TITLE: Teaching statements for math jobs?
QUESTION [77 upvotes]: What is the purpose of the "teaching statement" or "statement of teaching philosophy" when applying for jobs, specifically math postdocs?  I am applying for jobs, and I need to write one of these shortly.
Let us assume for the sake of argument that I have a teaching philosophy; I am not asking you to tell me what my teaching philosophy should be.  I would like to know how those responsible for hiring view teaching statements, especially in the case of new PhD's who don't necessarily have extensive teaching experience.  
(I believe this is appropriate for mathoverflow because it is of interest to "a person whose primary occupation is doing mathematics", as I am.)

REPLY [21 votes]: I found this MO question while writing my own teaching statement. I'd like to point out that the Notices of the AMS published results of a survey which identified quite a few themes in successful teaching statements. I will paraphrase the list, beginning with the most-cited comments:

Specific examples linking philosophy to practice.
Dedication to teaching.
Good writing.
Thoughtful reflection on teaching.
Student-centered.
Match between individual and department.

Here's a handy rubric from the University of Michigan.