Any teachers out there? I know you are.....
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vsonnier · 07-20-2004, 02:57 PM

So as many of you may have read in the family forum, DH is trying to move over to the teaching field. Well...we kinda forgot about the Professional Portfolio. He just enrolled in the ACE program and is now trying to find a job. Essentially, the way the ACE program works is you find a job then you will attend night classes while you are teaching that will teach you how to teach (which is somewhat stupid because your ACE classes don't start until the end of August so you will be left to yourself for the whole first part of August). But anyway, enough of that, back to the portfolio.

DH has an interview at 8A tomorrow and all of my teacher friends have told me that he really needs to bring a portfolio with him. Of course these same people have been no help when it comes to actually creating a portfolio.

DH is swamped at work and is stressed to the max over all of this so I am trying to help him out. This is getting me stressed and confused! So does someone out there want to help me? I need an idea of what all should go in a portfolio. DH has no actual teaching experience and every example I have found online says to just basically fill it with pictures from your class and educational background.

I thought I would include some printout slides of some Powerpoint lessons he helped me create for some of my education classes and some samples of his writing (he is currently writing an adolescent book so I thought it would be nice to include a short section from that). What else do I need to include?

By the way, I am working on my last year of college to be a teacher. You would think they would have at least mentioned what to do with this in one of my classes but...no!

HELP!

graygables · 07-20-2004, 04:31 PM

That's a new one to me, but I have been out of the formal profession for 10 years now! I would think you are on the right track as far as giving some examples of work he does that would prove valuable in the classroom. Sorry I can't be any help, but here's some extra

for you both!

Happymommy · 07-20-2004, 04:39 PM

They haven't mentioned portfolios in your classes yet? Oh my gosh they are really important. Make sure you keep any sample lesson plans / Unit plans that you do to put in there. As far as your DH goes, its so hard for him to make a portfolio without having any teaching experience / education classes. I wouldn't even know what to tell you to put in there. I would definitely put those sample lesson plans that he helped you with. Writing samples are good, though not normally in a teaching portfolio. I'm not familiar with the ACE program (I don't think we have that in PA, but I have been out of college for 9 years so maybe I just don't know about it), but I would think, if its a program specifically for someone who is enrolling in ed classes, I don't think that they would expect an extensive teaching portfolio (I could be wrong). When I interviewed for catholic school they didn't even ask for my portfolio (were surprised when I gave them one), so if its not your typical teaching job in a public school district, a portfolio may not be necessary. What subject area is he going for? I wish I could help more. Typically, as you probably already know you put lesson plans, unit plans, assessment materials, some people have samples of student's work, pictures of classroom, letters of commendation. Honestly, with this program, it doesn't seem like anyone applying for it would have any of those things at this point. So, I definitely think writing samples, samples of things he's helped you with are good. What does he do now, maybe you can include something from his profession now that show he's organized, creative, professional, etc. Really wish I could help more. I wish you both the best of luck!! Teaching is the most rewarding (on most days, other days can give you migraines and bring you to tears), exciting, enjoyable job (in my opinion). I absolutely loved every day I taught, never looked at a clock, etc. I do stay home with my children now (1yo and 4yo) but honest to God I miss it every day!! Good Luck!!

Pris · 07-20-2004, 05:15 PM

I've been teaching for 30 years or so and I have never heard of a portfolio. It's probably something newer in the field. I last interviewed for a position 13 years ago, and wasn't asked for one then. Since that time, I have occassionally sat in on interviews and have never heard mention of a portfolio. It may be unique to Texas, since they are "ahead of the gme" in many educational areas. I teach in Mississippi, which is known to be "behind the game"! I would think the mentioned items would be good. He couldn't have much to share except his enthusiasm and ideas right now. Has he ever taught youth in sports, Sunday school, etc.? Those could be brought in, if so. Good luck! By the way, schools that are still interviewing and hiring now, with school starting in just a few weeks, are not going to be quite as picky, which could be to his advantage!

Happymommy · 07-20-2004, 06:46 PM

Portfolios are not unique to Texas at all. In PA you cannot interview for a teaching position in a public school without a portfolio (and it's been that way for at least 10 years - when I got my BA). I've also been to job fairs that had school districts from DE, NJ and MD and all wanted to see portfolios. So, make sure you keep all lesson plans etc. that you made in college and while student teaching. I agree with Pris, many schools hiring at the end of the summer get a little desperate just to fill the position. Definitely a good time to be interviewing!! Don't be stressed.

snoozy · 07-20-2004, 08:03 PM

I am not a teacher. I do work for our local school district and because of my position at work I have had to sit in on interviews of teachers. I don't recall the teachers having a portfolio, they had detailed resumes though, so whatever is relevant to what he may be teaching I would add to the resume. I do know of one teacher that was hired before he had his full credential, but he was working towards it, I think it took him may-be a year after he was hired before he received his credential. What he did sounds similar to the ACE Program you described. Every state is different. What may-be required here in California may not be required in another state and vis versa. I don't know if this helps you any, hopefully it did in some way.

vsonnier · 07-20-2004, 08:07 PM

Thanks for all the advice. The position DH is interviewing for is 7th grade English. So far, I have put together some writing samples, a philosophy statement, and a brief personal profile (that includes his love and enthusiasm for working with children). The school he is applying at has worked with several other people enrolled in the ACE program so *hopefully* they will understand that DH doesn't have much to offer as far as a portfolio is concerned. I think his biggest assett is going to be how excited he is to get in the field and how open he is to help. Please keep your fingers crossed for us. We should know something by the end of the week. Classes begin August 9th so I'm sure they will make their decision quickly!

