C G C C T E A C H E R E D U C A T I O N PR O G R A M

weebly Portfolio
Name ______________________________

Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 2-3
Creating a Weebly Site .................................................................................................................................. 4
Choose a Design ............................................................................................................................................ 5
Home (Welcome) Page .............................................................................................................................. 6-7
Sample Home Page ........................................................................................................................................ 8
How to Publish ........................................................................................................................................... 8-9
Create Your Portfolio Contents (Navigation Bar) .......................................................................................... 9
Wt ............................................................................................................ 9-10
Finding Images ............................................................................................................................................. 10
Choosing, Editing, Uploading Images .......................................................................................................... 11
Citing Images ............................................................................................................................................... 12
How to Build Collections
Professional Development ...................................................................................................................... 13
Field Experience ...................................................................................................................................... 14
Course Work ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Individual Courses ............................................................................................................................. 15
Adding Files (Attachments) to Individual Courses ...................................................................... 15-16
Reflective Caption for Each Attachment .......................................................................................... 16
Publish Reminder......................................................................................................................................... 17
Check Your Work ................................................................................................................................... 17-18
Sample Rubrics ...................................................................................................................................... 19-23

C G C C T E A C H E R E D U C A T I O N PR O G R A M

a weebly Portfolio


INTRODUCTION
You will find the information for how to develop your portfolio in this handbook. You may want to find
a SRUWIROLRPHQWRU another student who already has a portfolio started who can mentor you. If you
are a veteran student, you will still want to consult the directions to be sure you are developing all parts
of your portfolio correctly.
7KHSXUSRVHRIWKLV+DQGERRNLV to get you started with Weebly.com. We are confident that you will
find your way around that site comfortably once you get started. Following the directions in this
document will help you build your portfolio.
One warning: Weebly is easy to use; not always easy to correct or revise. You will want to work
carefully and get things right the first time! Use F irefox to wor k on your portfolio.

DEFINITION and KEY FEATURES

$SRUWIROLRLVDSXUSRVHIXOcollection of student work that exhibits to the students and/or others the
VWXGHQWVHIIRUWVSURJUHVVRUDFKLHYHPHQWLQDJLYHQDUHD7KLVFROOHFWLRQPXVWLQFOXGHVWXGHQW
participation in the selection; the criteria for selection; the criteria for judging merit; and evidence of
self-reflection or self-DVVHVVPHQW
Northwest Regional Education Laboratories

These three features distinguish a portfolio from a course notebook :

1. Collection. Final contents should represent a variety of artifacts or signature assignments that
demonstrate a variety of knowledge, skill and experience in each collection within the portfolio.
2. Selection. Although most elements may be dictated by your instructors, students ultimately control
the portfolio they use for employment purposes and other presentation groups and may choose to
include additional artifacts consciously chosen for a specific purpose and audience.
3. Reflection. In order to serve as both a self-assessment and preparation for an outside audience,
short reflective passages are required to announce and explain the contents. You will learn a variety
of ways to use these reflective captions or paragraphs.

PURPOSES and AUDIENCES

Teachers maintain a professional portfolio a compilation of a variety of evidence that documents and
VKRZVRIIWKHLUNQRZOHGJHVNLOODQGH[SHULHQFH<RXZLOOEHJLQ\RXUHOHFWURQLFSRUWIROLRLQ\RXUILUVW
course and continue it in subsequent courses each semester. Your portfolio may serve a variety of
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purposes: to prepare you for transfer to a university program, to accompany your resume when applying
for a scholarship or a job, to reference concrete examples of your philosophy in an interview, or to
document professional development and academic growth.
%XLOGLQJ\RXUHGXFDWLRQSRUWIROLRLVERWKDSURFHVVDQGDSURGXFWWKDWZLOOKHOS\RXVHHZKDW\RXKDYH
learned and how you have grown academically, personally, and professionally. It will continue to grow
with you and in doing so, will serve many purposes:
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

To assist you in reflection and self-evaluation of your learning

To provide a framework for organizing your professional learning, experiences, and materials
To showcase your knowledge, skill, and experience related to your future in education
To prepare for a university Teacher Education Program
7RFRQWULEXWHWR&*&&V7HDFKHU(GXFDWLRQ$VVHVVPHQW3URJUDP
To present to a scholarship committee, potential employer or principal on job interviews
To document professional development for career ladder, merit pay or recertification

One of the most challenging aspects of a portfolio, one that distinguishes it from merely a course
notebook, is the audience for whom it is intended. In the real world, you will present your portfolio to
someone outside of CGCC. This implies that some features of content and format be added to assist
their viewing and understanding of the contents. In reality, you will prepare your portfolio for grading
by your instructor and viewing by an outside professional audience.

FORMAT
Paper or notebook portfolios are being phased out for the preferred electronic version which is less
cumbersome and more easily accessible to your audience. There are advantages and disadvantages to
each, but there is no denying the current trend in university colleges of education and professional
circles is web-based portfolio development. Your portfolio will be web-based. Online or web-based
SRUWIROLRVRIWHQFDOOHGH-SRUWIROLRVRUH-ports,DOORZ for contemporary, technologically-savvy
presentation. If online, they are easy to access and avoid awkward handling issues, however, security of
documents and your personal information, and personal safety are important considerations.
Technology changes frequently. As it does, it is important to be flexible and fluid, and ready to accept
such changes. Remember: The process of developing your portfolio stays the same, even if the
platform does change.

