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NOTE: Career Services has eliminated Credential File Services

Why are credential files being eliminated?

Over the past several years, drastic changes have occurred in the area of teacher recruitment and hiring.  Numerous institutions of Higher Education, including several UW institutions, have eliminated credential services for teacher candidates.  Career Services at UW-Green Bay has explored this option since the summer of 1996.  Individually, we have discussed with candidates, and encouraged, the concept of self-credentialing: candidates for employment secure, keep and forward letters of recommendation for employment independent of a third party (i.e. Career Services).

In 1996 and in 1999, Career Services at UW-Green Bay surveyed both public and private school administrators across the state of Wisconsin with regard to the concept of credential submission for teacher candidates.  The most recent survey in 1999 indicated that less than 1% of the school districts/schools responding preferred credentials to be submitted by a third party.  However all of the respondents would accept credentials submitted by the candidate.

In addition, Career Services inquired about the importance of student teaching recommendations and evaluations for teacher candidates.  Respondents indicated that these recommendations/evaluations were of the utmost importance for a new or recent teacher candidate.  However, no respondent indicated that student teaching recommendations/evaluations were critical for an experienced teacher.  In general, any reference or recommendation older than 5 years is not considered current by an employer.

With this information gained from our survey and the current changes in teacher recruitment and hiring, Career Services at UW-Green Bay has decided to phase out credential services.

What if I currently have a credential file established at UW-Green Bay?

Individuals with previously established credential files will be encouraged to self-credential.  If needed, individuals will be able to request copies of their files be forwarded at our current fee for non-registered credential files.  No new registrations or registration updates for credential services will be accepted after September 1, 2000.

Over the next three months, our staff will be documenting all existing active and inactive credential files.  Individuals will be contacted about the service discontinuation.  Any materials in an individual's credential file that are not confidential in nature will be returned to the individual.  All confidential material will be destroyed.

How does this impact my records and applications for teaching positions?

Please be advised that the discontinuation of the credential service will in no way impact your academic record at UW-Green Bay with regard to documentation of your teacher education program or your certification completion program.  If you have any questions about your academic record, please contact the Department of Teacher Education (920-465-2566) or the Office of the Registrar (920-465-2055)at UW-Green Bay.  The Education Department can provide copies of student teaching evaluations and recommendations.  The Registrar's Office can provide copies of transcripts.

Elimination of this service should not impact your search for a teaching position.  If a district or school requests an official or confidential credential file as part of an application, you need to indicate in your letter of application/cover letter that your undergraduate institution does not offer this service.  Therefore, in lieu of a credential file, you are providing letters of recommendation and/or a transcript directly as part of your application.  If you are already a licensed teacher, you will want to include a copy of your teacher license as well.

Effective July 1, 2001, all remaining files (individuals unable to be notified or materials returned undeliverable) and materials that are confidential will be confidentially shredded and destroyed.  Credential Services at UW-Green Bay will no longer be offered and files cannot be established or stored as of July 1, 2001.

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