A syllabus is a document that communicates an instructor’s intentions for a course, including content, learning goals, assessments, and expectations. It outlines what students should learn and how the course will unfold.
A teaching philosophy is a brief (one–to two-page) statement that explains your beliefs about teaching and learning, your goals for students, the instructional practices you use, and how you assess learning (Kearns & Sullivan, 2010).
More importantly, it illustrates who you are as an instructor, your intentions, identity, and what students and colleagues can expect when you show up in the classroom.
A strong teaching philosophy helps readers envision your approach to teaching and learning (Lang, 2010). It also supports your own growth by prompting regular reflection, guiding professional development, and offering a clear picture of what you bring to your department or institution (Chism, 1998). Because these statements often inform hiring and promotion decisions, it’s essential that yours authentically reflect your values and practices.
How to Develop Your Teaching Philosophy
Step 1: Reflect on Past Experiences
Consider moments as a learner or an instructor that shaped your understanding of effective teaching. Think about teachers who influenced you, environments that supported your learning, and instructional approaches that felt natural or meaningful to you.
Step 2: Answer Key Questions
Most teaching philosophy statements address some combination of the following:
- What teaching means to you
- What learning looks like.
- Your goals for students.
- How you put your beliefs into practice
- How you assess student learning and your own effectiveness
To develop these ideas, reflect on questions such as:
- What makes teaching meaningful to me?
- What do I want my students to achieve, and why?
- How do I help students reach those goals?
- How do I know when students and I are successful?
Discussing these questions with trusted colleagues can deepen your insights (Haave, 2014).
Step 3: Craft Your Story
Make your teaching philosophy memorable by crafting a narrative that weaves your ideas together. You might:
- Describe how your goals for students emerged from past experiences
- Show how your practices work together to support learning
- Share a brief story of a student’s growth
- Use data, outcomes, or quotes to illustrate impact
Conclusion
A teaching philosophy should be personal, intentional, and reflective of who you are as an instructor. Take time to consider what you hope to accomplish with your students and how your approach supports those goals.
Boye, A. 2012. Writing your teaching philosophy. Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development Center. Texas Tech University: Lubbock, TX. Chism, N. V. N. (1998). Developing a philosophy of teaching statement. Essays on Teaching Excellence 9 (3), 1-2. Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education. Haave, N. (2014). Six questions that will bring your teaching philosophy into focus. Faculty Focus. Retrieved from https://www. facultyfocus.com/articles/philosophy-of-teaching/six-questions-will-bring-teaching-philosophy-focus/. Kearns, K.D., & Sullivan, C.S. (2010). Resources and practices to help graduate students and postdoctoral fellows write statements of teaching philosophy. Advances in Physiology Education, 35, 136-145. Lang, J. M. 2010. “Four Steps to a Memorable Teaching Philosophy.” Chronicle of Higher Education. Retrieved from https:// chronicle.com/article/4-Steps-to-a-Memorable/124199.