Happymommy · 07-20-2004, 09:33 PM

I forgot to send some Pixie Dust!!

Good Luck!!!!

**DrDolphin** · 07-20-2004, 10:18 PM

Here is a load of

to your DH for his interview!!! Good Luck!!

arielrocks · 07-20-2004, 10:39 PM

The one great thing about teaching is being found out while squeezing the melons in the produce isle. I've been a substitute teacher now for 2 years. I have a BA in communications and never knew, thanks to Clinton that as long as I have 92 CC, I can be a sub. Or 62 to Para Pro. I love teaching, but hate the problems associated with it. I have heard that you need a resume, but if you are just getting out of college? Some places will take you right off the street with some references. As for PA? I was told as of this writing, that if you walk into one of their School District Admin BLD's, you take a test if you don't have the cert and if you pass and they have a place for you, they will hire you. There is a nationwide teaching crisis. Most teachers leave one area and go to another after 15 or more years of teaching. I know, I've talked to these teachers. I love the district I sub for. I am going to hate it if I can't do it this autumn, but am vying for a Para Pro postition myself. God love the teachers and all the headaches, but I myself want to get on the children's level and help them out. I love working with the children one on one who need the help. I'll never get my cert because I know what I am eyeing, behind the scenes of helping the teachers out. As for the produce isle? I had a hug today from one of the children I was a sub for in her classroom. Down the street? Another child asked if he could visit me. Now, my husband has asked what I really do to those children. I told him duck tape works. Just kidding. I just tell him like I tell my children, we don't bully, we don't make fun of others and if you work with me? I work with you and I don't mess around. Good luck with the teaching part. Sounds like you will make another wonderful addition to the teaching world. Don't sweat the small stuff. I think the portfolio is a resume'. I can always find out. As for the para pro position? I would work in my daughters school which goes up to 8th grade. How cool would that be? Wish me luck because I really want the job and yet, hope they are OK with taking 2 weeks off with my daughter to go to WDW. Good luck and you'll do fine on the interview.

Leighanne · 07-21-2004, 09:06 AM

Hi!
I totally understand the stress that you are feeling. I am a teacher myself, and have watched DBF go through a Master's program to become an English teacher (he teaches 7th grade) after a career change (he has his undergraduate degree in illustration). You are right, the portfolio is something that never seems to be stressed in any education classes. What he has in there so far seems great! Honestly, I haven't been sold on the importance of the portfolio. I made one, yet I NEVER had an interviewer look at one. The same thing occurred with my DBF. I am a high school teacher, and perhaps it is more of an elementary thing. More importantly, I would focus on preparing for the actual interview. There are great sites out there listing possible interview questions. Just google search "teacher interview questions" and loads of sample questions pages will come up. From personal experience, I know that these are often the questions that get asked. Wish him good luck from me and my DBF. Teaching is a tough profession (although many outside the field would disagree). However, it is great to do something you love...not to mention that you get to come home everyday with funny stories. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me!

vsonnier · 07-21-2004, 09:36 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. DH left about 30 minutes ago for his interview. He should be well into it by now. I am sooo nervous for him! I could tell he was pretty shaken up when he left this morning but there is no doubt in my mind that he will pull it together and do very well. DFIL called last night and fired off round after round of questions to prepare him for the interview (he use to be a recruiter for Dupont and interviewing was his main job). He said Todd would do fine so I know he will! Now hopefully the administrators will just look past his lack of experience and see what great potential he has! Oh Please, Oh Please let him get this job!

**HiddenMickey** · 07-21-2004, 09:57 AM

My daughter had a new teacher for her 1st grade year. When we had the open house to meet her, she had her portfolio out for us to look at. I recall seeing pictures of her doing her student teaching and of projects that she'd done. There were some lesson plans included and some letters of recommendation from teachers and any kudos that she had earned. I also think I recall seeing some work from some of her students in there as well. It was a pretty thick book (she used a large photo album/scrapbook).

-HiddenMickey

**HiddenMickey** · 07-21-2004, 10:05 AM

Sending Pixie Dust that way! -HiddenMickey

**Cam22** · 07-21-2004, 10:51 AM

Everyone has already given you some great advice. I am a teacher as well as English Department Coordinator for Apollo H.S. here in Owensboro, KY. because of that I help with job interviews for my department. The principal and I enjoy looking over portfolios if an applicant brings one, but it is not required. With that said, the portfolio can be a deciding factor by giving us more info on an applicant over others. What you have included sounds excellent and I wish the both of you good luck and hopefully a new job!