I think the most frustrating thing about writing a teaching philosophy statement is never actually being satisfied with it. How do you know what an employer really cares about? Is your philosophy actually good enough, or does it just sound like random banter about the state of education and how your perspective is somehow different enough without being so different it will be perceived in a negative way?
Overall, I find I have a love-hate relationship with mine. On one hand I know that firmly believe what I've written in it, but on the other hand is anyone going to buy it? i know I have to have one for every teaching job I'm applying to, and yet, I'm never actually satisfied with it. When I have the option for a 2-page philosophy, I get frustrated because I've hammered it down to one page, then I just submit that and wonder if it will hurt my chances of being considered. It has been drilled into me to be quick and concise. That's what we do in biology. Our grants get to the point. Our papers get into great detail, but it too, is to the point. If I can say what I want to say in one page, why would I need two?
Hopefully I'll figure all of this out soon enough to get employed. In the meantime, I geuss I'll just continue my love-hate relationship with it and hope for the best.
I think what I decided last semester when I had to write one was that I would develop two types: one that would bring out research, and one that would bring out teaching, since I'm in literature and it's possible that I won't get hired at a research-heavy institution. I basically want to get two or three well-written ones that will work for a variety of places, so that it makes the applications easier. Trying to write statements of purpose for grad school applications was sort of similar: am I saying anything real? or is this just something that will not matter in the end? In that case, I managed to get a template that I thought would work for the 10 schools I was applying to, but applying for jobs will be different. I'm not entirely looking forward to it, but I think having a plan helps!
ReplyDeleteI've heard of some faculty using story in their TPS...I wonder if that might help with your two-page option? It would certainly set yours apart adding a description of an experience.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to following your blog!
I have the same issues with writing my teaching philosophy. Thankfully it's only been for classes thus far and not for prospective jobs. Every time I write it I feel like it gets a little bit better but it's still not good enough. So, I wish I could offer some advice but instead I'll join in your venting and let you know that you're not alone :) Good luck on the job hunt fellow Foodie and I'm always available for proof-reading!
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