Methods for submitting a credential file to school districts have changed greatly in recent years. Districts are now accustomed to receiving files directly from candidates; most are now open to receiving electronic files. In response to this openness on the part of school districts, the career center has revised its credential file service.
As of the 2001-02 academic year, the Piper Center will no longer maintain or manage credential files. As you prepare to enter a job search, you will need to request that we transfer ownership of your credential file to you so that you can manage your own file. To initiate this process, simply e-mail or call the Piper Center to request a release form. Once we have received the completed release form with your signature, we will mail you the original copies of the recommendations in your file. You will then be holding the original copies of your letters of recommendations; the career center will not keep copies of these letters.
As you apply for teaching positions, you will be submitting either a paper copy of your self-managed file or an electronic file to districts with applications, as explained in these instructions.
The Application Process
Types of Credential Files
Letters of Recommendation
Transcripts
Sending Your Credential File
Searching for Teaching Vacancies
The Application Process
The application process for a teaching position is well defined and fairly consistent across school districts. Consideration for any teaching vacancy will depend upon the candidate submitting all the required application materials according to district procedures. Most districts will require a cover letter and resume, a reference/credential file, transcripts, a copy of your teaching license and a completed district application to apply for a teaching vacancy. The reference or credential file is acritical piece in the application process as it provides written documentation of your academic preparation and your teaching experience. A reference/credential file containing letters of recommendation, transcripts and other supporting materials can besubmitted either on paper or as an Internet file.
Types of Credential File:
Self-Managed Reference/Credential File:
The Office for Career Connections suggests that you always maintain an updated copy of your reference or credential file in your own files. The file should include original copies of your letters of recommendation, an official transcript indicating completion of your certification requirements, and official transcripts from each institution attended subsequent to your B.A. Your teaching license should also be included in the file. Districts will accept a copy of your credential file directly from you.
Interfolio:
Interfolio is an on-line credential file service allowing teaching candidates to store, manage and distribute their reference materials via the Internet.
Letters of Recommendation:
You will need to request two originals of each of your letters of recommendation, one for your self-managed file and one to send to Interfolio (if you choose to use this option). Three to four letters of recommendation are standard in a credential file. You should add letters as you accumulate teaching experience, requesting letters from pricipals, department chairs, colleagues, etc. Always keep your file current and use only your most recent letters in the application process. Recommendation letters should be typed on letterhead stationary. All recommendation letters must have an original signature and state the writer’s professional position.
Transcripts:
Request two official transcripts from the Registrar’s Office and from any other institution attended, one for your on-line fileand one for your self-managed credential file. If sending a self-managed file in application for a position, simply copy your official transcripts. Though these transcripts will not be considered official, most school districts will accept unofficial transcripts during the hiring process. Upon being hired, you may need to provide official transcripts; in this case, contact the Registrars’ Offices directly, in writing to request that an official transcript be sent directly to the district. The Minnesota Reference File Service offers official transcripts when providing a district access to your file if you submit an official transcript to the service when initiating the file.
Sending Your Credential File:
Most districts will accept a copy of your credential file directly from you. An effective presentation method is to create a cover for your letters entitled “Credential File for (Your Name)” on resume or colored paper. Then copy your letters and staple them to the cover. Remember to send copies; always keep the originals of your letters and transcript in your own file.
If a district will accept an online credential file, your ReferenceNow file can easily be made accessible to that school district on-line. Those school districts that have indicated willingness to receive electronic reference files are listed in a drop-down list; simply choose the district to which you are applying. It is necessary to ask each district to which you apply if they accept on-line electronic credential files if you wish to utilize electronic submission of your file. For those districts, include the statement “Reference file available on-line” at www.interfolio.com/ on your resume and in your cover letter to indicate that your file is available on-line.
Interfolio can also send a paper copy of your file to a school district if it is required that the file come from a source other than yourself (through this is rarely the case). Directions are available on the ReferenceNow site; there is a charge for this service.
Searching for Teaching Vacancies
Teachers E-mail Alias:
The Piper Center maintains a “Teachers” e-mail alias to broadcast teaching openings to students/recent graduates seeking a teaching position. The “Teachers” alias is the only mechanism used by the Piper Center for Vocation and Career to distribute openings received directly from school districts. The subject line of the email will announce the subject area of the opening and so it will be apparent at first glance whether you need to read the entire email message. Alumni teachers can be added to this list by emailing the Piper Center at piper.center@stolaf.edu. Remember – it is necessary for you to keep the Piper Center informed of your current email address.
Teaching Vacancy Listings:
The Piper Center directs alumni to our web site (click on Teaching Jobs) to the two major internet teaching vacancy listings in Minnesota: JobSite Online (hosted by MASA, the MN Association for School Administrators) and EdPost (hosted by the MN College & University Career Services Association). Several other college and state sites are also listed on that page. A “Google” search can lead you to links for those states to which we do not provide direct links.
MN Education Job Fair:
Each year, Minnesota colleges and universities with education programs collaborate to host the MN Education Job Fair in April. Over 100 districts attend; two-thirds of those districts are from outside of Minnesota. Announcement of the fair registration process in emailed in March to those on the Teachers email alias. If interested in attending, email piper.center@stolaf.edu. You must register through the Center for Experiential Learning to attend the fair; there is a nominal registration fee.