A strong letter of recommendation can make a significant impact when hiring a substitute teacher.
This professionally crafted sample provides a clear and concise endorsement that can be easily customized.
Use this template to highlight the candidate’s skills, reliability, and dedication to education.
Substitute Teacher Recommendation Letter Sample
John A. Peterson
Principal
Riverside Elementary School
1234 Elm Street
Springfield, IL 62704
(217) 555-7890
jpeterson@riverside.edu
October 28, 2025
To Whom It May Concern,
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for Emily R. Johnson, who has served as a substitute teacher at Riverside Elementary School over the past two years. Throughout her time with us, Emily has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, adaptability, and dedication to student success.
Emily has effectively managed classrooms across various grade levels and subjects, ensuring continuity in students’ learning experiences. She quickly establishes a positive rapport with students and maintains an engaging and structured environment. Her ability to adapt lesson plans while maintaining the expectations of the regular classroom teacher has been invaluable.
Beyond her teaching abilities, Emily is a reliable and proactive professional. She arrives punctually, is well-prepared, and communicates effectively with both faculty and students. She has earned the trust of our staff and has been a preferred choice for many teachers needing a substitute. Her patience, enthusiasm, and commitment to student learning make her an asset to any educational institution.
I highly recommend Emily R. Johnson for any substitute teaching or full-time teaching position. Her dedication and skill set make her an excellent candidate. Please feel free to contact me at your convenience if you require further information.
Sincerely,
John A. Peterson
Principal
Riverside Elementary School
FAQs
What should be included in a letter of recommendation for a substitute teacher?
A recommendation letter should highlight the candidate’s teaching skills, adaptability, reliability, classroom management abilities, and rapport with students and staff.
Who can write a letter of recommendation for a substitute teacher?
A principal, vice principal, department head, or any teacher who has directly worked with the substitute teacher can write the letter.
How long should a substitute teacher recommendation letter be?
Ideally, it should be one page long, covering the candidate’s qualifications, teaching experience, and personal attributes concisely.
Can a substitute teacher use multiple recommendation letters?
Yes, having multiple letters from different supervisors or schools can strengthen their job application and showcase diverse experiences.
How formal should the tone of the letter be?
The tone should be professional, positive, and specific, avoiding overly generic praises while providing concrete examples of the candidate’s skills.
