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Creating a Teaching Portfolio

What is a teaching portfolio?

A teaching portfolio is a history of your teaching career and continual work in progress.

Why Do I need a teaching portfolio?

Many school systems require that you build your portfolio from year to year to show progress. Prospective employers may use a teaching portfolio to get to know you better.

How is a teaching portfolio constructed?

Introduction

On the cover page of the portfolio, include your name, current position, subject area specialty, and certification status. This should be followed by your most current resume.

Teaching Philosophy

To help others get to a clearer picture of your teaching style, write a brief philosophy of how you approach education.

History

For prospective employers, be sure to include a list of all grades and subjects taught previously, as well as the locations and names of the schools.

Also include positions of leadership or committees that you held at previous schools, as this will be important for helping employers identify strengths.

Professional Development

Organize your professional development activities into an easy list that includes college courses taken, workshops or conferences attended, grant-funded projects, and professional memberships in which you are actively involved. In this section, you may also include a professional growth plan or professional goals for your career.

Teaching Evidence

Throughout the school year, think about items to collect and add to your teaching portfolio to represent the year. Items may include:

• Classroom Pictures/Activities

• Sample Lesson Plans and Asessment Rubrics

• Evidence of Student Achievement/Progress

• Technology Integration

• Examples of Differentiated Instruction

• Innovative Strategies

• Cross-Curricular Projects

• Positive Communication with Parents/Colleagues

• Administration Evaluations and Observations

Since a teaching portfolio is a work in progress, be sure to date items appropriately for easy reference and update often. Each year I kept a folder designated for my teaching portfolio to slip things into as I came across them. If you don’t have time during the school year to update your portfolio, the summer can be a great time to make all changes necessary.

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