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Your Substitute Portfolio is designed to help you personally and professionally in your role as a substitute teacher. Whether you are planning to be a substitute teacher for several years or only for a short time, you can create a portfolio that can help you document your experiences and build your professional resume.

Basically, your portfolio is simply a place to keep a record of your experiences and assignments as a substitute teacher. Some people find a box or crate works well as a place to collect items, while others prefer an expanding file folder. Whatever you use, label it and place it in a convenient spot so that you can quickly and frequently add to it following a substitute teaching assignment.

Here are a few helpful items that can be included in your portfolio:

      An assignment log. This is a notebook where you record a few significant details about the assignments you have as a substitute teacher. There are specific items you need to include in your log.

      Paperwork related to your assignments. This may include any contracts you sign, copies of school district materials, pay-related paperwork, receipts you may wish to use in filing your income tax returns, anything related to the business of your job.

      Letters and notes. If you receive a complimentary note from a student, teacher or a principal, this is the place to keep it. After posting it on your refrigerator for a few days, place it in your portfolio as evidence of your personal accomplishments. You may find these helpful as references at some point.

      Success samples. If you have created a reliable activity that works beautifully with elementary students on a rainy day or a master seating chart that helps you learn student names quickly, include a copy in your portfolio. Think of your portfolio as a vehicle for keeping everything you need to document your experience and your success.

Your substitute portfolio can help you today and also in the future. Periodically review your portfolio for things you may have forgotten or suggestions that can re-energize or motivate you right now in the classroom. When you are looking for future employment, especially as a full-time classroom teacher, you will have a wealth of examples, experiences and references that document the skills you have acquired and demonstrated.