What is a teaching statement?
A teaching statement is a short analytical essay describing an instructor’s beliefs about and approach to teaching and learning. Often one or two pages in length, teaching statements employ evidence from one’s teaching to demonstrate the effectiveness of their pedagogical practices.
What differences exist between teaching statements and teaching philosophies?
Teaching statements link general educational theories to concrete, applied examples. This might include assignments you have designed, technologies you use, or your grading policies. A teaching philosophy, on the other hand, is often more abstract, focusing on big-picture ideas about learning in your discipline, intellectual growth, and the purpose of higher education. Teaching statements often include big-picture ideas, though they emphasize evidence of student learning much more than teaching philosophies.
What do I include in a teaching statement?
Teaching statements can include:
- Evidence from your teaching of teaching effectiveness.
- References to relevant pedagogical literature.
- Beliefs and values you hold about effective teaching and learning.
- Specific practices from your teaching (or future teaching) that reflect those beliefs and values.
You might begin your teaching statement by focusing on your big-picture ideas about learning, intellectual growth, and the purpose of higher education. But it is important to support your big-picture ideas with evidence from your teaching practice.
What are examples of evidence of teaching effectiveness?
Examples of evidence to include in a teaching statement include:
- Student performance data, such as pre- and post-tests, grade distributions, or assessments indicating improvements in skills and/or knowledge
- Evidence of improved outcomes or retention, such as declining rates of Ds, Fs, Ws, and incompletes (DFWIs) and higher program completion rates
- Student evaluation quantitative data, including the numerical ratings on “Progress on Relevant Objectives” and “Ratings of Summative Questions” on IDEA evaluations
- Student evaluation qualitative data (or comments) that highlight instructional clarity, organization, rapport, and perceived learning
- Peer observations and reviews from faculty colleagues, Student Collaborators on Teaching (SCOTs), or from an ETE staff member
- Teaching awards or recognition, including but not limited to ETE teaching certificates and departmental nominations for teaching awards
- Course materials and artifacts
Why does ETE help with teaching statements?
ETE’s mission is to develop a culture of teaching excellence at USU. We firmly believe that creating an evidence-based teaching statement is integral for creating that culture. For this reason, ETE requires anyone seeking a Teaching Scholar Certificate to complete the Teaching Statement badge.
How can ETE help me with my teaching statement?
You can contact Dr. Chris Babits, ETE’s Associate Director of Educational Initiatives & Innovation, at chris.babits@usu.edu for help with your teaching statement. Dr. Babits can assist as you brainstorm, draft, and revise a teaching statement.
Where can I find teaching statement examples?
USU has assembled teaching documentation dossiers. These dossiers contain teaching statements from USU faculty.
Where can I find more information about teaching statements?
We recommend the following resources to learn more about drafting and revising teaching statements:
Still have questions?
If you have questions or concerns about writing or revising your teaching philosophy, contact Dr. Chris Babits: chris.babits@usu.edu