PLATFORM

As of 2009-2010 academic year electronic portfolios are being developed with Weebly. Veteran
VWXGHQWVLQ&*&&VWHDFKHU(GXFDWLRQ3URJUDPZKRPD\KDYHDSRUWIROLRGHYHORSHGLQDSUHYLRXV
platform (TaskStream, Wetpaint, etc.) have the choice of continuing in the original program or using
Weebly.

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CREATING A WEEBLY SITE

1. Go to: www.weebly.com

2. Decide and record the log-in information you create.

&OLFNRQ$FFHSW7HUPVDQGWKHQ6XEPLW
If prompted with a window that offers different plans, select the free one and continue.
Full Name:
Email:
Password:
URL: http://

.weebly.com

3. $WWKH:HOFRPHWR:HHEO\ZLQGRZ\RXZLOOHQWHU
the title of your portfolio. It should be in this pattern,
but, of course, with your own full (first and last) name:
B renda L arsonV(GXFDWLRQ3RUWIROLR
Check for correct spelling and capital letters in your
title. For T ype of Site VHOHFW(GXFDWLRQDQGIRU
C ategory VHOHFW&ODVV3URMHFW. &OLFN&RQWLQXHZKHQILQLVKHG
4. Choose website Domain: Decide on a clear, concise, logical web address (URL) for your portfolio.
When the domain window comes up, choose the first item. In the text box, create a short but clearly
identifying name (your first and last name; first name initial and last name, etc.). D O N O T get cute,
comic, and crazy here remember, this is not a personal website; it is your professional portfolio!

N O T E : As you type in your preferred subdomain name,

\RXZLOOVHHWKHSKUDVH1RWDYDLODEOHUHGRU
$YDLODEOHJUHHQDSSHDU (Be sure your name is part
the subdomain AND click the first radio button or you
will have to pay! Check spelling&OLFN&RQWLQXH
5HFRUG\RXUSRUWIROLRV85/KHUH or in the previous box:
http://____________________________ . weebly.com
6HOHFWRQO\WKHILUVWRSWLRQVR\RXGRQWKDYHWRSD\!

5. NOTE: As you first work through parts of Weebly, you will prompted by pale yellow arrow bars like
this one. Frankly, follow these and
you cannot go wrong.

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6. Take a moment to study the Weebly toolbar.

%HVXUHWKH%DVLFFKRLFHLVVHOHFWHGLQWKHOHIWPHQX

E L E M E N TS

D ESI G NS

P A G ES

SE T T I N GS

The FKRLFHVLQWKH(OHPHQWV
tab are what you use to select
the page design. You will
seleFW3DUDJUDSKZLWK
3LFWXUHIRUWKH Welcome
(Home) Page, Professional
Development Page, Field
Experience Page, Course
Work Page, and individual
course collection pages.

8VHWKH'HVLJQVWDEWR
select your color themes and
format options. This is fun
but beware: Not all options
given may be appropriate
(sophisticated, professional,
classy, subtle) for a
professional portfolio. Please
do NOT select one with a
banner.

Once your skeleton is created

and you revisit your portfolio
pages for editing, you will
VHOHFWWKH3DJHVWDEDQG
make your choices on what to
work on there.

You may never need to visit

this tab at all. If you should
ever want to do any of the
IROORZLQJKHUHVZKHUH\RX
would do it:
- Correct or change your URL
- Correct or change the
portfolio title

CHOOSE DESIGN
1.

&OLFNRQWKH'HVLJQVWDELQWKHWRSPHQX<RXZLOOVHHPDQ\FKRLFHVXVHDUURZVDWERWKHQGV
of the toolbar to see more. NOTE: You will want to choose carefully. Remember, you want an
overall look of subtly, sophistication, professionalism. Do N O T select a banner. It appears on
every page and usually stretches across the page It will be too cluttered with the banner and a
graphic. <RXPD\ZDQWWRFOLFNRQ$OO7KHPHVDWWKHOHIWWRVHHDOORI\RXURSWLRQV

2. You will want to revisit your color and format choice as you continue to build your portfolio. Only
when you start adding parts and pages do you really see what it will look like. Anytime you wish to
FKDQJHVLPSO\FOLFNRQWKH'(6,*16WDELQWKHWRSPHQXDQGFKRRVHDZD\
3. You really cannot tell the overall impact of any design without clicking on it, inserting it on your
actual page, and looking at it then. You can continue to click-and-try many times until your find the
ULJKWFRORUWKHPHDQGIRUPDW7R9,(:\RXUSRUWIROLRDVRthers would see it, click the Publish
button, click Continue, and simply open another tab on your browser and type in your URL.
Remember to refresh the browser every time you Publish. 7RTXLWFOLFNRQWKH&ORVHEXWWRQ

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4. Once you do close your site, you will need to re-open your edit site by going to www.weebly.com
and click the Log In button<RXOOVHHWKLVZLQGRZZKHUH\RXZLOOVHH\RXUSRUWIROLR85/OLVWHG
&OLFNRQ(GLW6LWHWRUHWXUQWRZRUN

