Extra recommendation from a middle school teacher?

Applying to College
1

Even though recommendations are usually supposed to come from junior year classes, would it be unheard of to include a recommendation from a teacher I had in middle school? Let me elaborate. He is no ordinary teacher; I would liken a rec from him to one from a scout leader or church member, because it would be based on an ongoing activity and relationship.

I first had this teacher for pre-algebra 7th grade. I was the leader of the first (and very successful) math team at that school (under his coaching) and have continued my participation into high school by helping to expand participation, organizing activities, and mentoring/asst. coaching his current team. Over the course of 5+ years now, we’ve gotten to be really good friends, and on top of all the work we’ve done together I can honestly say he knows more about my character, personality, and general social/family context than any high school teacher.

Would it be inappropriate to include something from him along with my other great (though less informative) high-school teacher recs?

2

<p>At first I would have said leave middle school teachers out, but I think your helping coach his team is impressive and would make a worthwhile rec as long as it's a secondary rec. The primary ones should probably still come from HS teachers.</p>

3

<p>It is perfectly fine to include a "character" rec in addition to your basic, academic, high school teachers. This is basically the only situation in which a middle school teacher should be allowed to write you a recommentation.</p>

4

<p>It is very commendable for that teacher to write you a rec. letter...</p>

<p>GO FOR IT... it can add more zest and more info. regarding your personal/academic life together.</p>

5

<p>He sounds like a great person to write you a rec! Don't think of it as a rec from a middle school teacher. Think of it as a rec from the sponsor of an activity you have been involved in for 5 years.</p>