that the pressures are getting strong, I read them, which reminds me of their belief in me, and I push through.