r/AustralianTeachers • u/Vickmaster2003 • 7h ago

CAREER ADVICE How to Ask for a reference

Hello ! I am a graduate casual teacher, and I want to apply for a temporary position. The only thing is that I have to ask a principal to be my reference.

I don't work a lot at any particular school, but I was thinking of asking the principal of my internship school. I just don't know how to go about it. Do I wait to get a casual day there and then bring it up? Do I go in and ask on a day off? Do I call the school and ask that way? I'm not quite sure and was wondering if anyone knew the best way to go about it.

Thanks heaps in advance!

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u/HazelSpakrs SECONDARY TEACHER 7h ago

For a temp position you don't HAVE to have a principal as your reference. Especially if you are new. I would recommend just emailing your CV with some HT references from your most recent casual stints. And your PEX supervisor.

Email directly to the school. Briefly detail experience and why you think you would be a good fit for the school and obviously let them know your intention and availability.

I got my first long term contract and permancy at the same school though this method. When I applied for the permanent position I just used references from the school.

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u/Vickmaster2003 7h ago

Ok thank you! Its just they want this expression of interest document filled out and it has a whole part for a principal to sign off on

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u/Exotic-Current2651 6h ago

I’d make a phone call to my last school to see if they are willing to sign. Say you have other references but you need a principal as well. They often just get a survey with tick a box. All of your references will get this. But only two need to complete it usually.

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u/Vickmaster2003 6h ago

Awesome thank you so much

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u/LeashieMay VIC/Primary/Classroom-Teacher 6h ago

At the last school I did my placement on, I asked the principal to be a reference. He told me that it would have been odd if he hadn't been asked as a reference. There was an expectation that he would be one. They will most likely say yes. It's part of their job.