TheApple

 Just curious: what do people put in their portfolios? I'm talking about the smaller ones that you'd bring along in a teaching interview. Here's what I originally had in mine, but I'm trying to decide whether I need to update it...

• Resume


• Educational philosophy


• Top two lesson plans


• Technology

joelheffner says ...

 Your "portfolio" contents seem to be adequate. However, the thing I'd like to have if I were going for a job interview is experience that the other applicants don't have. I'd make a list of things I thought the "ideal" candidate would need and try to get 'em. For example, the school's budget is important... today, tomorrow and forever. Grant writing (see Grants for Teachers for help) experience and ability will always be something a school wants. You mentioned technology. When I think of technology I think of things that I've done online (for example, my www.thestorystarter.com was recently named as one of the 101 best sites for writers by Writer's Digest Magazine)...not merely the ability to use the technology. Ten years ago, ability alone was enough. Now that's a given for many applicants. What have you done to show how you've mastered (not just used) technology? Finally, "two lesson plans" seem nice, however, I'd also provide as many examples of different "activities" I've used or would use. For example, when I was a social studies teacher, I used to use bingo as a form of review. My students also used mock trials. They also "acted out" mini-plays that I wrote. Activities, I think, are as important (actually I think they are more important than) lesson plans.

The more folks who seek a job, the more you have to be different...and better...in my silly opinion. :)

Thanks for the samples of your work. I got  some good ideas. I sent your storystarter URLto my daughter. She'll appreciate it since she loves to write.