This afternoon, I gave a little talk to first year faculty about how to prepare the tenure portfolio and how to perform the annual self-evaluation report that all faculty are asked to do at SHU. In my planning for this, I came across several sources, which I thought I’d note them here in case others are interested in how to compile a good teaching portfolio (or “dossier”) and how to survive the tenure track:
- Evaluating Teaching by EKU’s Teaching & Learning Center
- Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing a Teaching Dossier and Online Resources for Writing a Teaching Dossier by Dalhousie U’s Center for Learning and Teaching
- Teaching Portfolios web by U Texas El Paso
- Preparing a Teaching Dossier by James McNitch
- How to Survive the Tenure Track by Diana Hume George
- Survival Skills for Teachers Book Series at Sage Publications
- Junior Faculty Development by Donald Jarvis (book)
Mike, I just wanted to thank you (again) for an informative and well-organized presentation. Your organization is inspirational.
I wrote a short bit on this on my site http://blinger.org/archives/000438teaching_portfolio_tips.php
I tried to ping, twice, but pinging timed out.
I came over via Blinger‘s post. And I’m glad I did. He has a knack for posting about interesting and useful articles.
Thanks you guys. Glad I could help out. Putting together a portfolio can be an arduous, but rewarding process…even more rewarding when you’ve got some clarity on what’s expected to be there. So best wishes in however you use it.
[Just today, I had a “now where did I put that handout?” moment…and instead of having to search I just pulled my portfolio off the shelf and copied an old one from inside it… saved me some time and angst!]
— Mike Arnzen
Any practical advice for contingent faculty on how to shine? The question may sound arch, but isn’t meant to. Much of the time, adjuncts are invisible: they rarely are observed by their chairs/WPA/Director of Comp, have no incentive to offer their ideas to the department, receive no funding for conferences or research, aren’t tapped for committee work where their capabilities outside the classroom might be noted, and exist somewhere beyond the orbit of GTAs, in whom the program has at least a nominal investment. Obviously I’m talking about English departments here, but I can’t imagine it’s much different in the other humanities or social sciences.
What’s an adjunct to do?
Thanks Mike. I’m going to start revamping my portfolio soon in preperation for the coming hiring season. I’ve started looking into moonlighting a class or two at the local college, so I need to make something that would be more relevant to that level of education. These links will help a lot.
Wow! Another awesome resource. I’ll be pinging you via my weekly e-newsletter that gets sent to over 700 grad students, post-docs and faculty.
Thanks so much.