Writing a letter of recommendation for an experienced college adjunct professor is a meaningful way to support someone who has made a consistent impact in the classroom. Whether they’re applying for a new adjunct role, seeking a full-time faculty position, or expanding their teaching portfolio, your letter can highlight what makes them an outstanding educator, both in their subject area and in the way they connect with students.
In this post, we share a sample recommendation letter for an adjunct professor with a proven teaching record. This example focuses on the qualities that make a long-term adjunct successful: dedication, student engagement, subject expertise, and professional collaboration.
You can use use this sample as a framework to guide your own letter, while making it personal with stories and examples from your experience working with the candidate.
Sample Letter of Recommendation for an Experienced College or University Adjunct Professor
[Date]
Dear [Hiring manager’s name or to whom it may concern],
I am pleased to write this letter of recommendation for [Candidate Name], who has served as an adjunct professor in the [Department Name] at [Institution Name] for the past [number] years. During that time, I’ve had the privilege of working with [Candidate Name] as [Your Role—e.g., Department Chair, Colleague, Program Director], and I can say without hesitation that they are one of the most dependable and student-centered instructors I’ve worked with.
[Candidate Name] consistently delivers high-quality instruction across multiple semesters and course levels. Their ability to make complex material accessible, foster thoughtful discussions, and create an inclusive, respectful classroom environment has been repeatedly praised by students and colleagues alike. Course evaluations often highlight their clarity, responsiveness, and ability to make each student feel seen and supported.
In addition to their teaching excellence, [Candidate Name] brings a collaborative spirit to our department. They actively participate in faculty meetings, contribute ideas for curriculum development, and mentor newer adjuncts with generosity and professionalism. Their strong communication skills, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement make them an asset in and out of the classroom.
What stands out most about [Candidate Name] is their genuine care for student learning. They go beyond grading and instruction—they support students through challenges, adapt to diverse needs, and model the lifelong learning we aim to inspire in our college community.
I highly recommend [Candidate Name] for any adjunct or instructional role in your institution. They bring experience, heart, and professionalism to everything they do—and your students will be better for it.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
[Your Institution]
[Email Address – optional]
[Phone Number – optional]
How to Personalize This Sample Letter of Recommendation for an Experienced College or University Adjunct Professor
This sample is here to give you a strong starting point — but the most effective recommendation letters are the ones that feel real, specific, and personal. Here’s how to make it your own:
1. Replace the placeholders.
Anywhere you see brackets, like [Candidate Name], [School Name], or [Position Title], simply swap in the real details. Taking a few extra minutes to personalize these areas helps ensure your letter reads as thoughtful and sincere.
2. Add real-life examples.
Think of a time when the person you’re recommending made a genuine impact, maybe they guided a student through a tough moment, led a successful school project, or stepped up when it really counted. Specific, meaningful examples are what make a recommendation stand out.
3. Match the tone to your relationship.
Whether you were their supervisor, a colleague, or a mentor, feel free to adjust the wording to reflect how you worked together. A letter that reflects your authentic relationship carries more weight and credibility.
4. Save time by using AI to personalize the letter.
If you’re short on time, you can copy this letter into an AI writing tool to help you quickly replace the placeholders or enter specific details that would be helpful for your draft. Just make sure to review and ensure that it echoes your own voice; your real experiences and insight are what truly bring the letter to life, and that’s something AI can’t replace.
In Closing
A strong recommendation for an experienced adjunct professor should do more than list their qualifications—it should capture the value they’ve brought to your institution over time. Share examples that show consistency, innovation, and care. Whether you’ve supervised their work or taught alongside them, your words can help open new doors in their academic journey.
Looking for more templates? Check out our other sample letters for educators at all levels, from first-time instructors to school leaders and staff.
