When you’re making an unexpected and off-season job search, it’s hard to find time to write a decent statement of teaching philosophy. Do you think search committees would mind if I wrote, “I like to teach; I make it up as I go,” and left it at that? Maybe I would get extra points if I printed that on a small slip of paper and sent a fortune cookie of teaching philosophy along with my application. Maybe instead they will look me up, read this, and not take me seriously. Maybe instead I will write, “I take teaching seriously; my philosophy is fluid.”

PS If you have noticed a me-shaped hole in your academic department or new media/literary arts/non-profit concern, do let me know, please. Thank goodness the economy is so strong right now, or I might be worried!