Teacher Portfolios are sometimes compared to an expanded resume, but it should be much more. A good portfolio will contain a summary about your teaching career, your teaching philosophies, and your lesson plans. But that is only the beginning. It will also allow the teacher to present evidence of their accomplishment.
Building a good portfolio will be a creative act, much like an artist putting together samples of their work. It's an introspective act that will help the teacher examine their goals and accomplishments. It will take time to assemble all the information you need, but you will learn much about yourself in the process.
You should include documents that you have created, along with samples of student's work (with their permission, of course.) Feedback from students, peers, and faculty should also be included, along with your comments on that feedback. Samples of your parent newsletters and photographs of your classroom will show your unique teaching style. Certificates you hold and information about your continuing education are also important.
The format is less important than having a consistent style to the portfolio. Many teachers still use a three ring binder, while others are taking advantage of their computers to compile and store the information.
Unlike a resume, a Teacher Portfolio benefits the teacher more than anyone else. It can be a great resource during an interview. You probably won't distribute copies at the interview, and you may not show it directly to the interviewer, but it can help you answer specific questions about your work.
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