I. The Exploration Phase
At the exploration phase of your portfolio, which culminates in course 0809-596: Inquiry and Expression: Humanities, you will be prompted to reflect upon essential questions that help tell the story of your journey toward becoming an educator. You will also be asked to support your reflections by attaching or linking artifacts and benchmark assignments that demonstrate your growing understanding of your identity as a learner and as an educator.

Benchmark requirements
0836-307 Introduction to Philosophy of Education
Benchmark: Teaching Philosophy

0836-304 Community, School and Society.
Benchmark Assignment: Schooling Autobiography

0809-595 Youth Literacies: Literature, Culture, and the Arts
Benchmark Assignment: Information Literacy (Online Resources Review)

0836-222 Adolescent Psychology
Benchmark Assignment: Inquiry Project


II. The Synthesis Phase
This phase starts when you have completed Inquiry and Expression and initiated your portfolio reflections. At the synthesis phase, which culminates in course 0809-860: Master’s, you will be prompted to reflect upon additional essential questions that address the Ruth S. Ammon School of Education’s core values and incorporate your experiences in the field. You will be given the opportunity to reflect upon your growth as an educator and to support your reflections by attaching or linking artifacts and benchmark assignments that demonstrate a mature engagement with the profession.

Benchmark requirements
0809-511 through 518-Assessment and Instruction. Benchmark Assignment: Curriculum Development Project.

0809-560 0-Masters Seminar. Benchmark Assignment: Capstone Project.


III. The Reflective Practice Phase
The Reflective phase takes place during the student teaching semester. The portfolio at this level should demonstrate that you are able to "put it all together" and make a difference in the classroom as well as to reflect on your work and professional identity as an art educator.

Benchmark requirement
0809-Student Teaching (in the content areas).
Benchmark Assignment: Reflective Journal.

Student Teaching/Practica:
Any of the below Student Teaching or Practicum courses which might be required for your particular Program Of Study: 0820 ECS 840; 0820 ECS 850; 0820 ECS 860; 0820 ECS 870; 0820 ECS 880; 0820 ECS 890; 0820 ECS 891; 0820 ECS 892.