An important part of preparing for the job search in K-12 education is compiling letters of recommendation from your in-classroom experiences as school district applications generally require them. EPCS offers a convenient, cost effective credential service.

• How it Works
• Considerations in Obtaining Reference Letters
• Tips for Letter Writers
• Recommended Procedures for Obtaining Reference Letters
  • Form letters for download

Here's how it works:

• Students store their letters of recommendation with EPCS.
  • Keep track of letters on file, by simply checking the on-line list through your EPCS On-line account.
  • It is generally advisable to request a recommendation from your cooperating teacher and/or supervisor near the end of the teaching experience. If too much time is allowed to elapse, it is more difficult for the individuals involved to recall some of the specific details of the assignment, or it may be difficult to locate them.
• When you are ready to start your job search, you open a credential file with EPCS. The credential includes copies of your resume, university transcripts, and authentic references, key components of most applications. "Authentic references" means that letters come directly from the writer to EPCS and are then sent directly to the school district.
• When you apply to school districts you notify EPCS, and we send your credential file to the district. This is a powerful, timesaving tool for candidates, letter writers, and employers.

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What to Consider in Obtaining Reference Letters:

Reference letters are a key component in educational applications. Here are some items to consider when seeking reference letters:

• They should be obtained only from persons who can evaluate your teaching or administrative potential and performance or your scholarship abilities. Character references and letters relating to your pre-college years are not included in the Professional Credential.
• References submitted to this office may be used only for employment purposes and admission to graduate school.
• Once references have been submitted to our office, they become the property of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the originals may not be removed from our office.
• Although three to six professional references are most common, quality of references rather than quantity should be stressed. The number will vary according to your academic background and experience. Beginning teachers might have three or four, while those with several years experience could have up to a maximum of ten.

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Recommended procedures for obtaining reference letters for your credential:

1. Reference Letter forms are included in the job-search account materials packet. Additional forms can be obtained from our office or are also available below. Letter writers may also use their own school letterhead.
   Reference Forms: (pdf document) (Word document)
2. Select individuals you think would know the most about your teaching ability and your potential as a teacher. These would normally include the cooperating teacher and University supervisor of your student teaching experience and other professional educators who are familiar with your progress in preparing for teaching.
3. Contact the individuals you have selected.
   1. Make an appointment with each person and make a personal request for her or his recommendation.
   2. If the person is too distant for personal contact, send an accompanying letter with the appropriate form requesting a recommendation for your credential.
   3. FILL IN YOUR NAME AND MAJOR AT THE TOP OF THE FORM, and GIVE IT TO THE REFERENCE WRITER, WITH A STAMPED ENVELOPE ADDRESSED TO OUR OFFICE if the writer is not on campus.
   4. Provide all of the people you ask for recommendations with a brief summary (verbally or written) of your aims and goals. Allow a reasonable time period for the recommendation to be completed. (for letter writers).
   5. Reference letters should be sent directly to EPCS.
   6. Keep track of reference letters on file by checking your EPCS On-Line account or by calling EPCS.
4. It is generally advisable to make the request for a recommendation from your cooperating teacher and University supervisor near the conclusion of the student-teaching experience. If too much time is allowed to elapse, it is more difficult for the individuals involved to recall some of the specific details of the assignment as well as the impressions held for you as a prospective teacher.
5. EPCS will accept signed originals only.
6. WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT YOU REVIEW ALL LETTERS IN YOUR CREDENTIAL. To review your letters, you can:
   1. Personally stop in at EPCS and request to view your references. Call ahead to ensure timeliness.
   2. By mail, send a written request for copy and include a stamped self-addressed envelope.