Connor: Durham tutor
Certified Tutor
My passion stems from my wish for students to develop a belief that they can reach farther than they even imagined. It all began when I started coaching High School Football. I have garnered many skills, techniques, and knowledge and to be able to see a student or athlete grasp the information and then demonstrate understanding then progress to utilization is an incredible thing. Currently I am a Study Hall Monitor, Personal Tutor, and Substitute Teacher. Previously I worked One-on-One with elementary students who had major behavior issues. Helping them grow and learn was perhaps the most rewarding jobs I have had. But it all starts with knowledge.
My education is varied and long but I attended Wartburg College double majoring in Graphic Design then Fine Art, as well as obtaining a Minor in Leadership Studies. After college I have spent much of my life seeking new and varied education. In terms of tutoring though, I tend to be adept at Middle School and lower Math as well as most other courses from that level on down. In my current role I have to be able to assist with any questions my students may have about a typical subject. Otherwise, I enjoy tutoring about Art History and Public Speaking at all levels. It all comes back to my philosophy.
In education, I find that patients is key to being a good educator. Students will take a while to understand specific concepts because they may not have been exposed to that concept before. Sometimes it take approaching a subject from many different angles before that student fully comprehends the information. Also by asking the student to “teach” me the subject and what they learned, I find that to be the best way to determine if a student really can understand what is being taught. Connecting with the student is crucial to fostering trust as well.
I find that because I am a coach, kids feel more comfortable approaching me than some other teachers. My interest in the Fine Arts also bridges many other gaps that certain teachers and tutors may not be able to create. And finally my exuberance and energy not only helps me be active in my community but, I feel, help instill passion into students on subjects I teach.
Connect with a tutor like Connor
Undergraduate Degree: Wartburg College - Bachelors, Graphic Design, Fine Art
Fine Art, Coaching, Traveling the world
- 1st Grade Math
- 2nd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Math
- 4th Grade Math
- 5th Grade Math
- 6th Grade Math
- College English
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- English
- High School English
- Homework Support
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Other
- Public Speaking
- Special Education
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
It is one where I intend not only to teach the subject but to teach students how to learn and build independence. Through positive reinforcement and goal development, as well as being able to be flexible as a tutor, we can achieve the student’s goal.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Create a level of comfort between student and tutor. Also establish goals and then break down those goals into easy to accomplish steps.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Positive reinforcement goes a long way in creating that independence. Also not only teaching the subject but teaching learning techniques and study techniques, and giving them those tools, is essential to creating independence. It's not about giving them the answers, but more about helping them find the path to the right answer.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
It requires the student to identify why they want/need to achieve. That is the first part of creating motivation. The second part comes with setting and achieving goals. Breaking down the goals into small achievable chunks helps to create success and incentive to stay motivated.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
It is imperative to be flexible. If you find one approach to teaching not working you must change approaches. Patience is key with those who are struggling.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
A lot of times it comes down to simply asking them to tell you about what they read. Simply reducing it to a simple explanation allows comprehension. Other techniques are to have them write down specific aspects of what they read as they are reading it.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Establishing expectations and goals.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
By creating a connection to the material. Often this can be done through tying it to the student’s life experiences. Also a passionate tutor/teach can instill that passion into others.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Ultimately I look to see if they can teach me the information at the end. This way I can confidently say that they understand. But before this happens we walk through the subject making sure they can get themselves to the right answers.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Positive reinforcement helps create confidence, but also the ability for the student to get to the answer and understand why is important.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
A lot of the time I observe and ask pointed questions.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Once again, flexibility is crucial. I pride myself on patience and adaptability.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Pen/Pencil and paper are always essentials. "Manipulators" are very successful with younger students, especially with math, to increase their understanding of materials and anchor it.