The Teaching Portfolio

The What

"A portfolio is an organized, goal-driven documentation of your professional growth and competence in the complex act called teaching. It is a collection of documents that provides tangible evidence of the wide range of performances, essential knowledge, critical dispositions, and teaching experiences that you possess as a growing professional. What's more, documents in the portfolio are self-selected, reflecting your individuality and autonomy" (Campbell, Melenyzer, Nettles, & Whyman, 2014).

The Why

"[A professional portfolio] can be a tool that enables you to make sense out of myriad experiences. It can also bring into focus a clear picture of yourself as a growing, changing professional. Equally as significant, it can be a convincing, effective vehicle for you to demonstrate to others in a meaningful way the skills and knowledge you have gained in something as complex as teaching" (Campbell et al., 2014).

The Who

When building your teaching portfolio, it's important to keep your audience in mind. Viewers of your professional portfolio will likely include:

• University faculty and other representatives
• Principals, teachers, superintendents, school board members, and/or recruiters
• Mentors, instructional coaches, or professional development coordinators
• You!