What documents are required for teaching job applications?

When applying for a full-time teaching position at a public high school in the United States, specifically for a subject like English Language Arts or Mathematics within a state requiring licensure, what core documents are universally mandated at minimum, which ones are commonly requested even if not legally compulsory, and how do requirements differ between public districts versus private institutions or international schools—especially regarding transcripts, certification proof, cover letters, letters of recommendation, and background check paperwork? Also, should any specialized materials (e.g., teaching philosophy statements, portfolio samples, student work examples) be prepared in advance for certain districts or positions?

Here are the documents typically required for teaching job applications, categorized by type:

Core Documents:

1. Resume/CV: Detailed professional summary highlighting teaching experience, qualifications, certifications, skills, and relevant achievements. Updated with each application.
2. Cover Letter: A tailored letter addressing the specific position and school/district, explaining interest and qualifications, and referencing key resume points.
3. Teaching License/Certification: Proof of active certification (e.g., State Teaching License, National Board Certification, QTS in the UK). Includes copies of all endorsements/passages.
4. Educational Transcripts: Official or unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate degrees) showing coursework and degree conferral dates.
5. References: List of professional references (typically 3-5) including full contact information (name, title, school/district, email, phone). Often requested as contact details only on the initial application; signed release forms or direct contact may be requested later.
6. Application Form: Specific form provided by the school district or school (required for many public schools).

Commonly Required or Highly Recommended Documents:
7. Curriculum Vitae (CV): More detailed than a resume, common in higher education and some international roles. Includes complete publication list, research grants, presentations, teaching portfolio content, etc.
8. Teaching Philosophy Statement: An essay articulating an applicant’s core beliefs about teaching, learning, and education, and how they translate these beliefs into practice.
9. Portfolio (Sample Documents):

• Samples of lesson plans/unit plans.
• Samples of student work (with anonymity ensured).
• Assessment data analysis showing student growth.
• Examples of differentiated instruction materials.
• Photographs/videos of classroom setup or teaching in action (less common, format specified by school).
• Clearly labeled and organized.

10. Letters of Recommendation (LoRs): Often required for higher education roles and sometimes requested as part of the initial package or later in the process. Usually 2-4 specific letters written by former supervisors, professors, or colleagues.
11. Proof of ETS Scores: Copies of approved standardized test scores (e.g., Praxis, CSET, QTS skills/language tests, GRE/GMAT for higher education) meeting state/institutional requirements.
12. Diploma(s): Copy of degree/diploma showing the conferral of the relevant qualification (especially if transcripts don’t prominently show date/degree award).

Document-Specific Requirements/Variations:
13. Specific Position Documents: e.g., ESL Teaching License/TEFL/TESOL certification, Special Education Certification, STEM Endorsement, Subject-Specific Certification.
14. Background Check/Vetting:

• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC): Proof of no criminal record, often required early in the process for final candidates. May need apostille/legalization for international roles.
• Authentication/Verification Forms: School may request birth certificates, Social Security numbers, or other documents to verify identity and work eligibility (e.g., W-4, I-9 in the US, DBS check in the UK).

15. Immigration Documentation: For non-citizens in certain countries (e.g., F1 visa, H1-B status in the US, Tier 4 visa in the UK). Proof of eligibility to work.
16. Educational Certifications Translation: For foreign qualifications, official translations of non-English documents and possibly an equivalency evaluation report (e.g., WES, NARIC).
17. School-Specific Policies: Religious affiliation forms (e.g., for faith-based schools), commitment to Code of Conduct, or specific ethics statements.
18. Proof of Continuing Education (CEUs): For license maintenanceatus, showing completed professional development credits if requested.

Key Considerations:

• State/District/School Requirements: Always check the specific job posting and school district’s HR website for exact, mandatory document lists.
• International Applications: Requirements vary drastically by country (credentials assessment, visas, specific teaching certifications).
• Higher Education (College/University): Focuses heavily on academic CV, syllabi, scholarly work sample (article/chapter), teaching portfolio, and specific LoRs from academic references.
• Tutoring/Privates: Often simplified, may only require proof of education/certification and references.
• Accuracy: Ensure all documents are current, accurate, and consistent (e.g., names, dates). Copies vs. originals/official copies may have different requirements.