A portfolio can be used to give evidence of many skills and abilities that administrators desire in a teaching candidate. Portfolios provide a venue to demonstrate reflective thinking strategies, show professional growth over time in diverse educational situations, and relay personal attitudes toward teaching and learning. The portfolio serves as proof of the accomplishments achieved during teaching experiences or educational careers. By selectively collecting work and personal documents of achievement, educators can build a visual representation of their past contributions that allow others to gain a deeper and clearer picture of where they have been, where they are now, and where they are going in the education profession. Evidence of goal setting, pinnacles reached, and future career ambitions are all reflected in a consummate professional portfolio.
Portfolios boost self-esteem as a visual representation of accomplishments and goals reached.
Many times job applicants seeking a teaching position begin to sound and look alike. A portfolio is a way to show individuality and creativity. It is hardcopy proof of talents you possess and provides insight into potential areas of interest. A portfolio is a place to organize your thoughts and tenets relating to issues in teaching and learning. The best portfolios show self-reflection and an ability to distinguish what was good, what could have been better, and why something worked as expected or failed to do so.