A credential is a letter of recommendation that attests to your professional training and experience. Credentials are typically expected as a part of the process for individuals seeking employment in education settings. A credential file is a collection of those letters, along with a cover sheet containing your current address and certification information. An academic transcript may also be included in the file if desired. What are self-managed credentials? A self-managed credential file consists of signed letters of recommendation that are collected, maintained, administered, and sent by you directly to prospective employers. Credentials are a collection of documents used by employers to help them decide which candidates to interview or hire.
Why is the current credential file system being eliminated?
Over the past decade, significant changes have occurred in the area of teacher recruitment and hiring as well as changes in career development theory. Career centers have shifted away from “job placement centers” to career development/career management centers. The focus is to educate the student in terms of selecting majors, finding careers that compliment interests, skills and desires, and then developing the skills to manage their career beyond college. A key concept is the ‘transformation’ of the student rather than ‘transactions’ with the student. Developing career management skills includes the collection, management, and submission of materials necessary for employment. Self-managing credential files places the job search process wholly in the candidate’s hands, thus allowing for full responsibility. Self-managed files are also more responsive and more practical in the era of portfolios and electronic applications and communications. The teacher candidate would have for the first time, complete control over their application process:
-They decide what, where, and who will receive their information and eliminate the middle step of contacting the CAP Center
-Candidates are able to submit all of the requested materials in one envelope. The “one envelope” concept is seen as highly desirable in speeding up the candidate selection process.
- Additionally, there is a cost savings to candidates. Fees for processing credential files are eliminated.
Supporting Your Job Search with Self-Managed Credentials:
