Finding Our Roots

Abstract

Teaching philosophy statements clarify why we do what we do in the classroom, and the process of drafting a philosophy offers an opportunity for developmental reflection. Personal teaching philosophies can be grounded in the shared foundation of historical educational philosophies. The authors offer here for facilitators a reflective card-sort exercise that helps surface the philosophical roots of personal teaching philosophies and helps teachers create or renew a teaching philosophy statement. They explain the exercise activities and typical outcomes based on their experiences facilitating the exercise. The authors conclude with insights and considerations for facilitators.