Develop Your Portfolio

What is a portfolio?

A collection of documents or works demonstrating your capabilities to others.
It is a marketing tool you can use to set yourself apart from other candidates.
It serves as an evaluation tool for identifying candidates who are prepared and can show a long term interest in the field.

Why should I create a Portfolio?

To provide physical proof that you have the skills and experiences to do an effective job.
A portfolio can illustrate your points during the interview.
Employers are concerned about competencies and outcomes, a good portfolio can help distinguish a highly effective candidate.

How can I create my portfolio?

Consider the position and what requirements, skills are important. What does the interviewer want or need to know?
Critically select your samples. Choose what best highlights or demonstrates your professional competencies.
Practice how you will convey the portfolio's contents and the best order. Use captions or labels to identify and explain the significance of an item.
Keep it current. Review your activities each semester, and continually upgrade to the materials with the highest level of achievements.
Check (and re-check) your portfolio for accuracy and neatness. An error free portfolio shows competence and professionalism.
Ask your academic advisor or a Career Counselor to critique your portfolio for content and presentation.

How much should I include?

The least amount possible, but still allowing you to demonstrate your abilities.
Focus on tailoring your portfolio to the requirements of the position.

What could I include?

While most items will be in writing, non-written items such as a video, photographs, or items on a CD can also be included.
All Students

Table of Contents, tabbed for easy reference.
Application documents: resume, transcripts, list of references, and reference letters.
Performance assessment materials: internship or student teaching evaluations; former employers' evaluations.
Letters of nomination (for honors, academic organizations, and awards) and certificates representing academic awards/honors.
Letters of commendation or thank you notes from advisors, professors, and employers.
Certificates for special training or professional development workshops.
Test results (e.g., GRE, Praxis, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT).
Professional certificates or licenses (e.g., professional teaching certificate).
Significant projects showing skills that are applicable to the job for which you are interviewing (e.g., research, creative projects, writing samples, presentations, technical drawings, etc.).
Evidence of written and oral communication skills (e.g., class papers, newsletters, articles, brochures, flyers, poems, outline of presentations)

Philosophy of Education statement.
Unsolicited letters from students, parents, fellow teachers, and administrators.
Planning Strategies: unit plans; monthly, weekly, and daily lesson plans; cooperative learning strategies.
Publications: learning activity packet, sample letters or newsletters to parents, letters to students, creative handouts, teaching tools, or educational resources.
Photographs of: bulletin boards; learning centers; children involved in classroom activities; special school activities or events that you coordinated or planned (e.g., field trips); you working with students.

How should I assemble my materials?

We suggest using a three-ring binder with plastic sleeves and pockets to protect important materials.
Arrange items by the most relevant information first.
Organize your materials into sections, with similar materials grouped together in one section (e.g., application documents in one section, photographs in another section, written materials in a third section) with index tabs for ease of use.

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