The portfolio may be used to support a claim that stated criteria have been met with regard to professional competencies. Both teachers in training and qualified teachers could be involved in portfolio development as part of initial training and ongoing profession development, respectively. The portfolio could contain professional references as well as documents relating to career achievements, experience and professional qualifications.

The Portfolio as Repository of Key Teaching Materials

Beyond supporting a claim to the achievement of certain competencies, the portfolio may be used to catalogue important teaching and learning materials.

The Portfolio as Critical-Reflection Tool

The teacher portfolio supports the development of critical perspectives with regard to both personal and systemic performance. A portfolio facilitates the recording of reflections, perhaps in the form of post-lesson appraisals and observations on classroom activities. The portfolio can contain documents outlining, for example, a personal mission statement or educational philosophy. Other documents may include reflections on classroom practice, school policies and curriculum development concerns.