GUIDELINES FOR PORTFOLIOS
The following is a list of the types of items which should be included
in the
professional portfolio to document your professional growth and achievement,
to provide the best examples of your teaching skills and abilities,
and to
present appropriate background information to a prospective employer
in an
organized manner :
I. Cover Page
II. Introduction stating the purpose of portfolio & themes
to be highlighted
(for example: Collaboration, Accommodating Diversity, Knowledge of Subject
Matter,
Active Learning, Critical Thinking, etc.)
III. Table of Contents
IV. Background Information
· Resume
· Background information
(Include relevant information about self, professional experiences,
student
teaching assignment, other work experiences related to
teaching, etc.)
· Statement of personal educational philosophy and teaching
goals
V. Documentation of Professional Skills: Artifacts and Reflections
Domain 1 : Planning and Preparation
Some possible entries:
· Unit plan developed and taught during student teaching
· 3 lesson plans which highlight the beginning, middle and ending
of unit
· Sample assessment devices developed and used during student
teaching
· Student work samples and your evaluation of student work
· Examples of original instructional materials or activities
you created
Domain 2 : Classroom Management
Some possible entries:
· Description of ideal classroom management plan / system/ philosophy
· Examples of classroom management policies and procedures
· Sample handouts or graphics that illustrate management practices
· Photographs of room arrangement, classroom rules, classroom groups,
etc.and
your reflections concerning strengths & weaknesses
Domain 3: Teaching Skills
Some possible entries:
· Sample advance organizers you have created and used
· Lesson plans that exemplify best teaching practices
· Artifacts that showcase your use of technology in teaching
· Videotape of your best lesson
· Videotape that illustrates cooperative learning strategies
· Lesson plan/artifact that illustrates multi-cultural goals;
use of
students' cultural resources
· Lesson plan/ artifact that illustrates accommodations made
for special
needs students; adjustments made for different learning styles
· Student products that illustrate varied teaching approaches
· Written evaluations of your teaching by school administrator
· Journal entry that exhibits your ability to reflect on your
teaching and/or
learning
· Samples of student work before and after specific teaching
strategies were
used
· Documentation of artistic skills you can use in instruction
Domain 4: Professional Development and Responsibility
Some possible entries:
· Participation in extracurricular school activities or school
service
· Letter/ document indicating your participation/attendance
in professional
development activities including workshop agendas/ topics
· Documentation of work with parents; participation in parent-teacher
conferences; communication with parents
· Artifacts that indicate collaboration with other school staff,
membership/office held in honor society or professional organization
· Letters of commendation or thanks from people you have worked
with,
indicating high level of professional responsibility
· Evidence of work outside the classroom with families, the
profession or
other related ways
VI. Professional Information
· Certification
· Transcripts
· Act 34 Clearance and TB results
· Letters of recommendation
· Honors and awards
· Professional activities and memberships
VII. Photographs and Videotape
Student teachers are encouraged to take many photos to provide a clear
image
of their classroom situation. Make sure you are included in the some
of the
photos, and try to have some action shots of learners involved in activities
you created. Videotapes are encouraged, but not required. If you decide
to
videotape, please check with the cooperating teacher regarding the
school's
policy and seek parental permission using an appropriate form on school
stationery.