The portfolio is the ‘highlighter’ on your professional life. It will clearly show that you have the qualities that a master teacher would possess. Your portfolio will demonstrate your classroom management skills and show your solid grasp of subject matter. It will also detail your lesson planning and implementation of curriculum. It may also show how you deal with the many types of learners, from the gifted student to the struggling or learning disabled student. Most importantly, the portfolio will show that you reflect upon your practices and grow as a result of your reflections.

In order for your portfolio to convey the messages you want to send consider the following:

Is there evidence that you understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) you teach and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students?

Does your portfolio show that you understand how children learn and develop and that you can provide learning opportunities that support their intellectual, social, and personal development?

Is there evidence of your understanding of how students differ in their approaches to learning and that you can implement instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners?

Are there artifacts that show you understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills?

Have you included evidence that shows you use an understanding of individual and group motivation and behaviour to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation?

Is there evidence that you use knowledge of verbal, nonverbal and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom?

What types of evidence of assessment have you included? Does it show that you understand and use formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social, and physical development of the learner?

Have you shown reflection as a practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his or her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally?

Have you shown the fostering of relationships with school colleagues, parents, and agencies in the larger community in an effort to support students' learning and well-being?