Ask Headmaster Ken

Dear Ken,

My school doesn't give foreign teachers their release letter until the end of the semester, to ensure that they complete all their classes and other duties. This makes perfect sense to me. However, I want to apply to work at other schools that all require I submit a reference letter from my current employer at the time of the initial application. Seems like a Catch 22, as I can't get the reference letter till the middle of January and will have 2 weeks left on my Visa. How do I get around this? Thanks.

These days, schools are required to provide both a Letter of Release and a Letter of Recommendation.

The Letter of Release, usually issued during your final days, states whether you have outstanding obligations to your employer. Normally, it is simply an indication that you have fulfilled your contractual obligations and are free to pursue other employment.

The Letter of Reference speaks to the character of your service to your employer.

If you are on good terms with your employer, there should be no reason the employer would not provide you a Letter of Reference that covers the period from your first day to the day you request the letter.

After all, your employer still has the Letter of Release to write.

The requirement for schools to issue both letters is a benefit to FTs as I see it.

In my thinking, any decent employer shouldn't hesitate to write a Letter of Reference when requested. You might need to explain, (sell the idea) to your employer. Explain that this benefits all parties when this is provided, e.g., your employer will be viewed as a professional who is skilled in western business practices, etc.

Make you case and ask for your letter.

I wish you well,

Ken