Why I Don't Like Letters of Reference

I recently asked my principal to write a letter of reference for me. She said I should write the meat of the letter so it applies to the program I am looking for and then she would add the introduction and conclusion. So I asked a colleague for help because he has successfully applied for these same programs in the past. Reading his letter, which I know he wrote, it's mostly lies. It talks about him being innovative, says he is diligent with students with disabilities, and he has an enviable reputation as an excellent teacher who truly cares about his students and teachers.

I'm not saying he's a bad teacher. He definitely gets the scores he needs and students do seem to like him even though he's very strict. That's definitely a good thing. On the other hand he is quick to judge and write off many of our students. He never volunteers to help out another teacher. He actually has a reputation of being a bit of a turd, excuse my language.

I just think it's lame that I may not exaggerate myself enough to compete with all the other lies the selection committee will be reading. I hope they don't give a lot of weight to these letters of reference.