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| Reference Letters We at Shidoka are happy to write reference letters for former ALTs. Please bear in mind though, that at certain times of year we are extremely busy, and current ALTsf needs take priority! Therefore, if youfd like a reference letter, please give us plenty of notice. Take note of the following hints and tips to help us give you the best reference possible. Most importantly, if you are simply listing our name as a reference on a job application, please warn us in advance. Itfs hard to give a good reference when you suddenly get an unexpected phone call from America about an ALT you vaguely knew two years ago. With advance notice, we can be better prepared to sell your strong points! Explain the focus of the reference. Are you applying to graduate school? What programme? What kind of a job are you looking for? Are you continuing with your English teaching? Itfs important to give us as much information as possible, so we can focus on relevant details of your time in Sendai. Provide your selling points. We cannot possibly keep track of every event, activity, accomplishment, etc. of all of our ALTs. It helps to sit down and list all of your duties and accomplishments in Japan. Be sure to list any successful ideas you implemented; do it now before you have forgotten everything! Some examples: - day-to-day duties at your particular school(s) - elementary/nursery school visits - exam writing/assessment of students - curriculum planning - elective class contributions - event planning - English club - eikaiwa classes for teachers - speech contest coaching - difficulties you overcame - particular skills you developed - proofreading or translating - projects youfve helped with or executed - your Japanese skills (proficiency exams) - participation in JET conferences as a speaker/moderator - your relationships with your colleagues or students - PSG, AJET, Habitat for Humanity, or any other volunteer positions held |