Close
Close
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Background image
Skip to Content
University of Guelph Logo
University of Guelph, Open Ed Logo
OpenEd Student PortalSign up for Email UpdatesTechnical SupportCourse Login
Register Online
  • About OpenEd
    • 2018 Annual Report
    • Director's Welcome
    • Vision and Mission
    • Directory of Contacts
    • Classroom Technical Support
    • Continuing Education
    • Distance Education
    • Educational Development
    • English Language Programs
    • Open Learning Program
    • Teaching & Learning Technologies
    • Awards
    • News
    • OpenEd Job Postings
    Open file in new window: 2018-19 Course Guide
    OpenEd Course Guide
  • Courses, Programs & Events
    • Winter 2020 Courses
    • Ontario Turfgrass Symposium (OTS)
    • Turf Managers' Short Course
    • Upcoming Courses & Conferences
    • Browse Areas of Study
    • Certificates & Diplomas
    • Continuing Education
    • Distance Education
    • How to Register
    • Travel & Accommodation
    Search for courses and programs
    Search Courses and Programs
  • Student Resources
    • Academic Accessibility Accommodations for Students
    • AV Equipment Loans and Rentals
    • Campus Resources
    • Continuing Education
    • Distance Education Students
    • Final Exams
    • Final Exam Schedule
    • Financial Assistance
    • Graduate Student Development
    • Guaranteed Admission Pathway
    • Important Dates for Distance Education
    • Learner Services
    • Open Learning Program
    • Open Learning Program Calendar
    • Transcripts
    View our Accessing Your Online Course page
    Accessing Your Online Course
  • Instructor Resources
    • Accessible Education
    • Classroom Profiles
    • Classroom Technical Support
    • Consultations
    • CourseLink FAQs for Instructors
    • Distance Education Instructors
    • Educational Development
    • Faculty and Instructor Development Month
    • Learning Portfolios
    • Learner Services
    • Programs and Events
    • Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
    • Supported Tools
    • Teaching & Learning Technologies
    • Teaching Support Calendar
    • Universal Design - Best Practices for Online Learning
    View our Workshop Registration page
    Workshop Registration
  • English Language Programs
    • English Language Programs Home
    • Programs
    • Apply
    • About English Language Programs
    • Dates and Fees
    • Academic Counselling
    • Activities
    • Agents
    • Current ELP Students
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Forms and Downloads
    • Health Services
    • Housing
    • Instructors
    • Pre-Arrival Information
    • Prospective ELP Students
    • Student Handbook
    • Undergraduate Admission Pathways
    • Contact English Language Programs
    View our English Language Certificate Program page
    English Language Certificate Program
Main menu icon Menu
Main menu icon
  • Graduate Student Development
    • About Graduate Student Development
    • Contact Graduate Student Development
    • AVPA TA Award of Excellence
    • Programs and Events
    • Teaching and Learning Resources
      • Teaching and Learning Strategies
      • Teaching Dossiers
      • Teaching Philosophy Statements
    • The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
  • Academic Accessibility Accommodations for Students
  • AV Equipment Loans and Rentals
  • Campus Resources
  • Continuing Education
  • Distance Education Students
  • Final Exams
  • Final Exam Schedule
  • Financial Assistance
  • Guaranteed Admission Pathway
  • Important Dates for Distance Education
  • Learner Services
  • Open Learning Program
  • Open Learning Program Calendar
  • Transcripts

Contact Us

Teaching Philosophy Statements

Show or hide navigation More
Home/.../Graduate Student Development/Teaching and Learning Resources/Teaching Philosophy Statements
Decrease text size Default text size Increase text size
Print This Page
Share This Page
  • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
  • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
  • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
  • Email This page Email

More in this Section...

Connect
View our news page View our Facebook page View our Twitter feed View our YouTube channel

Quick Links

  • Accessibility
  • Forms
  • Search Courses and Programs

A teaching philosophy statement (TPS) clearly and logically communicates what your fundamental values and beliefs are about teaching and learning, why you hold these values and beliefs, and how you translate these values and beliefs into your everyday teaching and learning experiences. A teaching philosophy statement can be defined as, "a systematic and critical rationale that focuses on the important components defining effective teaching and learning in a particular discipline and/or institutional context." Schonwetter et al. (2002, p. 84)

A TPS is typically one to two pages in length (although this guideline may vary with context). It is generally structured as follows:

  1. Introductory statement of your values and beliefs regarding teaching and learning
  2. Discussion of discipline-specific teaching strategies which demonstrate how these beliefs are put into practice
  3. Future teaching goals which highlight a clear commitment to continuous improvement
  4. Conclusion which highlights two or three main points that summarize the TPS and clearly demonstrate your commitment and dedication to teaching and learning

TPSs evolve over time; communicate personal philosophical beliefs of teaching and learning; demonstrate a strong connection to scholarly research and literature in higher education; and show a clear commitment to continual improvement. No matter what your experience in higher education is, preparing a teaching philosophy statement can be an enlightening experience that provides direction, meaning and purpose to your teaching and learning experiences. Based on your teaching roles, you can prepare a TPS built upon your fundamental beliefs about teaching and learning in higher education, with a clear focus on your future teaching goals.

If you are planning to pursue an academic job, most faculty job postings will require a statement of teaching philosophy or a full teaching dossier. Although TPSs take time, start with key words, ideas and phrases that describe your approaches to teaching, and build from there. Have patience--your TPS is certain to evolve with your teaching experience!

Find out more about Developing a Teaching Philosophy Statement.

AccessibilityClassroom ProfilesContact UsFormsPrivacySite MapU of G Home Page

© 2016 Open Learning and Educational Support