PORTFOLIOS
What is a Portfolio?
A portfolio is a showcase of best work. It is a professionally organized and creative collection of documents, letters, papers, and pictures. The professional portfolio should demonstrate personal and professional achievements ina compact, concrete way. Include items from your paid professional experiences, related academic experiences. volunteer/community experiences, and professional affiliations.
Setting Up a Portfolio
- Developing a portfolio is a work in process, not a one-time event.
- At the end of each semester, evaluate your activities, accomplishments and any special training/workshops.
- Choose only the best, most appropriate items to include.
- Organize the portfolio in a way that highlights and emphasizes your accomplishments.
- Use the “value-added” concept—if the item adds value for the current purpose, include it. If it does not add value, omit it.
Organizing Your Portfolio
- Use a 3 ring binder or expanding envelope.
- Use plastic sheet covers to protect documents.
- Arrange it for quick, easy reference.
- Include a Table of Contents for organization.
- Include Tabs (separate sections to help organize and provide easy access).
On the Job Search
- Refer to the portfolio on your resume: "Professional References and Portfolio Available Upon Request" OR "Online portfolio can be viewed at www.yourwebaddress".
- Use it during an interview to support answers to interview questions.
- Be prepared to discuss any item(s) that appear in the portfolio.
- Consider a duplicate portfolio in the event that you are asked to leave it with an employer for an extended period of time.
Items to Include:
General
- Table of contents
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Brochure of university and/or academic department
Credentials
- Resume
- Transcripts
- Clearances/certifications
- Teaching certificate
- Praxis results/scores (Scores from relevant tests)
Work Samples
- Writing samples
- Press releases
- Newspaper clippings
- Lab reports
- Newsletters
- Conference/program covers
- Contracts and/or budgets
- Designs/artwork
- Photographs
- Brochures
- Manuals
Academic Items
- Presentation projects/notes
- Course projects
- Reflective commentary/essay
- Case studies
- Research papers
- Journals
- Sample lesson plans, unit plans, and assessments created
- Photos of projects, manipulatives, or bulletin boards
- Projects from student teaching/field experiences (be cautious about issues of confidentiality when using photos or documents containing students’ or parents photographs, names, or identification.)
Attestations
- References
- Thank you notes
- Commendations
- Articles (about you)
- Citations and awards
- Certificates
- Evaluations