HOME (WELCOME) PAGE

Your welcome page will include:
x
x
x
x

A significant, poignant quote (and its source) related to your perspective on education. Avoid
anonymous quotes.
An educationally relevant image or photograph (preferred) of you in a classroom setting. (See
pages 11-12 for image/graphic information and directions.)
An image citation. See example on page 7 Steps 8 and 9 and page 13 for directions.
A brief (5-7 sentence) introductory passage that:
o Connects the meaning or theme of the quote to you without directing referring to the
TXRWHGRQRWVD\$VWKHTXRWHDERYHRUDQ\WKLQJVLPLODUWRWKDW
o Introduces your career goal or desire to teach, i.e. early childhood, elementary, middle,
secondary (with your content area), or special education

1. You should see thH+RPH page on your screen. It has the title of your portfolio at the top.
2. Take your cursor to
the top menu, grab
3DUDJUDSKZLWK
3LFWXUHDQGGUDJLW
below your title.

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Page 6

3. &OLFNRQClick here to editat the top. 5HSODFHZLWK+RPH (no quotes).

4. Click 2Q6DPSOH,PDJH&OLFN+HUHWR(GLW<RXZLOOQHHGWRJRWRWKHSODFHZKHUH\RXKDYH
stored your home page graphic. It must be a .jpg, .gif, or .png for it to work. (See page 12 for
instructions) Open the document to upload it.
5. &OLFNRQClick here to edit on the right. Type in your quote. You will want this quote centered
with your graphic. You may want to make the font larger (select the text and click on the plus (+)
sign to increase the size. You also may want to make it bold and/or italic. To change the font color,
FOLFNRQWKH$ZLWKWKHUHGXQGHUOLQHRQWKHWRROEDU%HFDUHful ZLWKFRORU<RXGRQWZDQWWR
overdo it! You will probably also want to center it horizontally (click on the align center box in the
tool bar). This should be the only place you center the paragraph. On all others, use align left.
6. ,I\RXZRXOGOLNHWRDGGDGLYLGLQJOLQHWRVHSDUDWHWKHTXRWHIURP\RXUSDUDJUDSKFOLFNRQ0RUH
on the top left and then drag the dividing line below your graphic and quote. &OLFNEDFNRQ%DVLF
at the top.
7. 1RZGUDJWKH3DUDJUDSKEHORZ\RXUGLYLGLQJOLQH7KLVLVZKHUH\RXZLOOtype in your 5-7
introductory message that connects the meaning or theme of the quote to you and introduces your
career goal or desire teach (early childhood, elementary, middle, secondary, special education, or
secondary subject field.)
8. 'UDJDQRWKHU3DUDJUDSKEHORZ\RXUSDUDJUDSK7KLVLVZKHUH\RXZLOOVKRZZKHUH\RXJRW\RXU
image. (See page 13.) You will type your image citation in this format:
Image: www.discoveryschool.com Be sure to put where you got your graphic!!
9. You will select your citation and click the minus (-) on the toolbar to make the font smaller. You
will click the right align button. See sample on the next page.
Image: www.discoveryschool.com

10. Weebly has features you may find helpful. You can find out more about them at
http://blog.weebly.com/2/post/2010/08/introducing-weebly-imageperfect.html

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SAMPLE

Paragraph
with
picture
(centered
text)

Paragraph
(left
aligned
text)
Paragraph (right aligned text)
with smaller font

1. As you work, mini edit toolbars will appear.

This image toolbar allows you to manipulate the image a bit. NOTE: You will want to be sure your
image is correctly proportioned for the page. You do not want one too big or too small. The only
way to check this is to log-on to your URL and view it from the outside after you Publish it
(instructions on this are on steps 3-5). You may even need to resize your image in a photo software
program.

2. The text tool bar is very familiar; it is a short version of what you are already using in MSWord. You
will use it to make the text on each page visually appealing.

You can grab the entire page that you have created and move it a little upward, if you like.

HOW TO PUBLISH
1. Once you have drafted your welcome page, go to the top right corner, DQGFOLFNPU B L ISHWhen
you do, you will get the following message: W ebsite Published! W eebly will give you an
RSSRUWXQLW\WREX\D85/ZLWKDQHWH[WHQVLRQ'RQWGRLW&OLFNWKHFORVHEXWWRQ

Weebly/Fall11

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Look at your Home page for layout. Does it look attractive? Is there too much blank space between
your dividing line and the quote? Is the quote centered both horizontally and vertically? Is there only
one blank line between your paragraph and your image notation? Make any changes necessary and then
FOLFN3XEOLVKDJDLQ5HIUHVKWKHZHbsite to see your changes.

CREATE YOUR CONTENTS (NAVIGATION BAR)

1. &OLFNRQWKH3$*(6WDb in the top menu to reveal the window below.
7RDGGWKHVHQHZSDJHVVHFWLRQVLQ\RXUSRUWIROLRVPHQX
x

&OLFNAdd
Page

Type title the

name of the
page (see names
and sequence in
graphic below).
Be sure spelling
and
capitalization are correct before proceeding.

Do not click any of the 3 boxes!

&OLFN6DYH6HWWLQJV

Click EDFNWRWKH3$*(6WDELQWKHWRSPHQX

Click Add Page

Repeat the process until your contents looks

exactly like this one in wording and sequence.

$''3$*(6:,7+,1&2856(:25.
1. To add new pages (sections) within \RXU&RXUVH:RUNVHFWLRQ
x

&OLFNRQ3$*(6WDELQWKHWRSPHQX

&OLFNRQ&2856(:25.

