Placement File Frequently Asked Questions
What is your mailing address?
What is it?
Why do I need one?
How do I set one up?
When do I do this?
How can I get references before I student teach?
Is this all I'll need for an application?
How do I reactivate my placement file?
Mailing Address
Educator Career Services
Seattle University
901 12th Avenue
PO BOX 222000
Seattle, WA 98122-4340
Contact us at 206.296.5780 or e-mail: silverb@seattleu.edu.
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What is it?
The Placement File contains documents which detail your educational preparation, employment history and other experiences that have contributed to your preparation as an educator. At least three professional references (the minimum required by most schools and districts) for employment are also contained in the file.
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Why do I need one?
The Placement File is one of the primary tools used by school districts in the hiring process and will be an important resource throughout your career in education. Once established, you should update it on a regular basis (about every two-four years) even after your initial employment.
Seattle University credentials present complete information to an administrator in a format that is both professional and accessible. You, the candidate, create the file documents using templates available through Educator Career Services. Hiring officials appreciate standardized university files and depend on their veracity. As an applicant, your candidacy is promoted under the Seattle University logo.
Establishing a placement file before leaving the university provides not only a measure of professionalism to your applications, it also insures that you will have a file for future needs whether anticipated or not.
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How do I set one up?
By submitting the Registration Form, Open/Closed File Form and Fee Schedule with the applicable fee, a candidate sets up a file. At that point, Professional References Forms are made available. As you complete each page for your file, you submit them in person or through the mail. You can obtain the Registration Form, Open/Closed File Form and Fee Schedule in Loyola 515 or contact the ECS office to request that the forms be mailed to you. The completed forms should be submitted with the basic set-up fee of $15 for current SU students (cash, check payable to Seattle University, or credit card including expiration date).
While candidates are responsible for completing all information and monitoring the prompt arrival of all professional references, ECS keeps all original material on file and sends copies to potential employers at your request. In addition to maintaining the file, a record of all activity, such as receipt of references, requests for file mailings, and fee payments for services is documented.
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When do I do this?
For first year teaching candidates, we strongly recommend that you have a placement file (other than final references) completed before beginning your internship and/or no later than the end of January. School districts begin recruiting for certain positions early in the new year. By completing the documents for your file, you will be prepared to apply and be considered for selection early in the process.
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How can I get references before I intern?
You may request a letter of reference from a past or current employer/supervisor of paid/unpaid work or anyone who has observed you working with children/youth in a structured setting. As soon as you set up your file, you will have the Professional Reference Form to give to each letter writer.
If necessary, you may request a "preliminary" recommendation from your cooperating teacher or university field supervisor in order to supply three letters to complete an application before a closing date. However, those same writers would need to complete a "final" reference for your file.
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Is this all I'll need for an application?
In addition to your placement file, hiring schools/districts may request any and all of the following additional pieces:
- District application Transcripts: Unofficial (or copies), unless official transcripts are specifically required. If you don't already have copies of your transcripts, request them now so that you will be prepared to submit them with your applications.
- Resume: While much of the same information is found in the application and placement file, a resume is a requisite tool that you will need in your job search.
- Copies of Certificates: New candidates will not have a copy of the certificate and will indicate this on applications as "pending."
- Cover letter: You will need a generic letter of interest to customize for each district. Additionally, you may also need specific letters of application for particular positions for which you are applying.
- Philosophy of Education: You may summarize your philosophy and include it on page two of your placement file under "Additional Information" if you so choose. However, you will need to be prepared to articulate your own philosophy of education whenever asked to do so--in an application or in an interview.
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Reactivating
If it has been more than two years since you last mailed your placement file, you will need to request reactivation.
Please put your request in writing; include your name, current mailing address, email address and phone number, the year that you graduated and the degree that you received. If you created your file under a different name, please include that information.
Send your written request along with the $10 reactivation fee to this office. (Include credit card info (and expiration date) or check payable to Seattle University. When we receive your request, we will process it and send you a packet of information, including copies of what is currently in your file, a list of references and new forms, and we will email you new templates and Professional Reference Forms.
If you want to come into the office and pick up the materials, please call ahead and make an appointment. By doing so, you will be assured that your information will be ready for pick-up when you arrive.
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