Philosophy of Teaching

What is your philosophy and approach to teaching? A philosophy of teaching statement would summarize your beliefs and practices about teaching and learning. These statements are sometimes required for faculty hiring and promotion.

Some things you may want to consider when constructing or articulating your philosophy of teaching (via Vanderbilt):

• Your conception of how learning occurs
• A description of how your teaching facilitates student learning
• A reflection of why you teach the way you do
• The goals you have for yourself and for your students
• How your teaching enacts your beliefs and goals
• What, for you, constitutes evidence of student learning
• The ways in which you create an inclusive learning environment
• Your interests in new techniques, activities, and types of learning

U. Michigan has some more resources on teaching philosophies, including examples and a rubric for self-assessment.

More resources

• 4 Steps to a Memorable Teaching Philosophy
• Teaching Philosophies and Teaching Dossiers Guide
• Constructing a teaching philosophy: Aligning beliefs, theories, and practice (nursing)
• Exemplary Educators Who Embrace a Teaching Philosophy Guided by a Pedagogy of Kindness
• Teaching philosophies revalued: beyond personal development to academic and institutional capacity building