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Why write a teaching philosophy?
- It has become a common requirement of faculty in the hiring and promotion/tenure processes of many universities
- It allows you to think about your role as an instructor and how this position fits into your professional development and goals
What you should know about the teaching philosophy writing process
- It is never static, requiring revision and rewriting as you learn about yourself as a teacher
- It often changes depending upon the audience (institution type, position type) and depending upon the type of classes you teach
- It should be personalized and never written in the passive voice. People read your philosophy because they want to know about YOU as a teacher and how YOU intend to contribute to your institution.
- Give specific examples whenever you can about your current classroom activities
- It will generally be between one and two single-spaced pages
Brainstorming a Teaching Philosophy
- How do you view teaching in your discipline from a professional and personal point of view?
- What are important skills for students to have? Describe your learning and developmental objectives in relation to the particular students in your class.
- How do you incorporate these skills into your teaching in terms of:
- Course format
- Topics covered
- Homework assigned
- Classroom activities
- Student assessment
- Why did you choose particular teaching methods?
- How have students received your teaching?
- Reflect upon your student evaluations
- Reflect upon evaluations by peers and supervisors
- What does teaching mean to you for your own professional development?
- Why do you teach?
- How does teaching keep you professionally engaged?
- How will you improve your teaching?
- How will you improve the learning in your classes?
Other Teaching Philosophy Resources
Seldin, P. 1997. The Teaching Portfolio: A Practical Guide to Improved Performance and Promotion/Tenure Decisions, 2 nd edition . Anker Publishing Company, Inc., Boston, MA.
Teaching Portfolio to Document Teaching Effectiveness
Office of Instructional Support and Development, University of Georgia
TA Mentors Teaching Philosophy Statements
Office of Instructional Support and Development, University of Georgia
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