The Heart of Teaching: Crafting Your Teaching Philosophy Statement, a Hands-On Workshop

THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR KPU FACULTY.

Facilitators: Leeann Waddington and Sam Kirk
Dates/location (attend both sessions):
- Thurs, Dec 4, 9:30AM-12:30PM, KPU Surrey campus, Arbutus 2410 (2nd floor library)
- Thurs, Dec 11, 9:30AM-12:30PM, KPU Surrey campus, Arbutus 2410

What defines your teaching? This interactive and reflective workshop offers an opportunity to explore and articulate your teaching philosophy in a way that feels authentic and meaningful. A teaching philosophy statement is more than a document, it’s a way to express your values, beliefs, and approaches to teaching and learning. Through guided discussions, reflection, and hands-on exercises, you can develop or refine a statement that evolves alongside your teaching practice. Whether you are drafting your first statement or revisiting an existing one, this workshop provides tools and feedback to support your process. 

Part 1: Reflecting on Your Teaching Practice (Dec 04, 2025, 9.30-12.30pm)
In this session, participants will explore the foundational elements of their teaching philosophy by reflecting on their values, experiences, and approaches to student learning. Through guides activities, they will identify the key themes that define their teaching practice.  

Learning Outcomes: 

·       Recognize their core values, beliefs, and experiences that shape their teaching approach.

·       Analyze how their teaching philosophy aligns with student learning and institutional goals. 

·       Articulate key themes that will guide their teaching philosophy statement. 

·       Identify their motivation and value for creating a teaching philosophy statement.  

Part 2: Drafting and Defining your Teaching Philosophy Statement (Dec 11, 2025, 9.30-12.30pm)
Building on the reflections from part 1, participants will start drafting their Teaching Philosophy Statement. They will explore different structures/themes, receive peer feedback and refine their statements for clarity, coherence, and impact.  

Learning Outcomes: 

·       Draft a Teaching Philosophy Statement that clearly communicates their teaching approach. 

·       Organize their statement using a structured framework that enhances clarity. 

Refine their statement through peer feedback and self-reflection.