On 6/23/09, NJ Teacher wrote:
> I've been teaching for five years and, therefore, been out
> of the interview loop for awhile. What kinds of things
> should be in a teaching portfolio? Are student samples
> really that important...what if you don't have many?
> I live
> in NJ. Thanks.
Think of your portfolio like a show-and-tell opportunity for
interviews.
THink about what they'll beasking you at the interview...and
try to include some "evidence" show off your teaching
skills.
For example: When they ask you about parent communication,
you can say, "Oh yeah, I send out a monthly parent
newsletter to keep parents informed. I have a copy right
here."
Another example: When they ask you how you teach writing,
you can pull out a student work sample and say, "Here's how
I use graphic organizers for pre-writing... and here's the
peer editing checklist I have my students use... and here's
how I have the kids type out final copies of their projects."
Many people don't have portfolios nowadays... and that's
OK. But having a portfolio can definitely work in your
favor. It shows that you're more than just talk - it PROVES
you're a successful teacher. And it also makes you seem
prepared - interviewers know it takes time to put together a
good portfolio, and they'll notice.
Another note about portfolios - usually, interviewers won't
say, "Can I see your portfolio?" Instead, look for
oppotunities during the interview to pull out important
items that may be of interest to the interviewers.
What to include:
Some people place too much emphasis on things like resume,
letters of recommendation, etc. The interviewers already
have these things. You're not really going to need them at
your interview.
Some things you may want to have: lesson plans with state
standards on them (so you can show them when they ask about
standards), photographs of your best lessons (if you have
some), parent newsletters, teaching philosophy statement,
list of your classroom rules (and consequences), student
work, worksheets or tests you have made yourself.
Don't sweat it if you don't have everything. Chances are,
you won't be able to show it all anyway. As long as you are
able to show off an artifact or two, your portfolio will
impress the interviewers.
Good luck to you. - FB
Teacher Interviews
