In some cases this statement is a formality which might get little attention. Departments that value bench research above all will want to see the candidate show that they respect their teaching responsibility, but they don't want candidates who intend to pour their energy into teaching at the expense of "scholarly activity". PUIs and MCUs generally don't fall into this category.
I personally see research as a valuable component of a learning by doing philosophy that is sometimes referred to as a polytechnic training concept. Since I greatly value this, my philosophy statement includes some discussion of this concept and how I bring it into my classes and laboratory experiences. More research active PUIs and MCUs appear to have appreciated this attention in the teaching philosophy statement.
Because training and developing students is generally a key component in the mission of the PUI and MCU program evidence of what the candidate values in their teaching should be apparent in the Teaching Philosophy statement. Is the candidate enamored of technology, a devotee of assessment, passionate about integrated or discovery laboratories, etc. In some cases the department will not share the candidates interests. The committee must then determine if the candidate will represent "new blood" or "radical ideas".
As I have noted in earlier posts candidates should not shotgun out applications, but should target applications to school where they believe they can make a contribution. This demands that the candidate risk honestly stating a philosophy that may not fit the institution. Then again, it may also cause some institutions to look at the statement and find an excellent fit. Ultimately, there has to be a fit between the institution and candidate. The teaching philosophy statement is one of the tools to identify the fit.
T.S. Hall
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