By Laurel Amabile, Lifespan Program Consultant

Purpose:
It is important for professionals to keep an ongoing record of their professional development and accomplishments. This can be done by creating a Professional Portfolio to hold copies of your resume or Curriculum Vitae, professional development, leadership experience, and samples of your work. Your Professional Portfolio can be a valuable resource in self-assessment and evaluation processes, for applying to the UUA's credentialing program for religious educators, and for seeking new positions.

Materials Needed:

• 1 ½" - 2" Binder or Presentation Booklet (24 page)
  
• Section Divider Sheets (5 or 8 sections) or Self-Adhesive Index Tabs
  
• Clear pocket pages (for binder)
  
• Three-hole punch

Organization of Portfolio
Using the index tabs or section dividers, organize your portfolio materials by creating the following sections:

A. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

1) Maintain a computer file and floppy disk for resume or CV, updating regularly
2) Print a hard copy for portfolio periodically, or when major changes are made
3) Update professional references with current and complete contact information

B. Professional Development

1) Professional Training or structured learning experiences

a. workshop/conference flyers with published schedule or agenda
b. reflection papers, notes, or written summaries of classes or workshops

2) Academic Course Work

a. academic transcripts and grade reports

3) Reading list of titles related to professional development topics

a. with written annotations or summaries

C. Professional Leadership

1) Listing of all leadership roles held

a. title
b. length of term
c. duties/responsibilities

2) Printed materials documenting leadership

a. workshop/training outlines you created
b. flyers or publicity materials describing your role
c. articles or written evaluations by participants taking your training

D. Official Documentation

1) Certificates, awards, or official recognition of your work or service to your
profession

E. Work Samples

1) Printed materials you have created: orders of service, curricula materials, etc
2) Text of Sermons or speeches you have written
3) Articles, position papers, or books you have written and/or published
4) Visual display materials or photographs of your work