Great Expectations is a research-based gathering of "best practices" in education. Try to get to one of their trainings - it's some of the best teacher training I've ever had.
This author makes a specific point that TEACHERS DON'T KNOW HOW TO WRITE letters of recommendation, nor do they format them correctly. A good example is linked at the end.
Teachers are being evaluated in new ways, including their leadership at a school or for a district. This website has links to the instruments Tulsa principals might use to evaluate their teachers. Other districts will surely follow.