Social Studies Teacher Interview Portfolio

Aesthetics: Superficial, but necessary Organize – In a binder, use dividers and plastic page covers. Include pictures if possible. Keep it simple to browse through (You are the most important person in the world, but the committee/administrator doesn’t know this yet.) Bring (ten+/-) copies of important items to hand out to the committee.

Essential Components: Unit of Instruction/Lesson Plans: A. Assessment B. Differentiation C. Integration D. Reflection Student Work Using Technology in the Classroom Parent/Community Involvement Extra-Curricular Activities Philosophy/Professional affiliations *This assumes you have your resume, cover letter, transcripts, letters of recommendation

Sample Lessons/Unit Standards covered (GLE’s?) Understanding by Design model –Essential Question (What do you want the students to know?) –Assessment (Your lessons lead to this) –Individual lessons/activities/projects

Understanding by Design Filters Filter 1: To what extent does the idea, topic, or process represent a "big idea" having enduring value beyond the classroom? Filter 2: To what extent does the idea, topic, or process reside at the heart of the discipline? Filter 3: To what extent does the idea, topic, or process require uncoverage? Filter 4: To what extent does the idea, topic, or process offer potential for engaging students?

Assessment Example Traditional (especially for high school) Project Writing Prompt Choices – Differentiation

Differentiation Multiple Intelligences or different learning styles (One size doesn’t fit all) Analyzing Columbus Example

Integration of Content: Interdisciplinary & Intradisciplinary Interdisciplinary – Ex: literacy strategies, trade books, interpreting graphs, using and understanding statistics, etc. Intradisciplinary – incorporating geography, economics, history, political science, etc. into a unit of instruction.

Reflection There is always room for improvement Identify your weaknesses Modify during and after

Student Work = Evidence Examples: –Rough drafts, final drafts –Writing responses to journals –Tests –Projects –Pictures/video of students working *Include Rubrics or Criteria Sheets

Using Technology in the Classroom Using the Internet to research part of a project. PowerPoint presentations to class. Blogging Class website listserve Video Streaming Video Conferencing…

Parent/Community Involvement Correspondence – letters, , phone log, agenda signing. Parent conferences – traditional, student- led conferences, portfolio presentations, potluck dinners. PTSA attendance Improving Our Community Project Example (also: letters to government officials)

Extra-Curricular Activities Club advisory – ex: Student Council, Homework clubs, etc. Coaching – assist/volunteer Participation in faculty or department meetings.

Philosophy/Professional Affiliations Your educational philosophy Organizations you belong to, like NCSS. Published articles? Paper in college… Professional literature/article important to you. ***This would demonstrate your commitment to the field.