Many teachers can remember the infamous Philosophy of Teaching assignment in their undergraduate program. The task of developing a one-page statement of beliefs about teaching can be daunting for a college student who has no real experience from which to draw. Nevertheless, as an undergraduate student, you knew how you wanted your classroom to look and sound. You studied classroom management and teaching methods, and you participated in classrooms as an observer and assistant. So your Philosophy of Teaching reflected the knowledge you gained from your coursework and experience in the classroom. I remember working through that assignment, focusing on what I believed about teaching and learning. Of course, I made sure to use key language we had spent valuable class time learning: differentiation, collaboration, clear expectations, hands-on learning . . . and the list goes on.

Think back to what you believed about teaching when you first entered the profession. If you were to go back and reread your undergraduate Philosophy of Teaching, how would it be different from your beliefs today? We continuously examine, exercise, prove, and modify our philosophy through our day-to-day practice in the classroom, but how often do we take time to reflect on our beliefs and the truths that make us feel this way?

The start of a new year is the perfect time to examine such things as your classroom practices, district initiatives, and school mission statement. Then ask yourself, Does this fit with my views and my latest learning in the field? Do my teaching practices facilitate the best possible learning environment for my students? Often this kind of reflection will confirm for us that we are, indeed, headed in the right direction. At other times, though, we might need to regroup and reground ourselves, standing strong in our beliefs and what is best for our students.

What is your current philosophy of teaching and learning? Now that you have academic knowledge and real world experience, which of your original beliefs have changed and which have stayed the same? Take a few minutes to write out your beliefs. Revisit them often to regroup and reground as you move forward this year.

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