&OLFNAdd Page

Name page (see suggested names for CGCC education courses on the next page). Check the
spelling and capitalization before proceeding.

&OLFN6DYH6HWWLQJV

Repeat the process until you have added all the necessary education courses that apply to you
this semester.

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Page 9

2. Grab and drag each individual course page a little to

WKHULJKWXQWLOLWLVLQGHQWHGXQGHUWKH&RXUVH:RUN
page. Your contents should look like this:
Suggested Course T itles
for C G C C Portfolios
(not necessarily in this sequence)

Introduction to Education
Classroom Relationships
Diversity in Education
&KLOGUHQV/LWHUDWXUH
Math for Teachers
English Language Learners
Exceptional Learners
Child Development
Geology for Teachers
Biology for Teachers
Computers for Teachers

HOW TO FIND, CHOOSE, CITE, and UPLOAD IMAGES

Images (clip art, stock photos, personal photos, etc.) add visual appeal to your portfolio. However, they
must be controlled and handled correctly according to fair use guidelines and copyright laws and
restrictions. This is a legal responsibility taken very seriously by teachers. NOTE: You will only add
images where prompted to do so in these directions.

Finding Images
1. Images come from two places: Your own camera and copyright free internet websites.
2. Find and use only copyright free images. Here are a few such sites to get your started. NOTE:
The internet changes frequently. It is up to you to verify conditions of use for each of these and
other sites you may use.
www.teacherfiles.com
www.office.microsoft.com
www.school-clip-art.com
http://school.discovery.com/clipart (Does not allow more than 10!)
www.hasslefreeclipart.com
www.classroomclipart.com
www.theteachersguide.com
www.hellasmultimedia.com/
www.freefoto.com/index.jsp
www.free-clipart-pictures.net
3. 3OHDVHVKDUH\RXURZQIDYRULWHIUHHLPDJHVLWHV

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Choosing Images
1. You should select images thoughtfully. Here are some guidelines to consider:
x
x
x
x

$YRLGFXWHVLHOLWWOHNLGFDUWRRQ-type clipart. Remember, your portfolio is not a

scrapbook or personal social website. You are developing a sophisticated, professional
portfolio.
Choose images to comprise a visual theme perhaps those similar in size, type, style,
from the same artists, all photos or clip art, etc. This creates visual uniformity and is
pleasing to the eye.
If you are a secondary education major, your images should project this. Do use pictures
of small children; use pictures of teenagers that are high-school age.
Avoid over-use: Insert images only where they are required. Do not add additional
images elsewhere in your portfolio.

2. Save images as .jpg, .gif, or .png format to \RXUGULYH<RXVKRXOGKDYHDQLPDJHVIROGHU

LQ\RXUSRUWIROLRIROGHU<RXZLOOQHHGWRSURYLGHWKHZHEDGGUHVVIRUWKHORFDWLRQRI
each image you use.
3. Do not save images in Word documents you will only be able to upload images saved in .jpg,

.gif, or .png format. If you find an image in Word that you want to use, you must copy the image
and paste it in Paint (Accessories). Select F ile, Save As, name the image and select .jpg
4. When using photographs that you have taken or had taken, avoid any recognizable children in
them. The focus should be on you get backs of heads, if you wish to demonstrate a classroom
or teaching moment EXWGRQRWIRFXVRQRWKHUVIDFHV
5. Record the URL (website address) at which the image was found for citations.

Editing Images
Use software programs such as Pixenate.com (easy), PhotoShop or Paint to WZHDNLPDJHVLIQHHGHG
Feel free to use these skills if you know how!
<RXFDQDOVRFKHFNRXW:HHEO\VQHZIHDWXUHDWhttp://blog.weebly.com/2/post/2010/08/introducingweebly-imageperfect.html

Uploading Images
Add images only on the welcome page (Home Page) and introductory pages (Professional Development,
Field Experience, Course Work, and introductions to individual course collections iQVLGH&RXUVH
Work<RXPD\DOVRKDYHRFFDVLRQDOLPDJHVDVYLVXDODSSHDOLQLQGLYLGXDOGRFXPHQWVVRIROORZ
common sense for using those effectively.

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Page 11

Citing Images
1. Write citations in this pattern: Image: www.classroomclipart.com
2. If you are uploading personal photos, use this wording: Image: personal collection
3. Do not draw any more attention to this citation than is necessary:
a. Use very small font (click on tool bar to make font smaller).
b. Do not bold the citation.
c. Separate the citation from your text (welcome message, introductory message, etc.) with
a blank line.
d. Right align the paragraph. Remember to right align, you must add a paragraph.

Extras
Feel free to experiment with the features in Weebly. Please remember to be consistent in your layout
and be professional. This is not a scrapbook!

Weebly/Fall11

Page 12

HOW TO BUILD COLLECTIONS

Here you will find listed the requirements for content and design features for each collection.

