Portfolio Tips

A portfolio that is prepared neatly and in an organized fashion can help you stand out from other candidates.

Several school system hiring officials have commented that a well-prepared portfolio can give them a better indication of a candidate's potential than a review of a candidate's formal application materials. By the same token, a sloppily-prepared portfolio will reflect negatively on your abilities and could eliminate you from further consideration.

When interviewing, you must be perceptive and determine when and how to present your portfolio effectively.

In certain situations it may not be appropriate to present your portfolio. For example, in an initial on-campus interview, there may not be sufficient time for you to present your portfolio. However, during a second interview, which usually takes place at the school system, a portfolio can be a vital sales tool.

Portfolio Preparation

You should begin your portfolio with a cover sheet which includes your name, degree, and licensure information. You may also wish to include a table of contents for ease of reference. The items you choose to include in your portfolio should be attractively arranged in a folder, notebook or binder. In addition, your portfolio should be carefully organized and easy to illustrate in order to facilitate an effective presentation during your interview. The following items should be considered for inclusion in your teaching portfolio:

• Resume. Extra copies of your resume should be available for individuals involved in your interview who may not have previously received a copy.
• Transcript. It is a good idea to include an official copy of your transcript along with several photocopies which could be given to the employer.
• Teaching License. You should include photocopies of your original teaching license. If you have not yet received your license, include a list of subject areas and grade levels in which you will be licensed.
• Sample Unit and Lesson Plans. These samples can illustrate your organizational ability, creativity, and subject area knowledge.
• Teaching Aids. These may include such things as overhead transparencies, slides, photographs, and descriptions of games or other learning activities.
• Photographs. Photographs of such things as bulletin boards and classroom activities or field trips which you taught or supervised can be included, if available.
• Other Materials. You should always include paper and pen and may also want to consider including a few samples of your students' work, an evaluation or test you developed, a written statement of your philosophy of education, and copies of letters of recommendation not contained in your credential file (e.g., a character reference from a minister or neighbor.)

Students who desire assistance with CD-ROM or Web-based portfolio development should contact Hitash Naik, Director of Information & Instructional Technology, School of Education, Health and Society, 202 McGuffey Hall.