Professional Philosophy
A statement of professional philosophy expresses your beliefs regarding your profession and professional role. It communicates the core values underlying your professional practice and conduct. This statement should be a dynamic document that evolves with your personal and professional life.
You can express your professional philosophy by recording a video or by writing. There is no length requirement for your statement; however, you must communicate your position on the following topics:
-- Your professional mission
-- The core values guiding your work
-- Promotion of equity and diversity
-- Commitments to your clients and community
The sample video used here was developed by a student in School Counseling and available on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC1r1S-QtqA)
Here are some guidelines to help you develop your statement:
Consider your audience
As you begin thinking about your statement of professional philosophy, think about who might be viewing your ePortfolio (e.g., CD faculty, potential employers, clients) and what you want to tell them about how you approach your work.
Get Started
Writing an effective statement of professional philsophy can be a daunting task. Give yourself some time to explore ideas and to try out different ways of expressing those ideas. Start early and don't be afraid of rough drafts. Your ideas will and should change over time. Some suggested preliminary writing exercises are:
Begin with the end. Picture a client and his family walking out of the final session of therapy with you. In what way is that client and family different from the ones who came to you at the start of your therapeutic relationship?
Write a letter to a friend about the joys and challenges of SLP work
Make a list of the qualities of an effective SLP
Free-write about a memorable experience that you experienced or observed in the field. Consider what went well, what you might do differently, and why.
Describe your "dream job" and why it appeals to you. What does it allow you to accomplish?
Articulate your ideas in concrete terms
Identify any themes that recurred or stood out for you in the exploration stage and begin to express them in specific terms. For example, tell a story or offering a detailed description of an innovative strategy you've used that illustrates a point your want to convey. It may have to do with a particularly enlightening experience, or a moment of dissatisfaction that led you to a new approach. While a generic statement won't hurt your job application or professional image, it won't help you stand out either.
Acknowledge your influences
Where did your philosophies come from and why have you adopted them? Were you influenced by an outstanding therapist or teacher? Did you develop your ideas from readings and research? Credit people who have helped your development or disciplines that have influenced your thinking. This gesture reflects well on you.
This guide was adapted from the following sources:
Lang, James M. 4 Steps to a Memorable Teaching Philosophy. The Chronicle of Higher Education. August 29, 2010. http://chronicle.com/article/5-Steps-to-a-Memorable/124199/ Retrieved on October 13, 2010.
Fisher, Beth. Writing a Teaching Philosophy Statement. http://teachingce
You can express your professional philosophy by recording a video or by writing. There is no length requirement for your statement; however, you must communicate your position on the following topics:
-- Your professional mission
-- The core values guiding your work
-- Promotion of equity and diversity
-- Commitments to your clients and community
The sample video used here was developed by a student in School Counseling and available on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hC1r1S-QtqA)
Here are some guidelines to help you develop your statement:
Consider your audience
As you begin thinking about your statement of professional philosophy, think about who might be viewing your ePortfolio (e.g., CD faculty, potential employers, clients) and what you want to tell them about how you approach your work.
Get Started
Writing an effective statement of professional philsophy can be a daunting task. Give yourself some time to explore ideas and to try out different ways of expressing those ideas. Start early and don't be afraid of rough drafts. Your ideas will and should change over time. Some suggested preliminary writing exercises are:
Begin with the end. Picture a client and his family walking out of the final session of therapy with you. In what way is that client and family different from the ones who came to you at the start of your therapeutic relationship?
Write a letter to a friend about the joys and challenges of SLP work
Make a list of the qualities of an effective SLP
Free-write about a memorable experience that you experienced or observed in the field. Consider what went well, what you might do differently, and why.
Describe your "dream job" and why it appeals to you. What does it allow you to accomplish?
Articulate your ideas in concrete terms
Identify any themes that recurred or stood out for you in the exploration stage and begin to express them in specific terms. For example, tell a story or offering a detailed description of an innovative strategy you've used that illustrates a point your want to convey. It may have to do with a particularly enlightening experience, or a moment of dissatisfaction that led you to a new approach. While a generic statement won't hurt your job application or professional image, it won't help you stand out either.
Acknowledge your influences
Where did your philosophies come from and why have you adopted them? Were you influenced by an outstanding therapist or teacher? Did you develop your ideas from readings and research? Credit people who have helped your development or disciplines that have influenced your thinking. This gesture reflects well on you.
This guide was adapted from the following sources:
Lang, James M. 4 Steps to a Memorable Teaching Philosophy. The Chronicle of Higher Education. August 29, 2010. http://chronicle.com/article/5-Steps-to-a-Memorable/124199/ Retrieved on October 13, 2010.
Fisher, Beth. Writing a Teaching Philosophy Statement. http://teachingce
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