Teaching Statement
Teaching Statement
A well-crafted teaching statement should provide a comprehensive picture of your teaching philosophy and practices, offering readers a deeper understanding of what you bring to the classroom. It should also help you clarify and articulate your own pedagogical beliefs and motivations. Remember to adapt your teaching statement to the specific institution and position you are applying for to demonstrate your alignment with their educational goals and values. The length of a teaching statement is typically between 1-2 pages.
Teaching Statement Guide
If you’re not sure how to get started writing a teaching statement, take a look at our printable guide for tips.
Document Drop-Box
What is the Document Drop Box?
Our Document Drop Box is a service for School of Education students to receive feedback on their resumes, CVs, and cover letters from the Career Center.
PLEASE NOTE:
- This service is for current School of Education students only.
- You must set your document’s sharing permissions so “Anyone with the link can comment.”
- For help setting up your Google Drive link and sharing permissions, click here for instructions on how to share your document.
- You will receive feedback in 3–5 business days (longer during peak times). If you need feedback sooner, please make an appointment with one of our Career Peer Advisors.
On This Page
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Getting Started
Beliefs and Values
Articulate your core beliefs and values regarding education, learning, and teaching. What principles guide your teaching philosophy? Be specific and genuine in your expressions.
Pedagogical Approach
Explain how you implement your teaching philosophy in practical terms. Provide specific examples of readings, activities, discussions, assignments, or any other teaching methods you use to help students reach their goals. Show the link between your beliefs and your teaching practices.
Goals for Students
Describe the goals you have for your students. What do you aim for them to achieve, both academically and personally? These goals should align with your broader teaching philosophy.
Theory and Practice Connection
Make explicit connections between educational theory and your teaching practices. Explain the “what,” “how,” and “why” of your teaching. Show how your actions are rooted in your beliefs and values about education.
Inclusivity
Address how you create an inclusive teaching environment. Explain your strategies for fostering a classroom where all students, regardless of their background or abilities, can thrive.
Assessment and Evaluation
Discuss how you evaluate and assess student work. Explain the criteria and methods you use to measure students’ progress and achievements. Highlight any innovative or effective assessment techniques you employ.
Specificity and Examples
Use concrete examples from your teaching experiences to illustrate how your beliefs and practices align. Avoid general or clichéd statements. Provide instances where your teaching philosophy has been put into action and has had a positive impact on students’ learning.
Self-Reflection
Use this opportunity to reflect on your own pedagogy. How has your teaching evolved over time? What have you learned from your experiences, and how has it shaped your teaching philosophy? Reflect on your ongoing commitment to improving your teaching.