The Three Stages of My Teaching Journey – Where Do You Stand?

Recently, as part of my promotion to Associate Teaching Professor, I was asked to submit a statement of teaching philosophy. This process gave me the opportunity to reflect on my 8 years of teaching experience and how my teaching philosophy has evolved.

I realized that my approach to teaching has developed through three distinct stages:

• Stage 1: The Professor In the beginning, my focus was on mastering classroom techniques and improving my performance. I worked on engaging students, refining my teaching methods, and constantly improving the delivery of content. It's more about myself.
• Stage 2: The Educator As I gained more experience, while I continued to value teaching pedagogies, my focus shifted to ensuring students were excelling. It wasn’t just about how well I was teaching, but how well they were learning.
• Stage 3: The Cultivator Now, I see myself as someone who nurtures growth. I aim to create an inclusive environment that supports the individual needs of each student, encouraging them to succeed not only academically, but personally and professionally. By customizing learning experiences and providing individualized attention, I aim to address each student’s unique needs and foster their personal and academic development.

What about you? Which stage do you think you're at in your teaching or professional journey? Have you noticed any changes in how you approach your work? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas! Let’s start a discussion. ??

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