Don’t Be McLovin: Identity, Authenticity, & Portfolio Power

On Tuesday, 16 July 2025 I presented a session for academic staff on preparing teaching portfolios for the NWU Teaching Excellence Awards. Hosted by the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), the event was live-streamed across campuses and sparked laughter and reflection.

With a nod to Superbad’s infamous fake ID gag, I urged colleagues to avoid “McLovin-ing” their portfolios—that is, presenting inauthentic versions of themselves. Instead, he challenged attendees to craft portfolios that act as credible “professional licenses”—documents that reveal the educator’s authentic identity, philosophy, and unique contributions to student success.

Drawing from my own portfolio, I demonstrated my approach using tools like Canva, Rise, OBS, and student testimonial videos. I also stressed that a teaching portfolio should be more than a box-ticking exercise; it should be a compelling narrative, rich in evidence, structured clearly, and unmistakably yours—warts, wit, and all.

The session ended on a motivating note: remember your “why,” embrace feedback, and trust that even your seemingly ordinary teaching practices may inspire others.