Writing a Philosophy Statement

Section One Overview Introduction Five Philosophical Approaches  The Executive Approach   Descriptors of an Executive Teacher      Teaching Example  The Humanist Approach   Descriptors of a Humanist Teacher   Teaching Example  The Subject Specialist Approach   Descriptors of a Subject Specialist Teacher   Teaching Example  The Citizen Teacher Approach   Descriptors of a Citizen Teacher   Teaching Example  The Explorer Approach   Descriptors of an Explorer Teacher   Teaching Example Test for Understanding Table 1 Comparison of Five Approaches to Teaching Table 2 Philosophy of Education Scale Section Two Identifying Your Philosophical Approach Collecting Personal Artifacts  Tips for Developing a Professional Journal Creating a Professional Journal  Tips for Writing a Professional Journal  Tips for Writing a Biographical Journal  Tips for Interviewing Case Study: Five Approaches to Grading Philosophical Approaches in School Practices and Activities Sample Philosophy of Education Statements Section Three Organizing Your Data Personal Artifacts  Journal Data  Interview Data  Case Study Example Results of the Philosophy of Education Scale Section Four How to Write a Philosophy of Education Statement Tips to the Writing Process  Six fast paragraph starters  Four quick editing tips Section Five Practical Use of your Philosophy of Education Statement Activities for Group Reflection and Discussion School Leadership and Administration Using a Philosophy Statement in Educational Leadership Job Interviews  Sample Questions and Responses  Practice Interview Sessions Graduate School Applications Staff Development Leadership Curriculum Development Appendices Appendix A: Historical Aspects of Five Philosophical Approaches to Teaching Appendix B: Table of Philosophic Ideas Appendix C: Supplemental Websites References About the Author