Maintaining your own up-to-date personal and professional records is every bit as important as keeping your plans and grade book organized. Having the appropriate documentation on hand can be critical to placement on the salary schedule, clearing up misunderstandings with others, and making sure your evaluation is fair and accurate. Proper documentation can prevent a problem from becoming a serious one. It is very important that beginning teachers understand that it is their responsibility to make sure that their certification and documents are current and correct. Keep your own personnel file with the following documents in it:
Your current certification
Records of in-service or advanced academic credit earned
All evaluations and your response or comments to each
Proof of Association membership
Record of college attendance, date, and transcripts
Record of accumulated sick leave days and personal leave
Record of commendations, awards, and honors
Records of incidents involving discipline, violence or other disruptive student behavior
Copies of letters to and from administrators
Copies of letters to and from parents
Copies of all documents in your personnel file maintained at the Superintendent's office