Have you put together a professional records file? If not, don't make the mistake of waiting until you need a vital record or document before attempting to find it. Your records file should include documents that pertain to your employment, including the following:
• Your teaching license(s)
• Transcripts of degrees and credits, professional developing certificates and attendance records
• Letters of employment
• Your individual employee contract
• Supplemental contracts for extra duty responsibilities
• Your local association's negotiated contract/collective bargaining agreement
• Annual salary information and payroll notices
• Records pertinent to your retirement
• Records of accrued and used leave
• Evaluation records and plans for professional growth
• Commendations, awards and honors
• Thank-you notes from students, parents, or supervisors
• Records of visits or conversations with parents
• Records of incidents involving student discipline
• Records of referrals of students with special needs
• Copies of all correspondence from your supervisor(s)
• Proof of Association membership
• Copies of Association liability policies, other member benefits programs and contact information for Association leaders/member services/staff