Professional Development Collection

1. <RXZLOOVHOHFW3LFWXUHZLWK3DUDJUDSKand drag it to your page. You will insert a graphic with
a general paragraph about Professional Development and its importance and type the title
3URIHVVLRQDO'HYHORSPHQWDWWKHWRS
2. <RXZLOOVHOHFW3DUDJUDSKand drag it to your page below the first section where you will insert
the URL where you obtained the graphic you used. Click the key in the tool bar to make the
citation smaller and click the right align button.
,QDGGLWLRQWRWKHLQWURGXFWRU\PHVVDJHWKLVVHFWLRQZLOOEHFRPSULVHGRIDVHULHVRIHQWULHVIRU each
SURIHVVLRQDOGHYHORSPHQWDNDH[WUDFUHGLW
This section will include a series of entries, one for each event you attend, which will go below your
general paragraph. Please do not add a new page for each entry! Entries will be formatted identically:

A heading (in bold)

o Name of event
o Location
o Date
o Number of hours
An entry of 15 +/- sentences in which you briefly:
o Summarize the event
o Identify specific learning, insight gained
o Explain how the learning will apply to you or benefit you as a future teacher
No attachments
Arrange entries in descending chronological order (most recent first).

SAMPLE
M C C D F uture E ducator Conference: Living The Dream
G lendale Community College
November 14, 2008
6.0 Hours
MCCD's Future Educator Conference, Living the Drea m, was my first opportunity to attend a real professional
conference. Among the specially featured speakers were a number of Arizona Ambassadors for Education
([FHOOHQFHDQGWKLV\HDUV$UL]RQD7HDFKHURIWKH<HDU,ZDVDZHGE\WKHYDULHW\RIWRSLFVJXHVWVSHDNHUV
and exhibits. My favorite session was "Classroom Management: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly" presented by
two Mesa teachers. They shared stories of typical and not-so typical situations with students and the kinds of
strategies that work for handling discipline issues in the classroom. I was comforted to hear one of them say,
"It doesn't matter how long you have been teaching. You never know how to handle every situation. That's
why you want to have good mentors and colleagues around to support you." This makes me feel that teachers
should not go it alone, but that they should work together to solve problems in each other's classroom. I am
committed to the idea of working in a grade level team sharing ideas and building a strong curriculum. I am
taking away some great ideas for classroom management such as assigning class jobs, and a booklist of
multicultural literature that I can integrate into all my subjects. The conference was a full day, but it was well
worth it to me!

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Field Experience Collection

1. <RXZLOOVHOHFW3LFWXUHZLWK3DUDJUDSKand drag it to your page. You will insert a graphic with
a general paragraph about Field Experience and its importance and type WKHWLWOH)LHOG
([SHULHQFHDWWKHWRS.
2. <RXZLOOVHOHFW3DUDJUDSKand drag it to your page below the first section where you will insert
the URL where you obtained the graphic you used. Click the key in the tool bar to make the
citation smaller and click the right align button.
,QDGGLWLRQWRWKHLQWURGXFWRU\PHVVDJHWKLVVHFWLRQZLOOEHFRPSULVHGRIDVHULHVRIHQWULHVIRUHDFKVHPHVWHUV
field experience. If you have had more than one education class in a semester, you may want to discuss with your
instructor(s) about how best to address all emphases. This section will include a series of entries, and be
IRUPDWWHGPXFKOLNHZKDW\RXKDYHDOUHDG\GRQHLQ3URIHVVLRQDO'HYHORSPHQWPlease do not add a new
page for each entry! The pattern for entries is:

A bolded heading with:

o Semester and year
o F ull name of school
o G rade level or content area or identification of special placement
o Number of hours completed
An entry of 15 +/- sentences in which you briefly:
o identify the focuses (courses) of your placement
o explain how you were actively engaged in the classroom and with students
o specify learning or insight gained in connection with your college classes
o Maintain confidentiality! Do not use real names of your mentor or any student.
+RWOLQNWRWKHVFKRROVZHEVLWH within the paragraph (not the heading)
Mentor teacher comments (optional). Include the lead phrase as shown and use quotation marks to
indicate you are quoting directly from your evaluation.
1RDWWDFKPHQWVQRLPDJHVQRH[WUDDGGHGIHDWXUHV.

SAMPLE
SPR I N G 2009
H umphrey E lementary School
G rade: 4
Hours: 32

I was fully engaged with the class at Humphrey Elementary School from the first day and had many opportunities to witness
how a classroom operates, how a teacher plans and delivers lessons, and how students behave and interact with each other in
group projects. My focus for Introduction to Education was general. I was there to learn and soak up what I could about what
it is like to be in a classroom from a teacher's point of view. One thing I found especially interesting is that my mentor's class
was looped; she had the same class in the third grade and now has them again in the fourth grade. The reason she likes
looping is because she knows all the children and knows exactly what they have learned the previous year. She added that
there is no wasted time in getting to new material. For my Cultural Diversity course, I was focused on the diverse population
of the school. Humphrey is located in an area of declining enrollment and although is not funded as a Title I school, it is
borderline in the number of free lunches and special needs services provided to its students. A majority of the student
population is Latino. One challenge the school faces is the increased number of English language learners in the school. My
mentor said that few teachers are equipped to teach non-English speakers. I felt very comfortable in the classroom and was
sad to leave the class at the end of the project. Being so welcomed in a classroom makes me excited for my next experience
and helps me gain confidence for interaction with my own students one day.
Mentor Teacher Comments: " I was very pleased to have met Sharon and had her serve in my class this semester. Her
patience and willingness to work with the children will serve her well as a teacher in the future. I believe she has a long

career ahead of her!"

