I'm trying to make sure I have all of my ducks in a row, and am finding conflicting advice about portfolios. Some people say that they're an important tool you should bring to interviews and job fairs, others say no one looks at them. What should be included in them is also up for debate. So, I'm hoping to get some advice from those of you who've been in the market for awhile. When I was a new teacher, I put together a portfolio that included my reference letters, certificate and transcripts, examples of student work, pictures of me in the classroom, and so on.
With modern technology, it seems that a lot more can be done, including videos of lessons, if it's put on a website. I guess what I'm wondering, though, is how important a portfolio is, and what would be the best things to include in it?
Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!!
What should be included in my portfolio?
Reflection
Yes, you need one, and almost no one really looks at them. You dont say what you teach, and a portfolio has more utility for certain teaching subjects then others.
First, you need to have one, because someone might ask to see it. Second, it helps keep you organized with all your stuff in one place.
The actual utility depends on what you teach. Mainly, portfolios are more useful the closer you teach to the arts. If your a math teacher thee really isnt anything to put in a paper portfolio outside of additional copies of your application documents (transcripts, references, etc). When you get into the arts things change. An art teacher should have photos and a grading sheet for several pieces of theirs and students art (both process and finished). A drama teacher could have copies of original scripts, production programs and critic reviews. Music could have concert programs, original scores, or critic reviews. A P.E. teacher could have a win/loss record if they coach a competitive sport. Basically outside of application and employment documents your portfolio is a place to show off teaching outcomes that result in a final "piece".
Your portfolio is also the place to stash any training or professional development certificates. Student/Teacher/Mentor evaluations. Any professional memberships, conference presentations, publications, or other noteworthy events and awards.
The most useful is an electronic/digital portfolio, because the most useful thing a recruiter would like to see is a teaching demonstration (video). You can also include segments of music/drama productions, a science fair, speech competition and other events that are conducive to video.
First, you need to have one, because someone might ask to see it. Second, it helps keep you organized with all your stuff in one place.
The actual utility depends on what you teach. Mainly, portfolios are more useful the closer you teach to the arts. If your a math teacher thee really isnt anything to put in a paper portfolio outside of additional copies of your application documents (transcripts, references, etc). When you get into the arts things change. An art teacher should have photos and a grading sheet for several pieces of theirs and students art (both process and finished). A drama teacher could have copies of original scripts, production programs and critic reviews. Music could have concert programs, original scores, or critic reviews. A P.E. teacher could have a win/loss record if they coach a competitive sport. Basically outside of application and employment documents your portfolio is a place to show off teaching outcomes that result in a final "piece".
Your portfolio is also the place to stash any training or professional development certificates. Student/Teacher/Mentor evaluations. Any professional memberships, conference presentations, publications, or other noteworthy events and awards.
The most useful is an electronic/digital portfolio, because the most useful thing a recruiter would like to see is a teaching demonstration (video). You can also include segments of music/drama productions, a science fair, speech competition and other events that are conducive to video.
In my portfolio I have a complete resume (and several copies to hand out), all transcripts, my original state certificate and fingerprint card, sample lessons, student artwork, rubrics, letters of recommendations, and samples of presentations I've done at conferences. I did not wait for someone to ask to see it; whenever relevant during an interview, I would open it up and discuss a lesson or a sample artwork. I feel it was instrumental in getting my first overseas job; the two interviewers took turns looking at it while the other talked to me.
thanks
thank you both for the response. I am a math teacher, so while it wouldn't be like an art portfolio, I do have some ideas of how to show my working style and student samples.
I also carry my iPad with me pretty much everywhere, and could easily use that as a video player if needed to show a demo lesson. I can also upload that kind of stuff to a website for potential employers to reference.
heyteach, I hadn't thought of including the presentations I've done at conferences! Thanks for the suggestion.
I also carry my iPad with me pretty much everywhere, and could easily use that as a video player if needed to show a demo lesson. I can also upload that kind of stuff to a website for potential employers to reference.
heyteach, I hadn't thought of including the presentations I've done at conferences! Thanks for the suggestion.
Comment
School recruiters t fairs brink laptops, and have internet access either through the hotel WiFi or mobile broad band. There is no need to show them personally, your digital/electronic portfolio (video) needs to be accessible on demand either by file download or hyper link.