Just as the philosophy of education is a unique and unusual educational placement tool that will help you to stand out from the crowd, so too is a portfolio. This file, which differs from the credential file that may be maintained at the Career Center, gives you an excellent opportunity to be as creative as you wish. There is no standard format for such a file, but as you compile it, keep in mind that you are trying to demonstrate your talents, skills, and abilities as a teacher. Take this file with you to the interview and use it as part of the interview. What the file contains is up to you. A few suggestions follow. Keep in mind that its purpose is to help you illustrate your points during the interview.

1. Two sample lesson plans from your student teaching or actual teaching experience.

2. An extra copy of your resume.

3. Information (brochures, etc.) about a unique teacher training or other educational program that you participated in.

4. An extra copy of your philosophy of education.

5. Photographs of you in your teaching situation. You and a friend can team up together and take pictures of each other in one of your unique teaching situations. You might also have a photo of one of your best bulletin boards and perhaps one of a field trip you have taken your students on. Put these on a page, scrapbook fashion or develop your own way to display them. Although this is one of the best features of the personal file, do not be overly concerned if it is too late for you to get any pictures. Just do the best you can.

6. If you have written and implemented any behavioral objectives or a remedial math or reading program, include some samples of what you have done.

7. If you have had students in your classroom do an evaluation of you, include asummary of the results.

8. If you have additional letters of recommendation that you would not ordinarily put in the placement file, then put them in your personal file.

9. If you were involved in a competency-based teacher educational program, you might include a description of the competencies you completed.

10. If you have developed additional skills either through schooling or experience, include an outline of the work you have done to develop that skill.For example, if you have had additional training in working with the remedialreader, list your training and experience and include a sample lesson.

11. Make the cover and format of the file as attractive as possible. Here again, you can be creative. The file should be organized in such a way that you know where everything is and will not have to fumble through it for specific items.

Do not merely hand the file to the interviewer at the beginning of the interview; use it as part of the interview in a natural fashion. Take out appropriate parts as they become relevant during the course of the interview. Do not be concerned if you find a variety of reactions to your personal portfolio. Some interviewers have not seen one before. Although most personnel people react very favorably, some may not. In any event, they will remember you, and that is to your advantage.

NOTE: Information obtained and adapted from Benjamin D. Kronnick, Director of Educational Placement, University of California, Riverside.

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Amby's Work Site - Portfolio Development
Web site with in-depth advice.