Perceptions of Preservice Teachers’ E-Portfolios for Hiring Decisions

Abstract

Preservice teachers often build E-portfolios of their work prior to graduation, but their use beyond the college classroom is not clear. To identify if E-portfolios are used during the teacher hiring process, 170 administrators from 84 (K-12) schools in eight North Georgia districts were surveyed regarding their use of E-portfolio materials. Based on the mixed methods used, E-portfolios were not strongly favored for use in decision-making. To increase their usefulness, preservice teachers should actively provide access to artifacts valued by potential employers including certification documents and classroom management plans. In addition, prospective teachers should also provide evidence of work with Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) students, their ability to work with families, and their ability to use technology in the classroom.