Credentials & Licensing

The word "credentials" is used often in the field of education to describe a number of different documents used to denote official evaluations and/or proficiencies. Some school districts will ask for you "reference file" or "placement file." These mean the same thing as your credential file. School districts use "credentials" to describe documents that provide teaching candidates credibilty with their school administrators.

The Career Design Center continues to recommend self-managed credentials files because in most cases a digital copy, provided by you, will be sufficient to submit to school districts. In order to submit your application materials in a timely manner, ensure you are prepared with the following items.

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Academic Transcript
• Student Teaching Evaluations: Refer to your Student Teacher Coordinator for details on how you will receive your final evaluations
• Letters of Recommendation: Obtain 3 letters of recommendation from individuals that know your potential as a teacher (professors, teachers, principals) and/or what kind of worker you are (supervisors). Avoid personal or character references

For more information about becoming licensed, check out these FAQs.