Professional Portfolio

Professional portfolios are basically described as evidence of an individual’s growth and achievement over time. It gives employers a complete picture of an applicant applying for an employment opportunity. It also gives employers a thoroughly detailed summarization of what the individual has accomplished. Portfolios allow an individual to become reflective of the things he or she does as well as document the practices we would like to preserve and share with others. Professional portfolio includes experiences, accomplishments, skills, education, interests, and professional goals and objectives. Some benefits a professional portfolio contains are a chance for individuals to reflect on their practice, and to grow in gaining experiences. The process of creating a professional portfolio allows individuals to collaborate with mentors and other colleagues.

At D’Youville College’s website on career connection’s career resources guide, a professional portfolio should include tons of different items depending on an individual’s career field. The website provided an example of items to include such as:

·         Work philosophy

·         Diplomas

·         Certificates

·         Summary of a special project

·         List of any publications

·         Current seminars attended

·         An updated resume

·         Community service

·         Writing sample

·         Degrees

·         Awards

·         Scholarships received

·         Pictures of projects

The Scholastic website described the professional portfolio distinctively for educators and provided what to include into a professional teaching portfolio.

I. Background Information

·         resume

·         background information on teacher and teaching context

·         educational philosophy and teaching goals

II. Teaching Artifacts and Reflections Documenting an Extended Teaching Activity

·         overview of unit goals and instructional plan

·         list of resources used in unit

·         two consecutive lesson plans

·         videotape of teaching

·         student work examples

·         evaluation of student work

·         reflective commentary by the teacher

·         additional units/lessons/student work as appropriate

III. Professional Information

·         list of professional activities

·         letters of recommendation

·         formal evaluations

http://careers.dyc.edu/guide/sec4/portfolio_what.htm

http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/professional-portfolio

http://internships.about.com/od/resumescoverletters/g/What-Is-A-Professional-Portfolio.htm