Difference Between Teacher Evaluation and Letter of Recommendation

I'm a bit confused about teacher evaluations and letters of recommendation. Are they the same thing? If not, can someone please explain the difference to me? Thanks!

There is a subtle difference between teacher evaluations and letters of recommendation, although they are closely related in the college application process.

A teacher evaluation is a form that your teacher fills out, which typically includes rating your academic abilities, participation, work ethic, and other qualities relevant to your performance in their class and school activities. This form also offers spaces for teachers to provide context, such as class difficulty or any particular challenges you faced. The teacher evaluation is meant to give colleges an objective assessment of your strengths and weaknesses as a student.

On the other hand, a letter of recommendation is a more personalized document, where your teacher (or any other recommender) writes a narrative about your character, accomplishments, and potential. This letter usually shares anecdotes and examples to highlight your particular strengths, contributions, and growth. The purpose of the letter of recommendation is to provide colleges with more qualitative insights about you as a person, and how you might thrive in their academic and social environment.

While both the teacher evaluation and letter of recommendation serve to present you as a candidate from someone else's perspective, the evaluation focuses more on your academic abilities and performance, whereas the letter emphasizes your personal qualities and potential for success in college. These two components, combined, aim to provide a well-rounded understanding of your suitability for admission.