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Course Work
1. <RXZLOOVHOHFW3LFWXUHZLWK3DUDJUDSKand drag it to your page and type WKHWLWOH&RXUVH:RUN
at the top. You will insert a graphic with a general paragraph about Course Work and its
importance.
2. <RXZLOOVHOHFW3DUDJUDSKand drag it to your page below the first section where you will insert the
URL where you obtained the graphic you used. Click the key in the tool bar to make the citation
smaller and click the right align button.

Individual Courses
For each course, your individual instructor will direct you with more details. It will, however, follow
the same pattern.
1. <RXZLOOVHOHFW3LFWXUHZLWK3DUDJUDSKZKHUH\RXZLOOLQVHUWDJUDSKLFZLWKDSDUDJUDSKabout the
course and type the title of course at the top.
2. <RXZLOOVHOHFW3DUDJUDSKDQGLQVHUWWKH85/ZKHUH\RXREWDLQHGWKHJUDSKLF\RXXVHG&OLFNWKH
key in the tool bar to make the citation smaller and click the right align button.

ADDING FILES (ATTACHMENTS) TO COURSE COLLECTIONS

1. Instructors will typically dictate what artifacts (assignments) you will upload in their course
collection. You should typically not have more than 3-5 artifacts to upload per course.
2. Before you even begin to upload files/attachments (your work and artifacts from the semester), you
must prepare documents and files:
x

Remove your course heading from all documents.

Be sure each artifact is clearly titled on the first page.

If your document contains long text pages or passages, single line space and double-space
between paragraphs for easier online reading.

Revise. Edit. Spell check. Proofread. Use an editor. You will be penalized in your grade
for any writing errors.

Save all documents in .pdf format. (Save As/PDF/Publish with an appropriate file name) If
\RXGRQRWKDYHWKLVRQ\RXUKRPHFRPSXWHUSOHDVHXVHWKHFROOHJHVFRPSXWHUV

Since file names are viewed, change file names:

Use explicit and brief wording
Use all lower case letters
For example: Do NOT use E D U221 Philosophy3. Use philosophy

3. &OLFNRQ3$*(6LQWRSPHQX
4. 6HOHFWWKHFRXUVHSDJHWRZKLFK\RXZLVKWRDGGWKHDWWDFKPHQWVDQGWKHQ(GLW3DJH
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Page 15

5. Select the two-column layout.

6. 6HOHFWWKH08/7,0(',$OLQNLQWKHXSSHUOHIWQDYLJDWLRQDUHD
7. Click and GUDJWKH),/(LFRQRQWRWKHOHIWVLGHRI\RXUWZR-column layout page.
Follow the instructions to add your .pdf attachment.
8. &OLFNEDFNRQ%$6,&LQWKHWRSOHIWFRUQHU'UDJ3$5$*5$3+GRZQWRWKH
right side of your two-column layout for your reflective paragraph. Move the
dividing bar so that the file side is smaller than the reflective side. (See sample
below.)

SAMPLE

You will be able to add additional two-column layouts for each artifact.

Reflective Captions
After you have dragged the paragraph icon to the right part of the two-column table, you will need to
write a brief reflection VRPHWLPHVFDOOHGUeflective captions or paragraphsRIHDFKDUWLIDFWLQFOXGHGLQ
the collection that responds to 3-5 of the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

What is this artifact?

What does the artifact demonstrate about my learning, skill, or experience?
How is this artifact important in my future as a teacher?
What learning or insight did I gain as a result of thinking about and producing this artifact?
What does it show-off about my strengths?
What, if any, are goal areas for me?

You will use reflective stems to guide your writing and reflecting:
,OHDUQHG
,IHOWJRRGDERXW
,ZDVVXUSULVHG ,ZDVGLVDSSRLQWHG
I VHHWKDW
,ZRQGHU
Weebly/Fall11

,GLVFRYHUHG
,EHOLHYH
,IHHOWKDW

,ZDVUHPLQGHG
,EHFDPHDZDUH

Page 16

HOW TO PUBLISH
7RSXEOLVK\RXUSRUWIROLRMXVWFOLFNWKH3XEOLVKEXWWRQRQWKHWRS

%HVXUHWRUHFRUG\RXUSRUWIROLRV85/. You will need to send this URL to all instructors who will need
to view your portfolio. Instructors will usually prompt you to do this. &OLFNWKH&ORVHEXWWRQRQWKH
Congratulations box. <RXPXVWFOLFN3XEOLVKHYHU\WLPH\RXPDNHFKDQJHV

HOW TO CHECK YOUR WORK
Use the following checklist to self-assess and improve your portfolio each step of the way in its
development and upon completion at the end of each semester. Directions for this project come from
this manual and additional guidance from your instructor(s).
Your instructor(s) know the URL for your portfolio website and it carries a professional name.
You have sent your URL to your instructor(s) when requested to do so.
The contents are listed as below:
+RPHDND:HOFRPH3DJH
Professional Development
F ield E xperience
Course Wor k
(List of course titles in this section may vary with student)

The welcome page presents a positive first impression and includes:

A n appropriate image or photograph
A n inspirational, positive quote to get attention along with a source for the quote
A complete and well-crafted welcome message (see directions in this document)
C itation for the image
O verall balanced and attractive visual appeal
Introductory pages exist for each of the following sections:
Professional Development
F ield E xperience
Course Wor k (List of course titles in this section may vary with student)
Individual Course Collection(s) (Each section will be named according to the
course)
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Page 17

