EDUCATION MAJORS:  TIPS FOR SELF-MANAGING YOUR NON-CONFIDENTIAL FILE

These tips are meant for EDUCATION MAJORS ONLY. If you are not an Education major, you should refer to General Tips for Self-managing Your Non-confidential File.

Creating Your File:

1)  The following is a checklist to help you make sure your file is complete:

a)   Required Items:

b)   Optional Items:

  • Teaching Philosophy
  • Praxis Test Results

2)  Request the items you need from other parties (letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc). For letters of recommendation, you should approach recommenders with your letter requests several weeks in advance of application deadlines.

3)  Create the other items that you need in your file. Visit the Career Library to find books about creating effective cover letters, resumes, and personal statements. The Career Services website also has helpful information and samples of cover letters and resumes in the Resume Tips section.

4)  Proofread your materials and make sure they represent you well. Caroline Peck, the Education Career Counselor, can help you edit and refine your cover letter and resume. To make an appointment with Caroline, contact her by phone at (801) 585-5049 or by e-mail at cpeck@sa.utah.edu.

*About Transcripts: Please note that many school districts will be hiring prior to graduation. It is not expected that your transcript will show your completed coursework or degree. An in-progress transcript is acceptable. You only need to request one transcript from each college or university you have attended. Photocopies of transcripts are generally accepted during initial application. Potential employers may require that official transcripts from the Transcripts Office be submitted at a later date.

Maintaining Your File

Keep your file materials current:

  • Update your contact information as necessary.
  • Request a new transcript if you complete more classes.
  • Discard outdated letters of recommendation and request new ones. As a general rule, letters of recommendation should not be more than 2 years old.
  • Revise your resume to reflect new achievements.

Sending Your File

  • Take note of posted deadlines and be prepared to send your materials in time to meet them.
  • Include an Education Cover Sheet to introduce your file.
  • Send copies of everything and keep your originals for future use.
  • Make certain every single piece of paper has your name on it and includes all required signatures.
  • Do not fold your file materials. Use a large envelope instead.
  • Paper clip materials all together under the Education Cover Sheet and put them in one envelope. It is likely that many applications are being reviewed. Keeping your materials together reduces the risk of your file contents being lost, incomplete, or confused with those of other applicants.
  • Ensure that your envelope has the complete application mailing address including:

a)  Contact Name

b)  Department

c)  Name of Company or School

d)  Building and Room or Suite Number

e)  Street Address or P.O. Box

f)   City, State, ZIP Code

Questions?

Contact:

Caroline Peck, Education Career Counselor

cpeck@sa.utah.edu

(801) 585-5049

 

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