A teaching philosophy is a cornerstone of any strong portfolio. It communicates who I am as an educator, what I value, how I approach learning, and the principles that guide my work with students. Articulating this helps me clarify my goals as a teacher and shows future employers that I am intentional, reflective, and grounded in practice. It also provides a foundation for how I plan to grow as an educator over time.
Critical self-reflection is one of the most valuable habits I’ve developed. After each teaching experience, I reflected on what worked, what didn’t, and how I could improve. These reflections document my growth, adaptability, and responsiveness in the classroom. They also demonstrate how I use experience as a tool for professional development, an essential skill not just for teaching, but for any career.
Feedback is a powerful catalyst for growth. Including evaluations from mentors, community partners, and peers provides an outside lens on my teaching, highlighting strengths and areas I continue to develop. More importantly, I use this feedback actively to refine my instruction, build stronger relationships with students, and grow more confident in my teaching voice. These evaluations offer evidence of progress and a commitment to continuous learning.