1 PORTFOLIO The RESUME of the FUTURE Methods, Nipissing University

2 A Professional Portfolio is An evolving collection of carefully selected or composed professional thoughts, goals and experiences. It represents who you are, what you do, and how you plan on getting there. (S.M.Evans 1995 Professional portfolios: Documenting & presenting performance excellence)

3 Exit Portfolio ( final assignment) A final selection of materials that provide substantial evidence of a teacher candidate’s level of mastery after completing their faculty of education program

4 Interview Portfolio a showcase of exemplary items representative of a teacher candidate’s best work and accomplishments for the purpose of gaining employment

5 How Long should it be? Focus on your most impressive and relevant samples for an interview. Interview portfolio maximum 20 pages ( front & back) but preferably 10 pages Electronic copy is encouraged

6 A Well-Prepared Portfolio should… Document the Scope and Quality of Your Experience and Training. Showcase your Skills and Abilities Showcase Your Achievements

7 Why Make a Portfolio 1. It can give you an edge in an interview 2. It is set up ready for your first year Performance Appraisal 3. Needed for promotion to an administrative or consultant position

8 Where Should You Start? Determine the purpose Consider the audience/specific job requirements Work through a self assessment Select and create documents that will showcase your strengths

Ask Yourself: The following questions:

10 1. What strengths, skills and abilities do I have to offer to this specific school? 2. Which of the above relate to the identifiable needs of this school? 3. What have I done to demonstrate these skills? 4. What do I want my Portfolio to say about me as a Teacher/Learner 5. What do I want my Portfolio to say about my plans for Future Professional Growth?

11 Ten Steps to Creating a Portfolio 1. Research the employer or job desired 2. Review your collection of artifacts 3. Pick out the artifacts or work samples that apply specifically to this job 4. Develop a sequence for the artifacts. 5. Develop captions and titles.

12 Ten Steps continued 6. Create a Table of Contents and an Introduction or Summary of skills 7. Develop the first draft 8. Evaluate your Product, Get Feedback 9. Revise and Develop Final Draft 10. Rehearse using your Portfolio

13 What Should I Include in my exit portfolio? See updated assignment handout on website: gnments.htm

14 Overview of Candidate cover letter (application letter to board) resume (curriculum vitae) (include 3 references who have seen you teach) letters of reference (minimum of 2) * transcripts /degrees ( if required) pastoral reference

15 Commitment to Students and Student Learning statement of philosophy of education “Getting Starting: The School Year Begins”; critical reflexion only reflexion of understanding and applying the Pygmalion Theory/Teacher Expectations Notes from differentiating learning & students at risk (e.g. notes and/or certificates from Diversity & Historica seminar, etc.) *other documentation e.g. reflection on transmissional, transactional, & transformations curriculum models, constructivism, etc.) * other documentation

16 Professional Knowledge classroom management plan & behavioural contract Class notes (entries not already in other parts) “Analysis of Communication Practices” * sample IEP/exceptionality profile * other documentation

17 Teaching Practice  3 taught lesson plans with reflections & handouts (1 G.P.F. & 1 A.P.F., 1 of your choice)  all practice teaching reports  sample unit plan (overview and selected parts to a max of 7 pages)  samples of any three visual organizers used by yourself or students in lesson plans and Seifert’s learning strategies (representational imagery, elaborative interrogation, summarizing, keyword method)  sample(s) of drama in lesson planning  sample(s) of debate in lesson planning  evidence of using multiple intelligence in lesson planning  3 original assessments/evaluations & recording devices (must include at least one self and peer-evaluation rubric, and one teacher rubric)  2 different samples of technology products used in lessons (e.g. Webquests, Hyperstudio, PowerPoint, etc.)  *other documentation

18 Leadership and Community examples of personal interests, talents and skills (pics, symbols, awards, etc.) newsletter (communication with parents/guardians) web page/web site (may be just 1 page) *documentation of relevant volunteer work *other documentation

19 Ongoing Professional Learning  documentation of additional workshops/conferences/courses attended  professional growth/learning plan (if you did this in another course?)  *documentation of awards, achievements, accreditation  *other documentation

20 Ethical Standards criminal reference check *other documentation

21 Professional Portfolio Changes to exit portfolio Gear your lesson plans to the applied position Gear your documents of skill sets to the job requirements Public board remove faith/pastoral references Separate Board or Christian school include many examples of how you integrated your faith into your teaching and your living practices

22 How Do I Put It Together? Loose-leaf portfolio, notebook with zipper A supply of non-glare plastic page covers to hold materials Well organized, professional manner Table of contents to find information

23 How to Present your Portfolio? Let employer know about your Portfolio from the very beginning of your job search Mention Portfolio in your cover letter Take Portfolio to interviews Respond to questions with Portfolio examples when appropriate If you cannot show whole Portfolio, offer samples Leave electronic version after interview

24 Resources Sample Professional Portfolio : A Teacher’s Professional Portfolio: A Working Guide – ETFO A Portfolio Maker

25 Due Date Last class week of March 10-14, 2008 – will be returned to you asap If you submit it before February 8 th, 2008 it will be marked & handed back to you during the first class in March

26 Marking scheme Minimum compliance with all expectations will give you a 10 ( ho hum, complete but not unique) Additional marks will be given for initiative in providing a visual product ( colour, pictures, etc) with additional documentation that demonstrates your uniqueness & makes you stand out from 20 other people.

27 Preparing for a REAL INTERVIEW for Pool hiring Research the school board & their vision mission statement Questions will always include 1. Your skill sets 2. How you will deal with different classroom management issues? 3. How your classroom actions reflect your philosophy of education? 4. Whether you will supply teach if there is not a permanent position?

28 Preparing for a REAL INTERVIEW specific school Research the school and the specific job What contributions will you make outside the classroom How does your personal philosophy match with the school philosophy How do your strengths match with the needs of the school

29 Preparing for a REAL INTERVIEW Dress professionally Be early for the interview Be ready for a written component Take time to think before you answer a question Be thorough in your answer but don’t “blabber on”