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Portfolio Development
What is the purpose of a portfolio?
A portfolio is a well-organized collection of documents that showcase
your achievements, teaching style, and strengths as a teacher.
While a portfolio is not a required document in the application process,
it can help you “stand apart” among candidates as a conscientious,
well-organized teacher candidate. As you prepare a portfolio, consider:
a) your organizational system, b) types of portfolios; c) materials
you might include.
Getting Started
Where do I begin? Review your prior experiences and
reflect on what you believe is excellence in teaching—your portfolio
shows how you demonstrate these qualities. Your portfolio should be a
tool to tell about YOU.
Ideally, as you move through field experiences,
summer jobs, and volunteer opportunities keep “everything” and keep it
organized in file folders. You never know when you might need to draw
from a lesson plan for a particular demonstration lesson you are called
to do for an interview. Also, take lots of pictures, particularly plan
shots that include you interacting with children engaged in an
educational activity.
Organize your portfolio materials electronically. This will allow you to
manipulate information and print it as necessary. Also, if you decide to
prepare an electronic portfolio, you will be able to “demonstrate” your
portfolio on your laptop for a second on-site interview. Employers like
to see competency and various applications of technology--this is a good
excuse to use it!
The following guidelines were developed by Leah Burke ’09,
elementary/early childhood education major. For more information,
guidance, and to review sample portfolios, please see Mrs. Deborah
Snyder in Education Career Services, HAL 100.
Types of Portfolios
A take portfolio is usually a large binder that includes everything.
It is usually a good idea to include more than you think you will need,
and slowly weed out things you don't want. Do not hole-punch your
papers, keep them in page protectors. Make sure you keep extra
copies of materials as you might want to provide to a school district
(i.e. reference letters, clearances, transcripts, PRAXIS scores, etc.)
A send portfolio is usually 15-20 pages and serves as a showcase.
It can be sent or given to a school district with your resume,
application, etc. It can also be a great tool in an interview
because it is small and concise.
A brochure portfolio is very specific and should look like a traditional
brochure. This is great to hand out at a job fair. A
brochure portfolio might include: philosophy (of education and/or
classroom management), pictures, contact information, and whatever
elements you decide are import to highlight.
An electronic portfolio can be
placed on a CD or available on the internet. This can be a great
resource to showcase your technological abilities, but don’t assume that
all interviewers will be interested in this format (just as some employers
may not take the time to review your print portfolio).
Efolio is a site that allows
you to post your electronic portfolio for free. It is safe and
reputable! If you prefer to prepare your portfolio in a document
like PowerPoint, this is a manageable option, too. See sample below.
What to Include in your Portfolio
•Your philosophy of education
•Classroom management philosophy
•Resume
•Sample lessons and worksheets
○Be sure to have samples from a variety of
grade levels and subject areas
○Use lessons that you feel comfortable
discussing with interviewers
•Photos showing:
○Different teaching strategies
○Diversity in ethnicity and age
○Special activities you did while teaching that you
would like to showcase
○Sample bulletin boards, posters, or other large
manipulatives
○Variety of subject content
○Interaction with parents, technology, special
speakers, etc.
•Quotes and/or references
○Be sure to get references from a variety of sources
○If using quotes, choose quotes from a variety of people
(parent, teacher, co-op, principal, students, etc.)
•Evaluations from cooperating teachers and advisors
○Keeping your final evaluations in a specific spot
is especially important
○Make copies of all evaluations your co-op and
advisors give you
•Additional resources (These might be put in a larger portfolio, but
maybe not included in a "send portfolio" or a brochure)
○PRAXIS scores
○Reference letters and list of contacts (ASK THEM SOONER
RATHER THAN LATER!)
○Certification and clearances
○Transcripts
○Letters and certificates (recognition of academic abilities,
dean's list, professional development, honoraries, job recognition,
participation in education related activities [i.e. Mini-Math
Conference], etc.)
Tips from Graduates
Three graduates offer advice on developing
portfolios - from binders to electronic formats. They also share
tips on using the portfolio in the job search.
Portfolio Pros and Cons
Samples
(example one)
(example two)
(exmple three)
(example four)
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