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Professional Portfolios - Managing your career
New teachers are encouraged to develop a portfolio
of work to use for professional learning and career advancement. Collecting
evidence and documenting your own learning journey is vital for:
- collecting examples for merit selection or Level 3 Classroom
Teacher applications;
- demonstrating progress in performance management discussions;
and
- providing evidence for full registration as a teacher with the
West Australian College of Teachers.
In your first year it is a good idea to establish a workable method
of recording your teaching and professional development – such
that it becomes part of your practice. Portfolios can take different
forms and deciding what to present and how can take time. It is also
important to include how you came to certain conclusions in your professional
practice. Examples of reflective journaling can be used for this.
The Competency Framework for Teachers is a good indicator of the types of evidence to include. The five
dimensions relate to your practice as a teacher and provides a guide
to the areas of competence for your professional reflection. Beginning
teachers would generally be developing skills for operating in Phase
1.
New teachers will also need to provide evidence of their practice
in their performance management discussions. The Beginning Teacher
Performance Management Form included in the Performance Management CD ROM is available from your
school management and may provide an alternative framework to define
your portfolio.
It is strongly recommended that you also check the application process
for full registration as a teacher with the WA College of Teaching. This
also provides a framework for documenting your professional growth.
If you make your personal portfolio part of your day-to-day practice
you will not only be managing your career but you will also be actively
engaging in reflective practice. Good self-reflection results in better
professional judgements.
(Please note, if you are using photographic evidence of students
you will need parental consent).
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