Teaching Philosophy

When students sense that you believe in them,

they are more likely to challenge themselves so they don't let you down.


  1. A student-centered syllabus makes a great first impression on your students by communicating your teaching philosophy.
  2. A student-centered teaching philosophy includes supportive language and promotes confidence while engaging in rigor.
  3. A student-centered teaching philosophy included the following elements:
  • a student-centered tone by avoiding academic language/jargon;
  • conveys high expectations while incorporating information about your support toward promoting confidence and success;
  • describes high-impact pedagogical practices while articulating how you will meet them where they are at;
  • exemplifies an overall tone advocating a meaningful learning experience versus a scary, unwelcoming, and punitive experience.


Samples of Teaching Philosophies

"I believe access to quality education is a human right. I am an educator because I want knowledge to open your minds and spark curiosity. I want to support you in developing critical thinking skills in order to question your own stories in relation to others. I want to help you wield the power of your voices to speak up for what you believe in and in multiple languages. I use teaching strategies that will give meaning to your education and to inspire you into action and give you the foundation that empowers you to shape your future opportunities. Together we can go on this learning journey in a safe, supportive and productive experience."

"I teach English at a community college because I believe in teaching in an honest manner. I communicate with direct expectations that pushes my students to do what they need to flourish. At the same time, I enable them to make their own choices while providing the consequences that result from those choices. I am passionate about bringing social, economic, and political issues into the classroom to be discussed and written about as content that is used to help students develop their communication skills. I focus my teaching style in providing the tools needed to empower and promote successful students and citizens of the world.”


Resources for further study

Bart, M. (2015). A Learner-Centered Syllabus Helps Set The Tone For Learning. Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-classroom-management/a-learner-centered-syllabus-helps-set-the-tone-for-learning/

Best Practices for a Learning-Centered Syllabus., University of West Florida

Buchert S., Laws E. L., Apperson J. M., Bregman N. J. (2008) First impressions and professor reputation: Influence on student evaluations of instruction. Social Psychology of Education, 11, 397–408.

Diamond, R. M. (1997). "Forward" in Grunert, J., The Course Syllabus, Bolton, MA: Anker Publishing Company, Inc

Harnish, R.J. & Bridges, K.R. (2011), Social Psychology of Education, 14:3, 319-330.

Mansbac, J. The Importance of a Syllabus, https://dl.sps.northwestern.edu/blog/2016/03/the-importance-of-a-syllabus/

Microaggressions: Be Careful What You Say, NPR

O'Brien, J., Jills, B., and Cohen. (2008). The Course Syllabus: A Learning- Centered Approach, 2nd ed.

Weimer, M. 2011 What Does Your Syllabus Say About Your Course. Retrieved from http://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/teaching-professor-blog/what-does-your-syllabus-say-about-you-and-your-course/