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[professordunsel]

Help,
My Dean tells everyone that he does not give 5 out of 5 on teaching evals and my latest had lots of 4s (above average) and 3s (average). He also wrote an only slightly complimentary reference letter for me (he apparently does this for everyone, he is that type of guy). My evals from students are always fantastic and my chair and lead are very complimentary to me and in written reference letters.
My question is, if I use the former chair or lead or another chair as a reference, will it look strange to perspective employers if I do not use my dean?

[systeme_d_]

What kind of things are you applying for?  If you're applying for chairships, then a Dean letter would be good.   Otherwise, what the heck would you need a Dean letter for?

[professordunsel]

What kind of things are you applying for?  If you're applying for chairships, then a Dean letter would be good.   Otherwise, what the heck would you need a Dean letter for?

I am currently a lecturer and I am applying for professor positions as an ABD. 

[sinatra]

For an instructor/assistant professor position, you do not need a letter from your dean. Deans will not be able to contextualize your teaching strengths and weaknesses, your research interests, or your service work. Your chair, however, will be able to do this per the job duties. So I'd recommend going with a letter from your current chair and one from a former chair or a faculty member who has indicated that s/he will write you a GOOD letter of recommendation and who is familiar with your work. Then all you will need is a third letter from your dissertation adviser. Good luck!