Job Discussion Forums

[Jetgirly]

I have been thinking about applying to a MA TESOL program a few years down the road. I've been looking at some of the application packages lately and realized that I will need an academic reference. Unfortunately I was never very chummy with my professors at university. Basically, if I made it to the end of the semester without the prof figuring out my name, I considered it a job well done. My grades are well above the minimum requirements and by application time I should have at least two years teaching experience under my belt, but what about those pesky academic references? Has anyone out there applied to an MA program long after their undergraduate program or without a friendly professor who loves them? What should I do?

THANKS

[carnac]

You go to some former teachers. In person. You say "Hi, you may not remember me but you were my teacher for..." They will say "Of COURSE I remember you", lying through their teeth. You talk about the class and how the teacher influenced you and how wonderful the class was.. You tell the truth: "I need a reference to get into this school". You have in your hand a reminder of the grade you were given by this teacher. You show it to them. You ask "Can you help me?"
You are golden. 96% will say wonderful things even if they have no idea who you are. Guaranteed. (I made this percentage up)
Choose PhDs if you can. Looks better. Try to get their full titles on the reference, although they will probably make certain to mention it themselves.
You will be fine.
I had to do this. Did the above. Worked just fine.
Please let me know?

[Stephen Jones]

The only reference they will be interested in is a bank reference.

[Gordon]

[Gordon]