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Credential File Information for Educators

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 your “reference file” or your ” placement file.” These mean the same thing as your credential file.

School districts use "credentials" to describe documents that provide teaching candidates credibility with their school administrators. In the past, most districts, at some point in the application process, would require an "official" (i.e., copied and mailed from the Career Center) credential file from all candidates. This is no longer true!

The Career Center continues to recommend self-managed credential files because in most cases a photocopy of the requested documents, provided by you, will be sufficient for the districts.  Many districts, especially in the Chicago area, will require all or most your documentation to be submitted electronically, thus bypassing the need to have the Career Center send your file.  For almost all candidates, establishing a credential file in the Career Center is no longer necessary.

Credentials include:

  • Your resume;
  • One to three recommendation letters (on the writer's letterhead) from recent field experience/clinicals, faculty/advisors, previous employers, and individuals such as those who have supervised your volunteer work with young people (e.g. coaching).;
  • Student teaching evaluations (from supervisors and cooperating teachers);
  • Teaching certificate(s);
  • Credentials authorization form

Note that in regards to the reference letters/evaluations, quality is more important than quantity. A total of four to six letters (a minimum of three, including the student teaching evaluations) is sufficient for a new teacher’s file. 

Transcripts are NOT included in credential files at Illinois State University, BUT certainly will be a part of the documentation you will need to provide when you apply for teaching positions.  Prior to the final update of grades, a copy of your "Progress Report" is acceptable to school recruiters.   An official copy of transcripts will be required of all candidates but generally only at the point of hire.

Some General Guidelines when Applying for Jobs:

  • Always send a letter of application (cover letter) and a resume, either electronically or on paper.
  • Send other items as requested, in as timely a fashion as possible.
  • Schools will understand that student teachers will NOT have all the requested documentation or paperwork before the end of the final semester; when in doubt about what they want, and when they want it, check the district website or CONTACT THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE DIRECTLY.

Contact Information for Questions about Credentials:


Teri Lehr
Credentials Supervisor
Career Center
Illinois State University
Campus Box 2520
Normal, IL 61790-2520
Office: 309-438-5635
Department: 309-438-2200
Facsimile: 309-438-3539
Email:Teri Lehr

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