by Christopher Grabau, Program Director, Reinert Center
Each year, participants completing our Principles in University Teaching Skills certificate develop a professional teaching portfolio as a capstone requirement. Teaching portfolios provide valuable evidence of professional development that can help instructors with promotion, tenure reviews, and job applications.
More than a collection of documents, a teaching portfolio can also serve as a powerful scholarly tool, inviting articulation, self-reflection, and the development of one’s relationship with teaching. Unlike a resume or CV, which focuses on qualifications and accomplishments, a teaching portfolio is more personal, communicating and showcasing who you are as an educator.
Assembling a portfolio can initially seem daunting; however, it offers a meaningful opportunity to articulate your teaching voice, document your growth, and reflect on your pedagogical journey. A well-crafted portfolio not only highlights your classroom achievements but also tells the story of who you are and are becoming as an educator.
Below are 7 key considerations for creating a compelling teaching portfolio:
1. Knowing the Common Components of a Teaching Portfolio
The portfolio typically includes several core components:
- Teaching Philosophy Statement
- A Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness (e.g., student evaluations, peer reviews)
- Course Materials (e.g., syllabi, assignments, handouts, exam samples)
- Professional Development (e.g., workshops, certifications)
- Reflections on Teaching (e.g., mentor letters and other forms of reflective feedback)
2. Start with a Strong Teaching Philosophy Statement
The heart of your teaching portfolio, a Teaching Philosophy Statement (TPS) is a brief but powerful narrative explaining why you teach the way you do, what you believe about learning, and how these beliefs influence your teaching practices. A well-written TPS can make a strong impression by showcasing your passion for teaching, your commitment to fostering an inclusive classroom, and help you articulate your relationship with being an educator. (Seldin, et. al, 2010)
3. Gather Evidence of Your Teaching Effectiveness
A strong teaching portfolio should also provide concrete evidence of your teaching effectiveness. This can include: student evaluations, peer reviews, anonymized samples of student assignments, and reflective narratives demonstrating your ability to self-assess your teaching.
4. Showcase Your Course Design and Teaching Materials
Course materials are a critical component of your teaching portfolio. Consider including examples of well-organized syllabi as well as any assignment prompts or project descriptions demonstrating how you foster student engagement and critical thinking. Also, if you use digital tools (like Learning Management Systems or multimedia), include examples of how these tools enhance student learning.
Your course materials should align with your teaching philosophy and reflect your commitment to providing an engaging and inclusive learning experience.
5. Professional Development: Showcasing Your Commitment to Growth
Including evidence of your participation in workshops, conferences, or seminars highlights your dedication to continuous growth as an educator. While some professional development opportunities can be costly (especially for graduate students), the Reinert Center’s Certificate in Teaching Skills Program offers free, structured support tailored to developing effective teaching practices.
The certificate program provides participants with structured workshops, short online courses, and other events focused on key pedagogical topics, including active learning, course design, and assessment strategies. It aims to cultivate a reflective and scholarly approach to teaching, grounded in evidence-based practices and current research in the learning sciences.
For more information, visit the Reinert Center’s Certificate in Teaching Skills Program.
6. Structure Your Portfolio for Easy Navigation
Your teaching portfolio should be organized in a way that makes it easy for reviewers to navigate. Create a clear table of contents and use headings, subheadings, and bullet points for clarity. Consider including a cover letter that briefly summarizes your teaching philosophy and key strengths, followed by well-organized sections for evidence of your teaching effectiveness, course materials, and professional development.
7. Final Tips: Reflect and Revise
Your teaching portfolio is a dynamic, evolving document. Make a habit of updating it regularly as you gain more teaching experience and professional development. Seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, or teaching center staff to refine your portfolio and ensure it effectively communicates your teaching strengths.
Conclusion
Creating a teaching portfolio is an ongoing process of self-reflection and professional growth. By thoughtfully addressing each component, you can create a portfolio that not only stands out in the academic job market but also supports your continued development as a reflective, research-informed educator
For guidance on developing your teaching portfolio, you’re welcome to meet with someone from the Reinert Center for a private consultation. Or, you may also consider joining our Certificate in Teaching Skills Program. The program is open to all SLU faculty, graduate students, and teaching staff. For more information, visit: https://www.slu.edu/cttl/certificate-program/index.php
References
Seldin, P., Miller, J. E., & Seldin, C. A. (2010). The teaching portfolio: A practical guide to
Improved performance and promotion/tenure decisions. John Wiley & Sons.
Bain, K. (2004). What the Best College Teachers Do. Harvard University Press.
The Notebook 