Self-Managed Credential Files

What are Credentials?
A credential is a letter of recommendation that tells of your professional training and experience. Credentials are usually expected as part of the application process for teaching jobs.

What is a self-managed credential file?
This is a file maintained by you which consists of signed letters of recommendation written by references. These letters are collected, maintained, and sent by you directly to the prospective employer.

Whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation?
Your letters of recommendation should come from those who can speak directly to your abilities in the classroom and/or experiences working with children/youth. Career-related references are most useful to employers, not character references (friends, family). You should consider collecting a letter from any of the following:

*Cooperating teacher from all student teaching sites
*Site supervisor
*Field experience teacher
*Principal(s) or Superintendents(s) who know you
*Other teachers or administrators who observed you teaching
*Faculty in the education department and in the department of your subject area
*Current or Former employer from a related employment experience
*Someone who knows you from a leadership or community service affiliation
*Mentors

What should the letter of recommendation look like?
The letter should be typed or computer generated—nothing handwritten. Writers should limit their comments to one page. Writers should use the letterhead from their school or business. The writer must date the letter and include his/her signature and contact information.

How many letters should I collect?
It is suggested that you maintain 3-5 current letters of recommendation. It’s important to keep these letters current by asking people from your teaching jobs to write letters to be used when you look for subsequent jobs. It is suggested that you should not use letters more than 4 years old in your job search.

How to obtain letters of reference.

You obtain the letters by requesting them directly from the writer. These suggestions are also helpful:

For the writer’s convenience, enclose a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

After you’ve received the letter of recommendation, send the writer a thank you note.

You should always keep the original letter and only send copies to the employer.

When are credential files used?
When applying for teaching jobs the employer will request you send credentials. Typically this occurs in the initial application process, but in some cases the files aren’t requested until after the initial screening process. It’s important to follow whatever process the employer indicates in the job posting. All application materials, including credentials, should be sent in a 9 x 12 envelope. Address labels should be typed. Keep a record of when and where you have sent your application materials.

What does the credential file ‘look’ like?
A complete self-managed file would include a cover sheet and 3-5 letters of recommendation. You may design your own cover sheet or go to the Career Services page on the Mount Mercy web site and download a cover page that has been designed with the MMC logo. You would need to add your name to this cover page. Be sure your documents have a polished, professional appearance.

What does a complete application include?
This may vary according to the school districts but a ‘typical’ application may require the following:
A cover letter
An application form (if not completed and submitted on-line)
A resume
A set of credentials
A copy of your transcript (available through the registrar’s office)
Most school districts prefer that you send all of this in one envelope.

Will the Career Services office answer questions I have about credentials, resumes or finding jobs?
Absolutely! You can make an appointment with Barb Mussman, Director of Career Services or contact her by phone or email. Career Services is located in 103 and 104 McAuley Hall. Phone number: 368-6463 or 368-6485. Email: careers@mtmercy.edu.

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What classes should I take to enter the program?
What will it take to graduate?
Four-Year Plans for Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Instructional Strategist I, Instructional Strategist II and Unified Early Childhood Endorsement and Pre-K Endorsement
How will I gain experience?
What can I do with an education degree from Mount Mercy College?
Who can I talk to?
Job Resources for Teachers
Education Department