39+ Sample Teaching Philosophy Statement Templates

What Is a Teaching Philosophy Statement?

A teaching philosophy statement is one of the key tools to help a teacher excel in his or her profession. The statement covers a detailed description of your personal values, goals, practices, or beliefs in both the teaching and learning aspects. While there is a syllabus of what to teach, a teaching philosophy statement is more personal because it reflects your type of teaching, disciplinary measures, program-driven teaching requirements, etc. In short, this statement reminds you of your personal teaching purpose.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 3.3 million part-time and full-time public school teachers served in 2017–2018.

Also, the majority of teaching philosophy statements are typically made in one up to four pages long; and they cover the three important areas—objectives, methods, and evaluation.

What Are the Core Areas in a Teaching Philosophy Statement?

In the field of education, a teaching philosophy statement is like a short essay outlines that most teachers are obliged to write. But if not written well, a teacher’s purpose might be at stake. And to ensure you won’t lose track of writing the statement, be reminded of a teaching philosophy statement’s core areas:

Objectives: As a teacher, what are your objectives and goals? Ensure that your teaching philosophy statement supports the said objectives. And a tip is to use SMART goals so that you will have specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely objectives set.Plans: Next, create a strategic plan on how you will accomplish each objective. Making impressive objectives without a clear plan on how to work on them is pointless. This part begins every method to achieve in the teaching and learning process from the mission, vision, and other plans.Measurement Methods: How will you measure and evaluate your progress? Jot it down in the measurement methods section. Thus, include a thorough evaluation report about how your teaching effectiveness is going. That way, you’ll know if you need more improvement or a change of plan.Purpose: Most importantly, never forget your statement of purpose. The question is simple. Why do you teach in the first place? And why does it matter? Be reminded of your reason since it will slowly form your teaching philosophy.

How to Make a Teaching Philosophy Statement

Teaching philosophies should reflect what you value and believe personally in regards to teaching. Describe what you truly believe in and mention concrete examples as well. And if you need help on how to come up with the best teaching philosophy statement, kindly follow these four easy steps:

Step 1: Make an Essay Answering the Core Four

From the objectives down to the purpose, you already know what the core four are. Write an essay about your answers to each element. Do not forget to conduct some research work plan because advancing your teaching skills is not a mere guessing game. Also, reflective or personal answers that meet academic standards are welcome.

Step 2: Conduct a Breakdown of Your Answers

Now that you made an essay, break it down. You do not need to write all your answers in the answer sheet in your final statement because the output should be short. Also, avoid technical terms and jargon as they would confuse some readers. This step will slowly revise your teaching philosophy statement into a better version.

Step 3: Observe a Format

Well-written statements come with a format. And according to the Iowa State University Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching, such statements are only one to four pages long. As long as they cover the important areas such as objectives, methods, and evaluation. And have you used our sample teaching philosophy statement templates above already? Use them to design and edit your format.

Step 4: Keep It Specific and Short

Lastly, make it direct and short. Writing in the first person for every sentence is recommended but it should still manifest your professional image as a teacher. You can also be more specific by stating at least one or two concrete ideas or examples rather than abstract. Most importantly, don’t copy anyone else’s teaching philosophy statement.

FAQs

Why is a teaching philosophy statement important?

Besides being a common requirement for teachers, a teaching philosophy statement is crucial so instructors can enhance their skills and performance. Teachers have their personal reflections on their careers for years. And their values, beliefs, and practices can help them conquer their weaknesses and improve their strengths in the learning and teaching process. Hence, both the teachers and the students benefit in the end.

What are other acceptable components in a teaching philosophy statement?

Aside from the core four discussed earlier, you can also include:

  • List of programs you taught
  • Teaching evaluation
  • Course syllabus samples
  • Recommendation letters
  • Teaching videos

Where can I find my teaching philosophy?

You can find your teaching philosophy from a syllabus, classroom environment, and your connections in school.

As reported, 3.3 million part-time and full-time public school teachers served in 2017–2018 alone. Expect more professional teachers from the private school and the public charter school too. And every professor should have their personalized teaching philosophy to successfully assess one’s teaching performance in the classroom and ensure that personal beliefs or practices benefit every teacher and student in school. Create your own teaching philosophy statement now!