I now have 1 of my 4 portfolio entries finished for all practical purposes. I have recorded the video, edited, and burned it to DVD, as well as writing my 11 page commentary for Entry 2. This entry documents my ability to effectively deliver instruction. That one is done. Here’s where I stand with the rest:
Entry 4 (Documented Accomplishments: Contributing to Student Learning): I’ve done all of the items needed for this, just need to write the commentary and physically gather the evidence. I plan to do this on Saturday and Sunday.
Entry 3 (Demonstrating and Developing Musicianship): I have recorded, edited, and burned to DVD my teaching video for this entry, but still need to write the commentary. That’s the project for Thursday and if need be, Friday (though I’d rather watch Battlestar Galactica).
Entry 2 (Delivering Instruction): Done. I have given this to two different national board certified teachers and asked them to critique it for me. Unless they recommend a major rewrite, all I should have to do is edit.
Entry 1 (Planning): Major problem. The videos I’ve shot thus far suck. The unit I planned revolves around a piece of literature that frankly, turned out to be of lesser quality than I intiially thought. This means I have to start from scratch. The problem is next week is spring break and the portfolio is due in Ewing, NJ on March 31. Looking on the bright side, I have a week to thoroughly plan the unit, but only 7-8 class periods to execute the unit, record two videos each three minutes of length (before and after the unit) and write the commentary. Looks like FedEx will be getting some big bucks out of me that week.
So that’s where I stand at the moment. It’s not where I’d like to be, but at least I know where I am.