New Links for Preparing for a Job Interview 

http://www.penceohio.com/education.htm
The most beautiful portfolio covers on the market!  Very professional - pocket for CD with work samples (electronic portfolio items) -- a real step forward for presenting yourself. 

http://www.nationjob.com/
http://www.education-world.com/jobs/t_elem_ed.shtml  

ACADEMIC EMPLOYMENT NETWORK:
http://www.academploy.com
One more jobshop to add to this week's listings...View job listings free, by state.  School administrators can also search candidates, and prospective teachers may post their resumes online.

EDUCATOR POSITIONS:
http://www.education-world.com/jobs/
From Education World resources.  Simply choose your area of interest or expertise, and view job listings across America.
 

This site provides students with information to facilitate independent development of a professional portfolio.
 

Objectives:

• Develop a professional portfolio
• Develop an educational philosophy exemplified in the portfolio
• Underscore exemplary work to entice prospective employers
• Methodically prepare for actively seeking a teaching position

Professional Portfolios allow educators to display their best work in a way that sets them apart from the crowd.  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.
 

 What purposes do portfolios serve?
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.   
 

 How should a professional portfolio be organized?
There are many ways to organize a portfolio that reflects the individuality of the student teacher/learner.  A table of contents helps others to find areas of particular interest.  Dividers with extended tabs help to separate and categorize information and artifacts.  Suggestions and hardcopy examples will be shared in your portfolio training seminar that illustrate acceptable methods of organization.

 What should a professional portfolio include?

• A page of photographs from each site
• All critiques from your university supervisor and cooperating teacher
• A parent letter introducing yourself (signed by cooperating teacher)
• Sample positive notes sent home
• Sample group rewards
• Sample individual rewards
• A list or photograph of your classroom rules and positive consequences
• A one day long which reflects all positive actions/statements made by you
• Behavior tracking sheet
• Positive Communication log
• Sample Unit plan
• Sample Lesson plan
• Video tape of a lesson at each site (optional, but recommended)
• Resume (vita)
• Professional philosophy of education
• Awards and accomodations
• Recommendation letters
• Professional development activities (conferences, inservices, workshops)
• Professional and school leadership, community involvement, committee membership
• Professional and personal goals

• Decide on an underlying theme - can be bold or very discrete
• Include educational quotes on cover page or divider pages
• Use a leather portfolio or a high quality plastic insert-type binder
  http://www.penceohio.com/education.htm
  The most beautiful portfolio covers on the market!  Very professional - pocket for CD with work samples (electronic portfolio items) -- a real step forward for presenting yourself. 
• Use clip art/graphics from your content area
• Use special cut scissors or edgers to create visually attractive inserts
• Use high quality, heavy paper with color highlights
• If you do not have access to a color printer, use pre-printed paper (Wal-Mart, Office Max)
• Produce a video tape of exemplary lessons from diverse educational placements
• Produce a HyperStudio slide presentation and include the disk and a hardcopy of the slides
• Develop a Web site that includes your vita, educational philosophy and pertinent information (include a printout of your site in the portfolio)
• Use divider pages to add color and a personal flair (this is a good place to show any artistic talent)
• Elementary majors can include "cutesy" stuff, but secondary, special education, etc., might want to maintain a more dignified or professional tone

•  Leather portfolio binder or clear plastic cover three-ring binder (top-of-the-line with locking rings - front cover should lay flat when opened)
• Plastic sheet protectors - non-glare - as high a quality as you can afford
• Special pocketed page protectors for disks
• Plastic sheet divider pages
• High quality paper

Internet Resources for Professional Portfolios:

These sites include suggestions, examples, models, resources, and guidelines relating to professional or student teaching portfolios.  Not all sites include information that is specific to your assignment.  These sites are included to give you a chance to do some independent learning relating to developing a professional portfolio and to provide you with some ideas and guidance while you are planning your portfolio.  Questions specific to your assignment can be directed to Pam Petty at 931-372-6558 or by email at ppetty@mwsi.net

        http://www.business1.com/IRI_SKY/DesignPP/dppfci.htm

        http://www.uwrf.edu/httpdocs/ccs/portfoli.htm
 
       http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Olympus/7250/

      http://www.teachnet.com/how-to/portfolios/index.html

         http://www.edu.uleth.ca/fe/ppd/contents.html
                This site offers an abundance of information with step-by-step instructions in developing an educator's professional portfolio.  The entire guide can be purchased for about $5.35.  Good idea.

"This site contains links to other Internet sites. These links are not endorsements of any products or services in such sites, and no information in such site has been endorsed or approved by this site."

12/23/06 11:23:13 AM