Often while teaching a class on developing a portfolio there
are questions about “Why is it necessary?” “What will I do with it?” “What if I
change careers?” These are great questions.
All through your career you will attend workshops, take
college courses, develop curriculum, and much more. You may or may not work for
the same organization your whole career, and this accumulation of artifacts
represents your experience and education.
A resume is often a one page snap shot of what you know and what
you have done. Not only does your portfolio maintain a record of your career,
you may be asked to produce any number of artifacts to prove your experience
and education. If you do not collect, organize and maintain your portfolio, certificates and other important information can be misplaced. Your career may
span a several years and having this information in place reduces the
possibility of lost artifacts.
I have collected and kept
artifacts dating back to 1975. I have kept almost everything I have ever done,
including experience and education in other fields. Why other fields? Because
you have gained skills and knowledge from every paid and volunteer activity you
have been engaged.
What is an artifact? I have
collected transcripts, certificates, forms, meeting notes, pictures, examples
of work from children, papers I have done, classes I have taught, letters of
recommendation, awards, observations of my work, evaluations from students,
letters from students or co-workers, brochures documentation of workshops or
conferences I have presented, articles, book lists, news articles about me, any
information that might document what I know, or what I have done. What you
collect is your preference, my suggestion is collect everything.
I have tried several methods of
maintaining my portfolio. I have used files, envelopes etc. I now use large
binders with sheet protectors so I don’t damage my work. My next task is to put
it all in an electronic format for safety and easy distribution; since much of
the time employers ask you to upload documents on to their site.
You may find, as I did, that you
are surprised at all you have done!
About the author: Debbie Hasbrook is a full time trainer with Successful Solutions Training in Child Development. Debbie has worked with children and families for 37 years. In that time she has been a home provider, teacher, director, Regional and State conference presenter and Adjunct faculty at a number of colleges in Washington State. Her education includes a Master of Education, Montessori Preschool Degree and several certifications. Debbie is independently approved through the Washington Dept. of Early Learning as an advanced trainer, which qualifies her to provide Washington STARS and CDA Training. In addition, Debbie is an approved Master Trainer in Oregon for the Core Body of Knowledge training.
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