A Teacher's Professional Portfolio

When I first think of a Professional Portfolio, I honestly only think of a few major things: Resume, Experience, and Recognition. But, once I began researching it more, I realised that there are a lot more things which need to be included, and it all makes perfect sense to me.

It is important for us to begin starting our own Professional Portfolios. Begin one now, and keep adding to it, so when it is time for us to go in for an interview we will be ready. Also, your portfolio will serve a purpose to help you in your teaching. Including information from any workshops you attend should be included so you can easily look back and access it if needed.

Since this was pretty straight to the point information, I got this list from the Scholastic web page at : http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/professional-portfolio

What to Include
A professional teaching portfolio is more than a hodge-podge of lesson plans and lists of professional activities. It is a careful record of specific accomplishments attained over an extended period of time. 

I. Background Information

• resume
• background information on teacher and teaching context
• educational philosophy and teaching goals

II. Teaching Artifacts and Reflections Documenting an Extended Teaching Activity

• overview of unit goals and instructional plan
• list of resources used in unit
• two consecutive lesson plans
• videotape of teaching
• student work examples
• evaluation of student work
• reflective commentary by the teacher
• additional units/lessons/student work as appropriate

III. Professional Information

• list of professional activities
• letters of recommendation
• formal evaluations