CELTA

A few simple lines, an outline, a sketch, a part or a full-blown picture or photo, or any series or combination of these things are to teachers what butter is to bread. They blend together to create one unique taste rather than two separate, unhinged ones.

Here is one Flickr selection for you to freely use.

( click on the picture or go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/efltraining/ )

How to reflect on HOW WE TEACH is the title of a useful blog post on the OUPGlobal blog. Once you’ve finished your CELTA course you’ll still need to keep reflecting and this post suggests some useful questions to ask just to keep your eyes and ears open.

It’s much more than just a CV.

It’s a place to keep a record of the teaching qualifications you’ve gained, the work you’ve done and any reflections on teaching you’ve made along the way, and more. It’s much more than a Curriculum Vitae (CV).

I heard about the Cambridge Esol Teacher Portfolio some years ago, but recently came across it again via a LinkedIn group and decided to take a peek. Do you know, I was impressed with what I found! Not only are there familiar categories to add information to, but updating it is straightforward and easy, too.

I’d encourage you to begin by adding the most recent teaching work and qualifications first. Then pop back little and often to add small details and fine tune.

Looking back is of equal if not superior importance to looking ahead

What I also like is the opportuntity to add reflections. As well as adding lesson-by-lesson reflections on what you would and wouldn’t do again, this area is a great place to keep track of thoughts on important innovations in the teaching world like, you know, new ‘approaches’ or activities the scientific or research world occasionally throws at the teaching profession. These sometimes, often, influence courses and materials, not to mention coursebooks and are bound to dig into our ‘how and what’ of teaching.

Looking back is of equal if not superior importance to looking ahead, but we can only do it properly if we keep a constant record. The reflections section is, I suggest, one of the most important parts and is not to be overlooked.

Teachers who are just starting out and veterans alike

This Teacher Portfolio is equally great for teachers who are just starting out as it is for veterans.

Now it’s your turn….

Do you know of / use another online Teacher Portfolio? Please share with us all…