Need help asking my boss a question....

[PRINCESS VIJA]

So I have been going back to school to get a teaching degree. I am entering my student teaching semester and they told us to get our resumes ready... including a letter of recommendation from our current employer..

The people at my work do not know that I am doing this.... When I originally was thinking about it, I got a lot of nasty, negative comments. I didn't want anyone to spoil my dream so I kept it to myself when I finally commited to following my dream. Now the problem.... how do I ask my manager for a letter of recommendation... how would you approach it???? Oh, small minor detail... I know her hubby is a teacher and I remember one summer she was complaining that he was off and she had to work.... She was not the manager when I started this....

But HELP!!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

I'd tell her that you have been going back to school for your teaching degree and you need a letter of recommendation and can she write one for you.

If she is a decent boss, she should be happy that you are bettering yourself.

 

[KelNottAt]

I'm a boss. Unfortunately, my company doesn't allow us to write recommendations. Yours may not, either.

I'd suggest finding out company policy before you raise the issue. That may prevent some unnecessary hassle.

Then, if letters of recommendation are allowed, speak to your boss privately and in person about your request. If I were your boss (and allowed to write letters), I'd gladly do it. But, you could greatly ease my apprehension by describing how the student teaching will impact your work schedule. I'll be even more supportive if I can plan ahead to cover your absences.

Good luck!

 

[DVC-Don]

We are also banned from writing recomendations. We can only confirm employment and dates of employment.

 

[horseshowmom]

So I have been going back to school to get a teaching degree. I am entering my student teaching semester and they told us to get our resumes ready... including a letter of recommendation from our current employer..

The people at my work do not know that I am doing this.... When I originally was thinking about it, I got a lot of nasty, negative comments. I didn't want anyone to spoil my dream so I kept it to myself when I finally commited to following my dream. Now the problem.... how do I ask my manager for a letter of recommendation... how would you approach it???? Oh, small minor detail... I know her hubby is a teacher and I remember one summer she was complaining that he was off and she had to work.... She was not the manager when I started this....

But HELP!!!!

Is the recommendation absolutely required? Surely, there must be some students who don't have "current employers". I know I didn't when I did my student teaching.

On the other hand, if you're getting ready to student teach, I'm assuming that your employer knows that you're going to be in a classroom all day, so they shouldn't be too shocked to have you request the recommendation (if it's allowed in your company). Or are you working hours that are after the school day is finished?

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I work the weekend program so the hours at the schools aren't a problem. Ok, I work for a big hospital, how do I find out if they are banned from writing letters of recommendation?

 

[horseshowmom]

Do you have any sort of employee policy manual? Or you might ask your personnel department - they'd probably know.

Good luck with your student teaching! (What area are you going into?)

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I will be certified PreK - 6. I like the younger grades and am excited that I get a kindergarten placement for student teaching!

 

[horseshowmom]

Congratulations! My DH started his college career at the age of 34 after watching me teach school for many years (graduated at 38). He always wanted to teach 4th grade. Sure enough, that's what he got for student teaching, and that's what he's taught ever since (he's 49 now). Best of luck to you in the future!

 

[eeyoreiscool]

You can ask your human resourse rep if the hospital managers are allowed to write recommendations. They will know all the policies and will be willing to help you out.