Introduction to a Teaching Statement This session is designed to a “jump start” on the writing process for those who have yet to draft a teaching statement and will include discussions of key aspects that should be present in a well constructed teaching statement. Joshua Villalobos El Paso Community College Department of Geological Sciences

What is a Teaching Statement? A purposeful and reflective essay about your teaching beliefs and practices. Gives a clear and unique portrait of you as a teacher avoiding generic or empty philosophical statements about teaching. Helps you conceptualize your approaches to and experiences in teaching and learning. VS.

Starting a Teaching Statement Lets start building a teaching statement by answering the following reflection questions: Why do you teach the way you do? What should students expect of you as a teacher? What is a method of teaching you rely on frequently? Why don’t you use a different method? What do you want students to learn? How do you know your goals for students are being met? What should your students be able to know or do as a result of taking your class? How can your teaching facilitate student learning? How do you as a teacher create an engaging or enriching learning environment? What specific activities or exercises do you use to engage your students? What do you want your students to learn from these activities? How has your thinking about teaching changed over time? Why? Your statement should include sufficient information for someone to visualize you in the process of teaching and your class in the process of learning…

Starting a Teaching Statement Lets utilize your answers to review these questions: 1) What is your conception of how learning occurs in the classroom? 2) How does your teaching method facilitate student learning? 3) What goals do you have for yourself as a professor? for your students? 4) What is evidence of student learning in your class? 5) How do you create an inclusive learning environment? 6) What are your interests in new techniques, activities, and types of learning? Your Teaching Statement should address these questions in a clear and concise manner.

Teaching Statement Guidelines Lets incorporate your responses to your questions in a Teaching Statement outline by using the following as a guide: Make your Teaching Statement brief (1-2 pages). Write in the first-person to make it personal and reflective. Make it specific rather than abstract. Ground your ideas in 1-2 concrete examples whether they are experienced or anticipated. Use educational jargon and technical terms sparingly and correctly. Mention students in an enthusiastic, not condescending way, and illustrate your willingness to learn from your students and colleagues. Revise. Revise. Revise!!! Your Teaching Statement will be an on-going evolving document that reflects how you change your methodologies over your career.