Teaching Philosophy Statement
I want you to write a Teaching Philosophy Statement. This should be a statement of your philosophy of education that incorporates information from this course and expresses where you are in your thinking about education.
This semester we read essays written by and about several philosophers who had something significant to say about education. We also learned about the history and development of American schools, including the ideas that were built into the process. You should by now be well aware of the fact that schools do not look the way they do and operate the way they do by accident. There are ideas at work, and for your statement, you need to articulate the ideas on which YOU think public schools should be built and maintained.
Your philosophy statement should provide a clear, concise explanation of what you have learned and believe about education, learning and learners, and the role that education fulfills for both society and individuals. The following guidelines should be addressed in your philosophy statement. Statements should be professional in their formatting and presentation. Many jobs in education require you to submit a teaching philosophy with your application. This is a chance to develop yours! While it needs to be thoughtful, it should also be succinct—only 250 to 500 words.
Your Teaching Philosophy Statement should answer these four fundamental questions: 1) What do you believe the role of education in American society should be? 2) Why do you want to teach? 3) What do you believe about learners? and 4) How will your class look?
1. What do you believe the role of education in American society should be? Why is ‘society’ paying billions of dollars every year to educate 6-18 year-olds? Why are these goals important? Do educational goals differ depending on the social and economic background or the age and level of students in the system? If so, how? What does a well-educated 18 year old know, and what can s/he do? (Examples: student responsibility and accountability; critical, creative, and bold thinking; questioning; problem-solving; communication; science & technology; etc.)
2. Narrowing down on the idea in 1. above, why do YOU want to teach? What is your goal in the education you will provide? Why are you drawn to the rewards and challenges of teaching? What is it that you can accomplish in teaching that you find particularly valuable and worthwhile for addressing some of the Issues in Education that we studied this semester?
3. What do you believe about learners? What qualities/knowledge are people born with? What will young people be bringing into your classroom? Are your learners naturally inclined toward becoming moral and productive citizens, or do they have a natural tendency toward immorality or antisocial impulses that need to be redirected through education? Are they naturally curious, or do you have to inspire them to take interest in things? How do people learn and grow mentally, emotionally, socially, and morally?
4. Given your responses to the questions above, how will your class look? What will your priorities be as a teacher? What do you believe your most significant hurdles will be in creating your ideal classroom, and how will you handle them?
I will be using the following criteria to evaluate your Teaching Philosophy Statement:
1. Basic Competency on the Final Exam Assignment: Your philosophy statement effectively presents your points of view on the 4 questions / topics. Your reader comes away with a clear understanding of your beliefs and experiences regarding effective teaching and learning. You use a narrative, first-person approach to make the statement a personal reflection. You support your philosophy with examples and clear explanations. You are able to build on your general statements and provide detail as you move through each of the 4 topics. You avoid trite statements.
2. Advanced Competency on the Final Exam Assignment: Your philosophy statement maintains an organizational structure that intentionally and effectively enhances your presentation of both your own beliefs and the information we learned in the course. The structure develops clear reasoning and logical arguments. You establish and explore substantial and credible positions.
3. Writing and Sentence Skills: Your philosophy demonstrates effective writing skills and consistent application of the rules of grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. Remember to proofread carefully to correct grammatical and other errors and to ensure clarity.