Work Sample

• To become a licensed teacher, many states and universities require pre-service teachers to produce a work sample in conjunction with a teaching internship. Such portfolios usually contain a sample unit or lesson plan along with assessment plans and some contextual analysis with a description of the individual school and community. If a work sample is actually used in a classroom, it will often contain an analysis of student achievement and some self-reflection on behalf of the teacher regarding the perceived success of the instructional experience. A final copy of this portfolio can help districts assess your developmental stage as an educator.
  
  

Action Research

• Graduate level teacher candidates usually conduct an action research project during his studies wherein he develops a critical question or hypothesis to be addressed through his classroom experience. An English teacher, for example, may analyze the relationship between increased content retention and the use of graphic organizers by documenting observations in his own classroom. Such applied research can exhibit your ability to continually evaluate and refine your own approach to instruction and curriculum.
  
  

Sample Lesson

• If you don't have a work sample or action research project to provide, consider compiling sample lessons that you have used during your student teaching practicum. Be prepared to answer specific questions related to the success of the lessons and if the learning objectives were met by students. Choose a set of lessons that is directly related to the age group, ability level and content area of the position for which you are applying, if possible.
  
  

University Coursework

• Consider providing research papers or university projects as a supplement or substitute for classroom-tested research. If you are applying to a charter school that focuses on project-based learning, for example, if may benefit you to provide a paper that you wrote on inquiry-based education or active pedagogy. For more academic preparatory academies, it may be advisable to develop a curriculum vitae in addition to a resume that displays the relevant coursework and research that you conducted as an undergraduate or graduate student.