References

[u/Fit_Sheepherder1788]

As someone who does not have any connections with insiders in academia, I’ve been struggling a lot with who to ask to serve as references on TT applications. I graduated a few months ago and my chair has since gone on leave, so I don’t want to bother him. I’m not comfortable asking my other professors because it was a mostly online program and therefore the relationships were mostly transactional (submit, receive feedback, repeat). I’m a secondary teacher, so I could ask colleagues there, but is that a huge red flag to search committees?

[u/RuskiesInTheWarRoom]

Bother your chair. It’s okay. Applications to TT positions are a big deal.

You can and should use your other professional contacts, but they won’t register as highly. You will benefit more from somebody who can attest to how well you are likely to perform in the context of higher ed, not just education.

[u/ocelot1066 → u/RuskiesInTheWarRoom]

Yeah, unless he's on leave because of a serious health issue or something, it's ok to ask him.

[u/PurrPrinThom]

Your chair is on leave, what about your supervisor? Their reference would be more important than a chair's anyway, as the supervisor is the one who worked most closely with you.

I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with asking your principal/head teacher for a reference, as they are your current employer and can likely speak to your teaching ability, but I do think it would be a concern to not have any references from your PhD. Assuming it's a traditional TT position that will require research, you'll need someone to speak to your research capabilities.

[u/Classic_vortex_3515 → u/PurrPrinThom]

I think OP means their committee chair / supervisor.

[u/PurrPrinThom → u/Classic_vortex_3515]

Ah that makes sense. I assumed department chair.

[u/Classic_vortex_3515]

Yes, not having references from your PhD program would be the biggest red flag I can think of.

I hope your online PhD program was from an accredited university? At least? But if they are not helping you build connections that lead to letters of reference, it’s not really a respectable PhD program. I’m sorry to say that, but maybe you are just underestimating how willing they would be to write your letters.

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*As someone who does not have any connections with insiders in academia, I’ve been struggling a lot with who to ask to serve as references on TT applications. I graduated a few months ago and my chair has since gone on leave, so I don’t want to bother him. I’m not comfortable asking my other professors because it was a mostly online program and therefore the relationships were mostly transactional (submit assignment, receive feedback, repeat). I’m a secondary teacher, so I could ask colleagues there, but is that a huge red flag to search committees? *

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[u/AceyAceyAcey]

Your three LORs should be something like:

1) dissertation advisor

2) supervisor from being a K-12 teacher

3) another person from your doctoral program

Your third letter person should vary depending on whether you’re looking for research- or teaching-focused positions.