Professional Portfolios for Teachers

"A portfolio is a "living history of a teaching-learning life."
from Professional Portfolios by Teachers by Wilcox and Tomeii 1999

One of the requirements of TangiTech is that participants create and maintain a professional portfolio. Portfolios offer a means to promote better teaching and to document teaching achievement. Portfolios often give a clearer picture of learners and the products they create, especially in a technology-rich environment, than do traditional means of assessment.

In this portfolio you will keep examples of technology projects from TangiTech and your technology-connected lesson plans you have created. Be sure to organize your portfolio in a logical and consistent manner. Keep in mind that you are building a comprehensive picture of yourself and your accomplishments through these materials. They should work together as a cohesive unit, each adding an essential element to the whole.

You should think of this portfolio as a work in progress and plan to continue to develop it throughout your teaching career. Keep in mind that your portfolio should speak for you as a teacher in your absence.

Listed below you will find other suggestions for your portfolio.

Possible Portfolio Components:

Introduction / Personal Information
Resume - professional organizations, employment history
Philosophy
Awards and Grants
Certification Information
Academic Record
Classroom/Activities Pictures
Evidence / Artifacts
- Standards-based activities
Technology
Professional Development
Training Activities / Presentations
Scrapbook
References

Cover Page with Vital Statistics such as:

Name and contact information
Current position
Subject area specialties
Professional goals, both short range and long range
This could even be a letter from you, welcoming the viewer and sharing your beliefs as a teacher. You might include a photograph of yourself.

Philosophy of Teaching Statement

Resume of Professional Experience, to include the following:

Grades and schools at which you've taught
List and description of courses taught
Administrative positions held
Leadership positions held
Curriculum used

List of Professional Development Activities
Include a list of activities that have developed our expertise. Be sure to include:

Workshops attended/given
Post-degree college courses taken
Conferences attended
Conference presentations
Grant-funded projects in which you have been involved
Memberships in professional teaching organizations
Any other efforts you have made to develop your teaching skills

Evidence/Artifacts
The prime material in your portfolio is the evidence that you present to support your resume. Package and present these materials in a neat and organzied manner. When helpful, provide a written narrative to describe the material, what it was used for and how it demonstrates your capabilities. This section might be divided into "Teacher Tools" and "Student Products." The evidence should include, but is not limited to:

Sample lesson plans
Sample student work and projects
Sample remediation plans
Course material developed - PowerPoint presentations etc.
Videotapes of classroom teaching (be sure to get appropriate permissions, if students are included)
Professional Growth Plan
Teaching certificate
Evaluations and observations
Awards and other recognitions
Newspaper, magazine articles about you or your class

Assembly
Most teachers use three ring binders for their portfolios with page protectors to hold their pages. Different sections of your portfolio should be defined and divided. Some sample Portfolio dividers at abcteach.com can be downloaded or create your own.

Click here to find links to more Portfolio information. apple

Click here to find Portfolio Divider pages all ready to print for your Professional Portfolio.

Click here to download an Excel template to customize divider page tabs for your Professional Portfolio.

Blackboard with apple Aa Bb and ruler frame

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This page was last updated on Thursday, February 03, 2005.