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
- Refer to the guidelines for developing a teaching portfolio located in the Regulations Relating to the Employment of Tenure-Track and Tenured Academic Staff (Appendix A, page 20).
- Access the Promotion dossier guidelines - Candidates for full professor.
- Find more information on tenure and promotion at McGill.
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.
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.
Teaching Portfolio Preparation Resource
This resource, which aligns with McGill's official guidelines, offers:
- Guiding questions to get you started with reflecting on your teaching
- A self-/peer-review feedback worksheet
Download the Teaching Portfolio Preparation Resource (docx)
Additional resources
Course evaluation results
Comprehensive guides
- Developing a teaching portfolio (web page) by C. Weston and J. Timmermans (2007, June 4). Article explains how to reflect excellence in teaching standards through careful construction of the teaching portfolio. University Affairs. v. 48. Version française
- 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)
Teaching philosophy 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.
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.
Samples are currently unavailable, but will be back soon. In the meantime, you can contact us for information.
Need assistance with your portfolio?
Request a consultation with a member of our team if you have questions, would like assistance in developing your teaching portfolio, or would like to have feedback on a draft.