 Introductory pages for sections include:

A n appropriate image or photograph
A complete and well-crafted introductory passage (see directions in this document)
A citation for the image
O verall balanced and attractive visual appeal
E lements of uniform design across all introductory pages and welcome page
Clear, complete, concise, correct writing skills in all written parts of the portfolio and documents.
Cor rect spelling (spell-check and proofread!)
Cor rect punctuation
Cor rect usage and consistent pronoun use and verb tense
Professional vocabulary
M ature and fluent expression
V aried sentence structure
Cor rect content
Correct attachments are in appropriate collections (as per your instructor)
Documents for attachments have been prepared for online viewing:
Revised for complete and cor rect content
E dited for clear, accurate, and interesting expression
Inclusive of professional terminology
3UHSDUHGIRUHDV\UHDGLQJ
- Single spacing between lines of text
- Double spacing between paragraphs
- T itled explicitly
Prepared for visual appeal as is appropriate
Uploaded as .pdf with a short file name spelled cor rectly
(All MSWord, Publisher, PowerPoint, etc., filed must be saved in .pdf format. If you do
not have this IXQFWLRQIURP\RXUKRPHFRPSXWHUSOHDVHYLVLW&*&&V&RPSXWHU/DELQ
B123.)

Weebly/Fall11

Page 18

RUBRIC CHOICE #1: HOLISTIC EVALUATION

The following rubrics will help you plan for success on this assignment and may be used to evaluate the quality of your work.

E X C EPTIO N A L

I M PR ESSI V E

ADE QUA TE

SU BST A N D A R D

A ll features represent
exemplary wor k and
effort.

A ll features represent
impressive wor k and
effort, falling slightly
short of exemplary.

A ll features are
included, but display
minimal effort and
wor k.

F eatures or quality may

be insufficient for
purpose and outside
audience.

WELCOME
PA G E

Includes all required

features (image, quote,
introductory passage,
citation). Text is focused to
assignment specifications,
purpose, and audience.
Creates an outstanding
ILUVWLPSUHVVLRQ

Includes all required

features. Image, quote or
passage may not be
precisely focused or fully
appropriate to the purpose
or audience. Creates an
DSSURSULDWHILUVW
LPSUHVVLRQ

Only an adequate,
lackluster welcome is
achieved. Features may
be missing or
inappropriate to the
purpose or ordinary. Text
may lack impact. Does
not make much of an
impression.

Generally this welcome

page fails to achieve it
purpose and does not
represent minimal
expectations. Makes a
poor impression.

PR O F ESSI O N A L
DE V E L OPM ENT
COLLEC TION

Includes all required

features of page and entries.
Text is focused and
formatted to assignment
specifications. Mature and
sophisticated demonstration
of this criteria evidenced.
Writing is interesting and
correct.

Includes all required

features of page and
entries. Text is focused and
formatted to assignment
specifications, but with
less pizzazz than that of an
$0LQRUZULWLQJHUURUV
do not detract from
content, interest, or
impression.

Features may be minimal

or require some revision
prior to presentation to
an outside audience.
Clear focus on education
may be lacking, or
entries may be only
adequately developed.

Development may
represent less than
complete thought and/or
inappropriate or incorrect
presentation. Significant
shortcomings may
impact: written text,
writing skill, interest,
presentation.

FIELD
E XPERIE NC E
COLLEC TION

Includes all required

features of page and entries.
Text is focused and
formatted to assignment
specifications. Mature and
sophisticated demonstration
of this criteria evidenced.
Writing is interesting and
correct.

Includes all required

features of page and
entries. Text is focused and
formatted to assignment
specifications, but with
less pizzazz than that of an
$0LQRUZULWLQJHUURUV
do not detract from
content, interest, or
impression.

Features may be minimal

or require some revision
prior to presentation to
an outside audience.
Clear focus on education
may be lacking, or
entries may be only
adequately developed.

Development may
represent less than
complete thought and/or
inappropriate or incorrect
presentation. Significant
shortcomings may
impact: written text,
writing skill, interest,
presentation.

C O U RSE
C O L L E C T I O NS

Include all required

elements (introductions,
artifacts, and attachments)
or contents and showcases a
variety of knowledge, skill,
experience. Written
reflections are interesting
and include all required
critical thinking. Generally,
outstanding collection and
reflection.

Includes all required

elements (introductions,
artifacts, and attachments)
or contents and showcases
a variety of knowledge,
skill, experience. Written
reflections include all
required critical thinking,
but with less pizzazz than
WKDWRIDQ$5HSUHVHQWV
a comprehensive
collection.

Includes all required

elements but does not
show well as a result of
noticeable flaws in
content, written
reflection, artifacts,
attachments. Showcases
minimally and serves
more as a course
portfolio.

Does not represent a

complete selection.
Represents a less than
thoughtful collection. The
collection is lacking in
content (artifacts,
reflection, attachments).

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Page 19


WRI TIN G
SK IL L

V ISU A L
A PP E A L

Weebly/Fall11

Writing is mature,
sophisticated, college level.
It has voice, uses
professional terminology,
and is fluent and coherent.
All conventions (spelling,
punctuation, capitalization,
usage, sentence structure,
etc.) are correct and
controlled.

