The professional employment portfolio is a collection of self-selected artifacts to support the employment process. The portfolio includes teaching credentials and proficiencies, and is grounded in the six competencies for certification with Alberta Education. The portfolio chronicles the student’s learning and professional growth over the two years of Concordia University of Edmonton’s Bachelor of Education (After Degree) program.
Portfolio Development
The professional employment portfolio is developed over the two years of the program.
In Year One, students are provided with information about the portfolio process during their first semester of studies. They will develop and collect content as artifacts for their portfolios. Students develop a teaching philosophy statement based on their coursework in educational philosophy, learning and development, educational administration, planning, subject methodology, classroom management, and assessment. Students reflect on their learning from field experiences, as well as consider their own personal and professional experiences.
In Year Two, students develop and collect artifacts that address their overall vision of the purpose of teaching, and reflect on their professional identity as teachers. During the third semester of their studies, students meet in small groups with the Portfolio Coordinator, to review requirements and discuss content. Immediately following their senior field experience, students share their portfolios in a formal gathering of faculty, staff, and students.
Portfolio Content
- Résumé and cover letter
- Teaching philosophy statement
- Field experience reports (final evaluations)
- Artifacts based on the knowledge, skills and attributes of the Teaching Quality Standard for interim teaching certification (Ministerial Order #016/97)
- Transcripts
- Degree(s) earned
- Diplomas and Certificates
- Awards
- Professional development
- Professional growth plan
Suggested Artifacts
- Year, unit, and lesson plans
- Instructional strategies
- Example(s) that address diverse range of learner needs
- Classroom management strategies
- Assessment and evaluation protocols and processes
- Teaching and learning technologies
- Communication strategies