Creating a Philosophy of Supervision Through Personal Narrative

A teaching philosophy is described as “a vivid portrait of a person who is intentional about teaching practices and committed to his/her career” (Ohio State University Faculty & TA Development [OSUFTAD], 2005). Being intentional about what one does requires self-reflection, self-analysis, and ultimately self-knowledge. According to Palmer (1998), “We teach who we are… When I do not know myself, I cannot know who my students are,” (p.2). “Good teaching requires self-knowledge; it is a secret hidden in plain sight” (p.3). In this article, readers will be asked to reflect on their own life experiences, values and gifts that have influenced their decision to become clinical supervisors and to incorporate this personal narrative and reflection into the composition of a teaching philosophy, more specifically a philosophy of supervision.