What are Credentials, Anyway?

Often teacher candidates are asked to submit their "credentials" when applying for teaching positions. This can be confusing because technically "credentials" is an outdated term; and although the term is still used, credentials as such are not.

To replace their service of sending credential files, Career Services offers Blugold CareerLink, an electronic registration process and resume database that is used to refer available candidates to employers. To learn more about Blugold CareerLink visit our Blugold CareerLink website.

What should be sent when credentials are requested?

It is very important to recognize that every school district's application procedures are different. Follow the instructions precisely. Failure to follow directions may cause your application to be eliminated. Typically, a position vacancy specifies inclusion of some or all of the following:

• A letter of application often called a "cover letter"
  
• A resume
  
• A list of professional references with addresses and phone numbers
  
• Copies of letters of recommendation from principals and/or other school administrators. Newly certified candidates are most frequently asked for evaluations from their student teaching cooperating teacher(s) and university supervisor(s)
  
• An official copy of transcripts
  
• A separate application form (if required by school district)

What are the advantages of self-credentialing?

Self-credentialing allows candidates to take full responsibility for job search and career planning correspondence

Self-credentialing promotes efficient and timely delivery of application materials directly from the candidate to the employer. Candidates may deliver materials in a more timely procedure without Career Services involvement

Self-credentialing allows for flexibility and the ability to select which materials are most appropriate to a certain vacancy

Occasionally, a candidate may come in contact with an employer that is not familiar with the practice of self-credentialing and may not want to accept materials directly from the candidate. If this occurs, please contact Career Services and we will send your materials with a cover page

What If, as an Alum, I Have Credentials on File?

If you are an alum and have credentials on file with Career Services, you should convert to self-credentialing. The steps to be taken are outlined below:

If your Credential File is Confidential (closed):
Credential files that are not periodically updated or revised quickly become obsolete. While it is important to provide recommendations that trace your recent professional experience, outdated and/or irrelevant recommendations are, in fact, a detriment. Since all confidential letters of recommendation were received prior to September 1, 1993, there is some question as to their current value.

To gain access to a letter of recommendation that is confidential, thereby making it available for self-credentialing purposes, you must formally contact the writer seeking his/her permission to change its status. Or, the recommendation can be re-written using letterhead stationery. When the status of a confidential recommendation has been changed it will be made available to the candidate and you become self-credentialed. 

To receive a list of the names of the writers of the letters of recommendation currently in your file and a Credential Release Form, please contact Career Services.

If Your Credential File is Non-Confidential (Open):
Contact Career Services in writing to request a copy of your file in order to become self-credentialed. To obtain new recommendations, instruct the writers to use their own letterhead stationery and return the letter to you.