Sylvia Currie

I posted Cindy's word clouds then had to rush off. The answer to her question is yes, generally these are all about word frequency. Words like 'the' 'my' etc are stripped out.

Of course I couldn't resist doing one as well. I find it interesting to see what stands out. Actually, I noticed words in there I didn't even recall writing! So I went back to my scrawl to remind myself what I was talking about :) 

Anyway, I think these low stakes type of activities have a place. It's sometimes surprising what stories and memories you have inside yourself when you allow them to come out on "paper." 

I'm a mind, to pen, to paper person as well, Patti. I find paper and pen can be quite a different experience than keyboard to screen! 

If you do get digital there are several free online services that generate word clouds. You copy/paste the text, select a few visual options, and the cloud is generated. Here are a few I've used but I'm sure there are many more. 

1. Word Art
2. Word It Out
3. Wordle

I kept nodding as I read this draft TPS, Leonne. It's list of all the things I feel passionate about!

Then I stepped back. It's clearly a list of what you feel is important, and I'm sure you're doing all of this. But I realized that I wasn't seeing the YOU in these paragraphs -- what you do and why, and how you feel about it. I found myself wanting to see "I introduce students to the learning process and how to effectively study"..... and so on. 

These are my first reactions. As I read more draft TPSs I'm sure I will begin to separate my gut feelings from good practices! 

Brava for being first out the gate with your draft, Patti! I added a few notes in the margin which you'll see when you view this in a web browser (everyone, you can also do this by highlighting text, then hitting the "enter' key to type.)

I'm giving feedback as someone who has very little experience writing teaching philosophy statements. Keep that in mind as you read it!  I feel like a bit of an imposter and am so grateful for Sue's expertise!

I love that you hammered this out then posted so quickly. It's really the best way to go! The refining comes later.

My first read through left me feeling that this might be two different pieces: 

1. A TPS 

2. A cover letter 

It's ideal to elaborate on your personal experiences with the institution and to point out that you've taken notice of their approach, but I wonder how much of that belongs in the TPS. It might inform how you've come to articulate your philosophy. Perhaps that could surface more rather than what you've come to appreciate about RRU.

Again, a big high five for sharing your draft!