I have over the course of my career had multiple opportunities to write my philosophy of education. Sometimes, job interviews have asked me to do it. Other times, it has been professionally asked of me for certain responsibilities and awards and things like that.
Actually, one of the very first articles I wrote for Learning for Justice Magazine was this one on Holistic Education - teaching to the body, mind, and spirit. Click on the red box below and check it out.
You’ll be asked about your philosophy and will certainly ponder it all of your days of teaching in this profession.
Now, you are to write a first draft of your philosophy. After reading the Johnson chapter, I am absolutely sure that you saw yourself philosophically. And, for most of you, you saw that you really are eclectic. So, go ahead and draw from several and write your education philosophy. One thing that IS important to me is that you (a) directly name which philosophical stances you draw from and (b) that you cite some philosphers associated with that stance.
Since this is really, really personal, I have a way that I always frame this assignment.
I start by saying that my philosophical stance is called “Sappism” - and then I tell which parts of the philosophies I resonate with most.
I encourage you to say that your philosophy is “<your name-ism>” as well. And, honestly, that’s just how personal it all is.
In case you want to read up about HOW to write a philosophy - here are two resources that address that. Thus, if you want to, you can write a page-and-a-half narratively on what you feel your philosophy is at this beginning point.
Read Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching’s Teaching Statements
Find out more about teaching philosophies at the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching
But, oh my goodness! This is also a rare chance for you to be creative as well. There are LOTS of artisitc ways to do a philosophy statement and here are a few that I’ve collected over the years that I thought were wonderfully outside the box.
Some people like to DRAW their philosophy.
If you choose to DRAW, then do it on an 8 and 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper so that you can scan it and send it to me that way.
Others use CLIP ART to illustate their philosophy.
It’s darn clever, isn’t it?
One teacher is an actor and even did a hilarious video!
This CD Cover is fabulous too! How creative!
A cookbook!
Instagram. LOL
Philosophy Example from a math nerd. Math Nerd
Lots of people choose to write a page and a half. But if you want to, be creative!