Step Two - Document and Mailing Instructions

Remember - your credentials file creates the initial impression that potential employers have of you. Make it a good one!

General Instructions

Include the cover sheet with all documents. Documents sent without a coversheet and that do not include a social security number will not be processed.
Do not send color copies or ones that have been made using a scanner.
Do not send double-sided documents.
Except for transcripts - Do not send originals.
Do not send documents that have been shrunk or altered in any way. They will not be attached to your credentials file.
Do not send resumes, essays, or general letters of interest. These MUST be typed/cut and pasted into the text fields provided on the online application.

All documents sent to PA-Educator.net are destroyed after two weeks.

PLEASE NOTE: School districts and intermediate units use "Complete File" as a search criteria when looking for applicants. Failure to have any of the required documents attached to your online application will result in an incomplete file. This means that your name will not come up in a search using "Complete File" as a search criteria.

Below is a listing of the documents (with guidelines for each) you must send to PA-Educator.net so your credential file will be considered complete:

Undergraduate and/or Graduate Transcript

You should send either a first-generation copy or an original (preferable) transcript from each school you have attended since high school.
Do not have your university send this document to PA-Educator.net. Since many schools are no longer using Social Security Numbers on transcripts, you must complete the cover sheet to accompany your transcript(s) so we can identify the file to which it should be attached.
Do not send transcripts inside sealed envelopes. Remove transcripts from envelopes before sending them.
The maximum size per transcript is 6 pages.

For additional guidelines, click here.

Letters of Reference

Must be typewritten. (Preferably size 12 font.)
Maximum six letters permitted.
If sent separately, they MUST include a cover sheet with your name and Social Security Number.
Do not send observations, evaluations, or lists containing names of references. These documents will not be attached to your file.

For additional guidelines, click here.

PA Child Abuse Clearance (Act 151 of 1994 Public Welfare Code)

Do not send your original or a copy of the clearance application form.
Do not send expired Child Abuse Clearances. They will not be attached to your file.

For additional guidelines and information on how to apply for your clearance, click here.

PA Criminal Record Clearance (Act 34 of 1985 PA School Code)

Do not send your original or a copy of the clearance application form.
Do not send expired Criminal Record Clearances. They will not be attached to your file.

For additional guidelines and information on how to apply for your clearance, click here.

PA FBI Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114 of the 2006 PA School Code)

Do not send your original.
Do not send expired FBI Criminal History Records.

For additional guidelines, information on how to apply for the clearance, or to see how to use a placeholder and what PA-Educator accepts, click here.

Letter of Explanation/Other

You may include in a letter in your file explaining:

any previous criminal action,
loss of employment,
disciplinary action, and/or
visa/immigration status.

PA Professional Public School Certificate

Do not send your original. Send a first-generation copy.
Do not send out-of-state certifications. They will not be attached to your file.

To see if you qualify to use a placeholder until you receive your certificate, and to see exactly what PA-Educator will accept as a placeholder, click here

Praxis Test Results

These must be a copy of the official scores issued by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).
Maximum six pages permitted. You cannot add to individual pages of praxis test results already on file; you must replace all test results.

Mailing Directions & Cover Sheet

Documents sent without a cover sheet will not be attached.
To print out a cover sheet that includes our address to attach to your documents, click here.
If you elect to have your college/university send your credential file, make sure you give them a completed cover sheet to include with your documents.
We do not accept emailed, faxed, or electronically formatted documents (CD, disk, etc ...).

Document Guidelines:

To ensure your documents are legible to administrators, we recommend you follow our guidelines.