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THE APPLICATION PROCESS:

For Newly Certified Teachers

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. Take the time to learn what constitutes a completed application in each district to which you apply and their preferred method for submitting materials (paper documents or electronic submission).

Most districts will require a cover letter and resume, a credential/reference file, a transcript and a completed district application to apply for a teaching vacancy. If the district will accept phone requests for their application, it is easiest to submit all of your application materials at the same time. If the district indicates no phone requests, you will send a cover letter and resume, indicating interest in a teaching vacancy and requesting a district application; the completed application and your credential file should then be mailed as soon as possible. If a district requires that you apply online, read carefully to determine if they require you to upload a resume and cover letter and how you need to submit your credential file.

The Credential File:

The credential or reference file is a critical piece in the application process as it provides written documentation of your academic preparation and your teaching experience. A credential/reference file containing letters of recommendation, a transcript and other supporting materials can be submitted either on paper or as an internet file.

Types of Credential File:

Self-Managed 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 and an official transcript indicating completion of your certification requirements. You build your own credential file as you near completion of student teaching. You will then add to it as you gather teaching experience, requesting letters of recommendation from principals, department chairs, colleagues, etc.

OnLine File
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 the ReferenceNow (if you choose to use this option). Three to four letters of recommendation are standard in a credential file. Both cooperating teachers and supervisors from your student teaching experience will automatically write letters of recommendation and forward them to the Education Department upon completion of your student teaching. However, a reminder that you need two originals will be helpful.

In addition you may request letters of recommendation from professors, administrators and former employers who can comment on your experience and/or ability to work with youth. Recommendations should provide information on competencies and should not be a character reference. Recommendation letters should be typed on letterhead stationary. All recommendation letters must have an original signature and state the writer's professional position. Again, you will need to request two originals of each of these additional letters of recommendation.

Transcripts

Request two official transcripts from the Registrar's Office, one for your self-managed credential file and one for your on-line file. If sending a self-managed file in application for a position, simply copy your official transcript. Though this transcript will not be considered official, most school districts will accept an unofficial transcript during the hiring process. Upon being hired, you may need to provide an official transcript; in this case, contact the Registrar's Office directly, in writing, to request that an official transcript be sent directly to the district. ReferenceNow offers official transcripts when providing a district access to your file if you submit an official transcript to the service when initiating the file.

Note: If you will be sending your file to school districts before your degree and student teaching are posted on your transcript, you will need to request one set of transcripts immediately and another when your transcript is finalized.

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 (though this is rarely the case). Directions are available on the Interfolio site; there is a charge for this service.

Searching For Teaching Vacancies

Teachers E-Mail Alias:
The Center for Experiential Learning 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 Center for Experiential Learning 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. Remember - it is necessary for you to keep the CEL informed of your current email address. Email cel@stolaf.edu to be added to this alias.

Teaching Vacancy Listings:
The Office for Career Connections has direct links from 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. You will be notified in March via email of the registration process for the fair. You must register through the Center for Experiential Learning to attend the fair; there is a nominal registration fee.