4 Your Teaching Philosophy Statement and Its Connection to Classroom Practice
Your Teaching Philosophy (Professional) Statement and Its Connection to Classroom Practice
Within this chapter, you will find some helpful documents that speak directly to Course Objective #2 (Review your educational philosophy statement and apply it to your classroom practice) and how to develop your own teaching philosophy statement.
A relevant question you might be asking is this: What is a teaching philosophy(professional) statement? A teaching philosophy (professional) statement is a narrative that includes your conception of teaching and learning, a description of how you teach, and justification for why you teach the way you teach.
These resources will be used throughout the semester as touch points for discussion and reflection opportunities, as well as pointers in the development of your own teaching philosophy (professional) statement.
- Iowa State University’s Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching: Writing a Teaching Philosophy Statement: https://www.celt.iastate.edu/instructional-strategies/document-your-teaching/writing-a-teaching-philosophy-statement/
- Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab: Writing a Statement of Teaching Philosophy: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/job_search_writing/preparing_an_application/writing_statements_of_teaching_philosophy.html (Note: There are other great writing tips offered on the Purdue OWL site. Check them out while you are here.)
- We are Teachers Website: 40 Philosophy of Education Examples Plus How to Write Your Own: https://www.weareteachers.com/philosophy-of-education-examples/
Before considering your own teaching philosophy (professional) statement, it might be a good time for a mental break. Here’s a TED Talk that has been around for a while, but still has merit. Linda Cliatt-Wayman, speaks about fixing a broken school through leadership and love: https://www.ted.com/talks/linda_cliatt_wayman_how_to_fix_a_broken_school_lead_fearlessly_love_hard?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
Here’s a sample teaching philosophy (professional) statement:
Teaching Philosophy (Professional) Statement
Introduction: As an aspiring educator, I am committed to fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and supported in their academic journey. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education is a transformative process that empowers students to reach their full potential as critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
Conception of Teaching and Learning: I believe that education goes beyond the transmission of knowledge; it is about nurturing curiosity, creativity, and resilience in students. I view teaching as a collaborative endeavor where the role of the educator is to guide, inspire, and empower students to take ownership of their learning. Every student brings unique experiences and perspectives to the classroom, and I strive to create a safe and respectful environment where diversity is celebrated and learning is personalized to meet the needs of all learners.
Description of Teaching Approach: My teaching approach is student-centered, focusing on active learning, inquiry-based instruction, and hands-on experiences. I employ a variety of pedagogical strategies, including lectures, group discussions, problem-solving activities, and technology integration, to cater to diverse learning styles and promote engagement. Through real-world applications and authentic assessments, I aim to cultivate critical thinking skills, creativity, and collaboration among students.
Justification for Teaching Methods: I believe that my teaching methods are grounded in evidence-based practices and responsive to the needs of students in today’s dynamic world. Research indicates that active learning and student-centered approaches lead to deeper understanding and long-term retention of knowledge. By fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment, I empower students to become active participants in their own education, preparing them for success in an ever-changing society.
Reflection and Future Growth: Reflecting on my past teaching experiences and coursework, I recognize the importance of continuous professional development and reflection in refining my teaching practice. I am committed to staying abreast of current educational research and innovative teaching strategies to enhance student learning outcomes. I embrace feedback from students, colleagues, and mentors as opportunities for growth and improvement as an educator.
Conclusion: In conclusion, my teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive and student-centered learning environment that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning. I am dedicated to empowering students to become active participants in their education and equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. As an educator, I am passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of my students and inspiring them to reach their full potential.
Included below are rubrics for the Teaching Philosophy (Professional) Statement. Use these as additional resources in the development of your own.