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The teaching portfolio is a succinct compilation of an instructor’s teaching philosophy, teaching responsibilities, and evidence of teaching effectiveness. The portfolio is a required component of promotion and tenure applications.
Official McGill guidelines
- Official McGill guidelines for developing a teaching portfolio are located under Regulations Relating to the Employment of Tenure-Track and Tenured Academic Staff, Appendix A, page 20 (Version française).
- Access the Promotion dossier guidelines - Candidates for full professor.
In light of the disruption to classes caused by COVID-19, instructors may choose whether or not to have their course evaluation results from the Winter 2020 term included in their teaching portfolio for purposes of reappointment and tenure. Find more details about Winter 2020 course evaluations.
McGill portfolio samples
Access portfolio samples from McGill professors who successfully applied for tenure or reappointment and kindly agreed to share their teaching portfolios with the McGill community. We encourage you to look at multiple samples across disciplines and use them for inspiration for your own teaching portfolio, be it for reappointment, tenure application, or promotion.
You may also consult printed samples of teaching portfolios in person at TLS. tls [at] mcgill.ca (Email us) to make an appointment to view these samples.
Resources for developing a teaching portfolio
Putting together a teaching portfolio requires first reflecting on your teaching practice and then translating those reflections into a narrative that will allow readers to appreciate your teaching experience and development. Not sure how to get started? Check out these resources.
Preparation worksheet
This resource, which aligns with McGill's official guidelines for developing a teaching portfolio, offers (A) guiding questions to get you started with reflecting on your teaching and (B) a self-/peer-review feedback worksheet.
Course evaluation results
Comprehensive guides
- How to develop a professional portfolio: A manual for teachers (book) by D. M. Campbell, et al. (2011). McGill call # LB2838 H56 2011. Ideal resource for novice teachers.
- Teaching philosophies and teaching dossiers guide (PDF) (University of Calgary)
The statement
- Teaching Perspectives Inventory (TPI) (web page) A free (but commercial) online tool enables instructors to examine and summarize their thoughts with respect to teaching. This may be helpful when beginning to craft a "teaching philosophy" statement.
- Video series (University of British Columbia)
- Writing a Teaching Philosophy Statement (web page) (University of Calgary)
Evidence of teaching effectiveness
- Reframing portfolio evidence (PDF) by C. E. Shepherd and M. J. Hannafin (2013). Provides a framework for selection, organization, and examination. Attempts to bridge previous literature limitations by relying on flexible foci, validated methods, data-driven decisions, and documentation of problem solving processes for purposes of professional development. Journal of Thought.
Electronic portfolios
- The digital teaching portfolio handbook: A how-to guide for educators (book) by C. R. Kilbane and N. B. Milman (2003). Useful for enhancing professional growth and creating a dynamic record of professional achievement that can include items such as curricular units, writing samples, photographs, videos, and other artifacts of teaching and learning. McGill call # LB1029 P67 K52 2003.
Support
If you have questions, would like assistance in developing your teaching portfolio, or would like to have feedback on a draft, you can contact TLS by completing the consultation request form.