Writing is mature,
sophisticated, college
level. It has voice, uses
professional terminology,
and is fluent and coherent.
Minor and insignificant
errors in conventions
(spelling, punctuation,
capitalization, usage,
sentence structure, etc.) do
not detract.

Writing is basic. It may

lack or be inconsistent in
voice, use of professional
terminology, and in
fluency and coherency.
Significant or frequent
errors detract and hinder
clarity and interest.

Writing is less than

adequate, inconsistent, or
omitted altogether (in
places) providing little or
no explanation for the
audience. Voice is distant
or not observed.

Creative features and

formatting are controlled,
add interest, and enhance
the portfolio contents.

Creative features and

formatting are fairly well
controlled, add interest,
and enhance the portfolio
contents, but with less
LPSDFWWKDQDQ$

Creative features and

formatting may be
lacking or inappropriate
for purpose and
audience.

Creative features and

attention to detail may
have been neglected
reducing the overall
impact. Professional
appearance may be weak.

Page 20

CHECKLIST and RUBRIC CHOICE #2: ANALYTICAL EVALUATION

The following rubrics will help you plan for success on this assignment may be used to evaluate the quality of your work.

W elcome/Home Page
____ Appropriate inspirational quote and source.
____ Mature, fluent, expressive introductory message that:
o Addresses the significance of the quote
o Identifies career goals
o Is written competently, concisely, correctly, with voice and professional purpose
____ A well-chosen image and citation

Professional Development Collection

Introductory Page:
____ Correctly worded and spelled title.
____ Mature, fluent, expressive introductory message that:
o Explains professional development and its significance
o Is written competently, concisely, correctly, with voice and professional purpose
____ A well-chosen image and citation
Entries:
____ Heading information and Formatting:
o Name of event
o Location
o Date
o Number of hours
____ Mature, fluent, expressive 10-12 sentences entry:
o summary of the event
o identification of specific learning or insight gained
o explanation of how the learning will apply to you or benefit you as a future teacher
o writing that is competent, concise, correct, with voice and professional purpose
____ No attachments
____ Formatted as example

F ield E xperience
Introductory Page:
____ Correctly worded and spelled title
____ Mature, fluent, expressive introductory message that:
o Explains field experience and its significance
o Is written competently, concisely, correctly, with voice and professional purpose
____ A well-chosen image and citation

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Page 21

Entries:
____ Heading Information and Formatting:
o Semester and year
o Name of placement school
o Grade or special placement information
o Number of hours
o Formatted as example
____ Mature, fluent, expressive 10-12 sentences entry that:
o summarizes the focus for placement
o explains active engagement in the classroom and with students
o discusses learning or insight gained as a result
o maintains confidentiality
o is written competently, concisely, correctly, with voice and professional purpose
____ No attachments
____ Hotlink to school
BBBB0HQWRUVFRPPHQWVRSWLRQDOIRUPDWWHGDVH[DPSOH

Course Wor k
Introductory Page (Collection):
____ Correctly worded and spelled title
____ Mature, fluent, expressive introductory message that:
o General commentary about the importance of academic work
o Is written competently, concisely, correctly, with voice and professional purpose
o Is written competently, concisely, correctly, with voice and professional purpose
____ A well-chosen image and citation
Introductory Page (Course):
____ Correctly worded and spelled course title
____ Mature, fluent, expressive introductory message that:
o Describes learning, content, and topics in the course
o Is written competently, concisely, correctly, with voice and professional purpose
____ A well-chosen image and citation
Reflective Captions:
____ Reflective captions that provide evidence of critical thinking by addressing:
o What is this artifact?
o What does the artifact demonstrate about my learning, skill, or experience?
o How is this artifact important in my future as a teacher?
o What learning or insight did I gain as a result of thinking about and producing this artifact?
o What does it show-off about my strengths?
o What, if any, are goal areas for me?
o Use of reflective stems to guide your writing and reflecting:
,OHDUQHG
,ZDVVXUSULVHG
,VHHWKDW
,ZRQGHU
,ZDVGLVDSSRLQWHG
,IHOWJRRGDERXW etc.
_____ Is written competently, concisely, correctly, with voice and professional purpose

Weebly/Fall11

Page 22

Artifacts and Attachments:

_____ All required artifacts
_____ Correct titles for artifacts
_____ Attachments in correct alignment with artifacts titles and reflective captions
_____ Uploaded as.pdf
_____ Artifacts have been prepared for viewing by a professional audience:
o Assignment headings removed
o Single spacing between lines; double-spacing between paragraphs
o Titles
o Documents have been proofread for accuracy of conventions (spelling, punctuation, capitalization,
etc.)
o Professional vocabulary and course concepts are used

Design F eatures
_____ Chooses copyright-free images appropriately
_____ Displays images with correct size and cropping (is needed)
_____ Cites images
_____ Avoids cutesy, inappropriate or cartoon images
_____ Maintains a consistent graphic theme throughout
_____ $YRLGVRYHUNLOORIFRORUDQGLPDJHV
_____ Chooses a template that is professional, sophisticated
_____ Maintains visual uniformity with creative features (color, font size, images, etc.)
_____ Uses spacing in a balanced and uniform manner

COMMENTS and Strengths/Weaknesses

Weebly/Fall11

Page 23