In higher education settings, a statement of teaching philosophy is typically a one to two page narrative introduction to a teaching portfolio. In it, you explain your approach to college teaching with reference to your understanding of student learning theory, summarize systematic initiatives you have made over time to improve your teaching and your students' learning, and reflect upon ongoing areas of investigation. However, the teaching philosophy may also stand alone as a print or Web document in which you introduce yourself to students and/or peers who would benefit from a better understanding of what you take to be your teaching responsibilities and how you attempt to fulfill them in the context of your discipline and institution.

Resources

• On writing teaching statements,
  from Vanderbilt Center for Teaching
• Teaching philosophy rubric (pdf)