You've got questions, I've got answers. Here is everything you need to know about making a paper version of a teaching portfolio. Converting it to CD is simple, especially if you own your own computer.
For those who have been teaching longer than one year, and plan to make teaching a career, a teaching portfolio is essential. Teaching portfolios come in many shapes and sizes, but all should contain these necessary documents divided into the following sections:
SECTION ONE – THE INTRODUCTION: The first section should open with a general letter of introduction. This letter should briefly explain the contents of your portfolio, your teaching experience, and what you have to offer to the school or organization for which you are applying. In a clear plastic sleeve, show your CV resume, along with one or two spare copies of said resume (just in case someone wants a copy). Additionally (and especially for those who have been in Thailand over one year), have color photocopies of your passport (including current visa stamp) and your work permit. This differentiates you, the professional, from the backpackers.
SECTION TWO – DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES: Get yourself to a decent copy shop and make COLOR photocopies of your university diploma(s), TEFL certificates, teaching credential(s), honor certificates, and university transcripts. Prove, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that you are qualified! Show ALL types of educational certification.
SECTION THREE – LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: In my experience, very few schools have actually asked for letters of recommendation, but I include them in my portfolio just to make myself more hirable. Letters from former university professors and past employers always look good and make you look good.
SECTION FOUR – LESSON DEVELOPMENT: This is the hardest section to develop because it requires hard work on your part. Schools like to see how you, the teacher, design and execute lessons – so show them! Generally, you want to show how you can plan an entire unit of at least four weeks of instruction. This needs to include lesson plans, worksheets, reading material, and in-class work. Include student work as well. In my portfolio, I have an entire term of plans (15 weeks). Yes, it can get rather thick, but one again, show your professionalism and knowledge – demonstrate that you are the best.
SECTION FIVE – PERSONAL MATERIAL: If you are applying for an English teaching position, show them you know how to use the language. This section includes personally developed material (curriculum plans, booklets, etc), and your own writings. This section shows the prospective employer that you can think!
Now that you have assembled everything, it is time to put it together. Buy a QUALITY notebook, something classy and cloth covered. Additionally, buy some high-quality section dividers. Label the dividers by section (use the all capital section labels I used earlier). If you can, use a word processing program to print them out. Once you assembled everything, get a friend or two to read everything over. Have them look for spelling and grammar errors, cleanliness, and crispness of copies, and the readability of the portfolio. If it passes muster, then congratulations! You now have a teaching portfolio, and have made yourself just that much more desirable to your prospective employer. If you still have questions, or want to see what a developed teaching portfolio looks like, feel free to PM me.
Topic: What exactly is a teaching portfolio? (Read 1099 times)