50 Unit 1 You: The Teacher of Tomorrow
2-5
This sample career
plan can help you
develop your own
plan.
Your portfolio is a personal collection of materials and refl ections that
illustrate your learning, accomplishments, strengths, and best work. These
examples show what you have learned over time.
Think of your portfolio as an opportunity to keep track of your
learning. It can be used to display and record your developing skills and
abilities. The pieces you include in your portfolio are sometimes called
artifacts. These may include items such as projects or papers you prepare
for class, examples from a related volunteer activity, and academic and
other awards, just to name a few. As you add items to your portfolio, it will
show how your knowledge, thinking, and skills are growing. Your portfo-
lio also serves as a source of personal refl ection, such as a visual journal.
Characteristics of Effective Portfolios
Effective portfolios share several common features. As you prepare
and evaluate your own, keep the following in mind:
• Portfolios have a clear purpose. Remember that the purpose of your
teaching portfolio is to record and highlight your experiences and
abilities that will make you a good candidate for teaching. It is not
simply a scrapbook about your life.
Sample Career Plan
High School Gain experience working with children and youth
Job shadow
Take a career exploration course
Meet with guidance counselor and discuss interests
Look for college teacher preparation program
Apply to colleges
Choose college program that best meets your needs
College
Meet with guidance counselor and enroll in courses
Job shadow
Gain additional experience working with children and youth
Complete necessary coursework
Complete student teaching
Graduate
During last year
or after college
Apply for certifi cation
Conduct job search