How to Write a Teaching Philosophy

A teaching philosophy is an important document for teachers and usually accompanies a curriculum vitae, teaching portfolio, or dossier. A philosophy of teaching communicates what resumes and experience can not. In order to write teaching philosophy, organize what you think, feel, and believe about teaching into clear summarized statements. A knowledge of pedagogy--the study of teaching--and pedagogical theory helps to ground your ideas in professionally recognized concepts.

Instructions

1. Jot down all your ideas about how you teach, why you teach, what attracts you to teaching and so on. Organize these into a few key groups. For example, teaching goals, educational values and beliefs, methods and tools, and passions or ideals in teaching.

2. Write a rough draft organized into logically flowing sections stating your specific goals, maxims, methods, reasons and inspirations for teaching. Condense your thoughts into one or two pages. Follow a sensible order. Establish your aims before discussing how they are supported or accomplished through teaching tools, pedagogy, and theory.

3. Think about what your employer wants to know. What kind of teacher are you? What is your style or approach and why? Can you meet employer and student goals as well as yours? What are your educational beliefs and practices? How do you create an effective learning environment? Are you passionate, energized, and informed? Are you familiar with other teaching theories?

4. Revise, revise and revise your piece until it is about a page in length. It should free of spelling and grammatical errors. Clearly communicate your philosophy. Illustrate how and why you teach well. Use concise, straightforward language. Use an easy-to-read format broken into shortened sections. And engage the reader with active verbs and dynamic phrasing.

5. Play around with your stlye to find a format that is effecitve, unique and reflects your individuality. Let your personality shine through. For example, you might divide it into catchy sections like Motivate! Mediate! Meditate! Or jazz up a more conventional approach with a meaningful parable, quote or anecdote. Reach out with the piece.

6. Proofread carefully for errors, readability and professionalism. Keep it short, sweet and genuine. Print single space, in a proper black font. Title the piece appropriately if you wish.

Resources

• Links to advice on teaching philosophies from Iowa State University
• A scholarly journal devoted to the philosophy of teaching and learning