Writing a Teaching Philosophy

Click on chevron to the left of title for more information.

What is a Teaching Philosophy?

A teaching philosophy is less ethereal than the name implies. It is, quite simply, a document that describes what your goals and values are as a college teacher and what you have done in the classroom to implement these and to foster student learning. Teaching philosophies can be two pages long (but never three).
[/expand] ”Why

  • For the academic job market.
  • For a teaching portfolio (awards, grants, fellowships, etc.).
  • For your own professional development.
  • For the benefit of your students.
Do…
  • Illustrate who you are as a teacher as concretely as possible.
  • Use actual examples of classroom practice.
  • Show an awareness of different pedagogies.
Do Not…
  • Use jargon.
  • Rely too heavily on sentimentality.
  • Begin or end with a quote.
  • Ramble or go on tangents.
Keep These Over-Simplified Maxims In Mind When Writing a Teaching Philosophy:
  • Be specific.
  • Be memorable (in a good way).
  • Be concise.
Additional Resources

James M. Lang (2010), “4 Steps to a Memorable Teaching Philosophy.”

Gabriela Montell (2003), “How to Write a Statement of Teaching Philosophy.”

Ohio State University’s Center for the Advancement of Teaching: “Writing a Philosophy of Teaching Statement.”