Credential Files

Read the following instructions before completing your credential forms:

Click Here to Download Credential Forms

A brief word on the credential forms PDF

We have formatted the credential forms into Adobe Acrobat so that the credential forms will look professional no matter where you fill out and print your forms using Acrobat Reader. However, unless you will have the full version of Adobe Acrobat (available at the Career Center) you will not be able to save any changes to the form.. It is recommended that you print the selected page whenever you have completed a page so that you reduce the risk of losing any work. Follow the instructions below in the "How to establish credentials" to complete each page.

What are credentials?

School districts use credentials to determine which applicants to interview. Without credentials you may not be selected to interview. Credentials, or a credential file consists, of a cover sheet (providing name, address, majors, etc), a major/minor academic record prepared by you, and three to six references from student teaching supervisors, cooperating teachers, professors, and employers. This file is maintained permanently in the Career Center. At your request your credentials will be copied and mailed to prospective employers. Please note that your resume and transcripts are not a part of your credentials.

How to establish credentials

It is very important to begin the credential process before you begin student teaching. Your time will be very limited when you begin student teaching and having your file started will allow you to begin applying for teaching positions early. Follow these steps:

  1. Complete the form entitled "References." Provide accurate and complete information. If you do not know who your cooperating and supervising teachers are, indicate "To be assigned." In addition to the student teaching references choose two or three others to serve as additional references. These can be college instructors, recent employers, or personal. A maximum of six references is recommended.
  2. Complete the page with "Credentials Concerning" at the top. List your degree as Bachelor of Arts. Remember if you place your current address as your college address to contact the career center after graduation to change the address if needed.
  3. The "Academic Record" page is to give the opportunity for school administrators to glance at your applicable classes despite the fact they will need an official version of your transcripts. List only the course titles of education or content related classes. The fields on this page are designed to shrink as more classes are added to each column. To make the font size the same for the two columns after your course titles have been added you may want to press enter at the bottom of the columns until it looks the most professional.
  4. Submit the forms and $30.00 registration fee to the Career Center. You will be given evaluation forms to distribute to your reference writers outside of student teaching. Supervisors will provide forms for cooperating teachers. NOTE: The registration fee covers the cost of establishing and maintaining credentials. Also, unlimited sets of credentials may be sent to prospective employers at no additional charge during your initial job search.

When and how to send Credentials.

Request the Career Center staff to send your credentials when:

  1. You apply for an advertised opening. You must also send a letter of application, resume, and your transcript. Credentials should arrive at the school either the same day or the day after your letter of application, but never before your letter.
  2. You receive an application form in response to your letter of inquiry and resume. Immediately complete and return the application, along with transcripts, and request that your credentials be sent.
  3. You have an interview on campus with a school district. Credentials of all interviewees will be copied and provided to the school representative the day of the interview. You also need to submit your resume, transcripts, and completed application, if available, to the Career Center the day before your interview.

Credentials are mailed "as is" - whether all references are in or not. Before sending your file the first time stop in to review it so you know what it contains. References received later will be mailed only at your specific request. It is recommended that your file not be sent with fewer than three references, at least one of which should be from student teaching.

Credentials can be personally delivered, however, appropriate notice is required. This method is usually reserved for meeting a deadline or an interview situation.

When your file is complete you may request an "issued to student" copy for your records. Credentials are kept permanently by the Career Center. Information can be updated and references added at no additional charge.