This module was created by Elvira DiGesu and Jenni Donohoo

What is a Teacher Portfolio?
A professional portfolio is, simply put, an account or collection of assorted items that demonstrate the highlights of ones career. The portfolio is usually a chronological view beginning with highlights from early on in a teacher's career. The portfolio, however will lead into and show growth from its onset to the present. The portfolio does not end in the present. Just as the portfolio points to the past and demonstrates professional growth up to and including the present, it should also point to the future, detailing the goals and aspirations that the teacher has set for him or herself.

What a Portfolio IS...

  • an active, on-going reflection of a teacher's work
  • organized information about professional practice and growth
  • an attempt to communicate the depth of one's commitment to teaching
  • a combination of teaching artifacts and written reflections
  • a process
  • a collection of information about a teacher's practice
  • a portrayal of performance in action
  • samples selected by the teacher that best represents aspects of teaching and growth
  • a tool to evaluate one's strengths
  • a tool to capture one's effectiveness in class

What a Portfolio IS NOT...

  • a final product
  • a resume
  • a scrapbook
  • a steamer trunk
  • cast in stone
  • a collection of EVERYTHING teacher has done