Teaching Philosophy Paper

There can be many purposes for writing a teaching philosophy.
1. An exercise in concisely gathering together your beliefs about teaching and learning so that you
can easily articulate them
2. An introduction to your teaching portfolio, setting the stage for the reader of that portfolio.
Expected length
A philosophy of teaching is approximately one to two pages in length and written typically as a
narrative. While a philosophy should cover a lot of ground, the writing also needs to be succinct. The
teaching philosophy is a document in progress. As your teaching changes and your professional identity
grows, your teaching philosophy will also change and grow.
Writing Guidelines
Teaching philosophies express your values and beliefs about teaching. They are personal statements
that introduce you, as a teacher, to your reader. As such, they are written in the first person and convey
a confident, professional tone. When writing a teaching philosophy, use specific examples to illustrate
your points. Not all questions below should be directly answered, rather use the questions to guide
your planning and development of your philosophy. Revisit reflections, discussions, and content that we
have examined over the semester to hone in your thoughts.
Concepts to consider when writing your philosophy:

1. Your concept of learning: What do I mean by learning? What are your beliefs in how children learn
best?
2. Your concept of teaching: Note your values, beliefs, and aspirations as a teacher. When children
leave your classroom, what do you want to have instilled in those children? What do you see your
role as a teacher is? Who influences your teaching and why? What type of teacher do you want to
be and why?
3. Your goals for your children: What skills should children obtain as the result of your teaching? Think
about your ideal student and what the outcomes of your teaching would be in terms of this
student’s knowledge or behavior. Address the goals you have for specific classes or curricula and the
rationale behind them (i.e., critical thinking, writing, or problem solving).
4. The methods you will use: What methods will you consider to reach these goals and objectives?
What are your beliefs regarding learning theory and specific strategies you would use? You might
also include any new ideas or strategies you have used or want to try.
5. Your interaction with students: What are your attitudes toward supporting students in their
learning? How would an observer see you interact with children? Why do you want to work with
children?
6. Specific examples: How are the values and beliefs noted above realized in classroom activities? You
may discuss materials, lesson plans, activities, assessment instruments, etc.
7. Assessing learning: How will you assess children’s growth and learning?
8. Professional growth: How will you continue growing as a teacher? What goals do you have for
yourself and how will you reach them? How will you use your children’s assessments to improve
your teaching? How might you learn new skills? How do you know when you have taught
effectively?

Please title: Teaching Philosophy

the left hand side please place: Michelle Martinez

CD.V62

04/19/2018