Self-Managed Credentials for Education Alumni

The UMM Career Center moved to a Self-managed credential file system as of January 1, 2007, for all education graduates and alumni.

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 philosophy. Districts throughout the nation are developing Web sites that post positions, allow for on-line application and the ability to upload resumes and cover letters electronically. Many school districts throughout the country are already only accepting formal applications via the Internet, where they are scanned and sorted by software designed for that purpose. Nationwide, institutions of higher education have begun the process of eliminating credential services for teacher candidates.

The Career Center at UMM has explored in depth, the process of self-managed credential files. Self-managed credentials are more responsive and more practical in the era of electronic applications/communications. The teacher candidate would have complete control over their application process:

They decide what, when, where, and who will receive their information.
It eliminates the extra step of contacting the Career Center when applying for a position.
Candidates are also able to submit all of the requested information in one envelope. In communicating with school districts, this “one envelope” concept is seen as highly desirable in speeding up the candidate selection process.

Additionally, there is a cost savings to teacher candidates. Fees for establishing, maintaining and sending credentials will be eliminated.

Career Centers nationwide have transitioned from “job placement centers” to career development centers. Their focus is to educate the student in terms of selecting majors, finding careers that compliment interests, skills and desires, and developing the necessary skills to manage their career beyond college. A key concept is the “transformation” of the student rather than simple “transactions” with the student. Developing the skills necessary for managing one’s career includes the collection, management and submission of materials necessary for obtaining employment. Clearly, credential files fall under this category.

Who will this impact?

The Career Center at the University of Minnesota, Morris will eliminate credential file services for all new UMM graduates and alumni beginning January 1, 2007. We feel that candidates are better served by self-management of their credential files.

How will the UMM Career Center assist educators with self-managed credential files? The UMM Career Center has created a step-by-step guide to help with self-managed credential file development. This guide can be found at http://www.morris.umn.edu/services/career/teachcand.php. In addition, the UMM Career Center staff is available to meet with educators to answer any questions they may have in regards to establishing a self-managed credential file.

What if an educator currently has a credential file established at UMM?
The following options are available to current education credential file holders.

OPTION #1:

File holders can request to have their file sent to them for a $5 postage and handling fee. File holders choosing this option will be able to self-manage their own credentials. Both the self-managed instructions and the credential file request form are available at: http://www.morris.umn.edu/services/career/teachcand.php.

OPTION #2:

Should you choose to not self-manage your file, you could pay an online service. Companies such as http://www.interfolio.com will provide credential file services for you for a fee. (NOTE: The UMM Career Center does not endorse Interfolio or any other on-line credential file service.)

After July 1, 2007, all files in the UMM Career Center will be confidentially destroyed.

How does this impact an educator’s records and applications for teaching positions?

Please be advised that the discontinuation of the credential service will in no way impact academic records at the University of Minnesota, Morris with regard to documentation of the teacher education program or certification completion program. If educators have any questions about their academic record, they should contact the Office of the Registrar at UMM. The Registrar can provide copies of transcripts at the following Web site:http://www.morris.umn.edu/services/registrar/transcript.shtml. The Division of Education can provide copies of student teaching evaluations at this Web site: http://www.morris.umn.edu/academic/education/ed/ed.html.

Elimination of this service will not impact an educator’s search for a teaching position. A self-managed credential file cover sheet will be provided at: http://www.morris.umn.edu/services/career/teachcand.php. If a district or school requests an official credential file as part of an application process, candidates simply submit their self-managed credential file. Please refer any questions by any school district to the UMM Career Center Web site at http://www.morris.umn.edu/services/career/teachcand.php.