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Structure of a Portfolio

The physical aspects and organization of portfolios varies widely world wide, in some places including boxes full of relevant materials such as videotapes of one's own teaching as well as actual samples of pupil work.

The portfolio we promote is one that synthesizes our practices, incorporating the same sense of tangibility through tables, photo-reduced or scanned pupil work and our reflection on that work. To be able to truly see oneself, we encourage you to use a one inch binder, with plastic page savers for all entries - use both sides of the page, and dividers to section the portfolio.

Your challenge is to select the most meaningful material and to synthesize aspects of your practice so that you can see the big picture easily. Too many entries will clutter the picture.

The portfolio we promote is not a scrapbook. Rather, it is a tightly focused and clearly organized compendium. Updating your portfolio is essential, removing pieces that are no longer relevant or which can be synthesized in a different way. Save any materials that you remove, and keep them in a separate 'storage' binder. It is surprising how often you may need these items in the future when you are applying for positions with different responsibilities or positions in a different jurisdiction.

To recap:

Keep your teaching portfolio in a one-inch binder. A binder is easy to carry, and if it is not too full, it is easy to access the information.
If your binder is larger than one inch, you will not be able to find material that you need during an interview.
Divide your binder into sections, using dividers that you purchase, or ones you create yourself.
Use plastic page savers for all of your entries, and use both the front and back sides of pages. This way, you save space and you also can create 'double page spreads', where an open portfolio resembles a magazine with a 2-page spread. This is a VERY effective way of presenting your work.
Use tabs for your sections so that you can easily access whatever section you want. This is especially important during an interview.
Use a white binder with a full front and spine window. A clean white binder looks very professional. (If it gets dirty, buy a new one!).
Use the front and spine windows to insert your name, the words 'Professional Portfolio' and, if you wish, a graphic.
Remember, the idea is not to include everything, rather, to be selective and include summations of who you are and illustrations of your practice and beliefs.

U.K. teachers must satisfy National Standards criteria related to Induction, Performance Management, Subject Area Leadership, and / or Threshold Appraisal, as is appropriate. (www.canteach.gov.uk)

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Next: The Main Sections of a Portfolio

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