Sarah
Certified Tutor
I have been teaching for over 10 years and love going to work every day. I went to Concordia University - Wisconsin for my undergrad and majored in Elementary/Middle School Education with an emphasis in mathematics. A few years later, I went back to CUW and got a degree in Alternative Education. I currently work full time at a high school teaching math, but have experience with teaching math in grades 1-9 previously as well and reading skills and comprehension to grades 1-9. Before working with Varsity Tutors, I spent a few of my off summers tutoring privately for friends and family whose students were falling behind or whom needed a little "push" going in to the next school year.
I love getting to know the students, their personalities and their quirkiness. That moment when students finally "get it" after struggling with a concept or working really hard on a subject is incredibly rewarding both for me and the student. I love that moment and work really hard with my students to get to that point. I am not afraid to try different methods - if something isnt working for you - then we need to rethink what we are doing and try to figure out what we need to do in order to be successful. Your success is my success. Your struggles are my struggles - and success is a much better feeling. I know all student are capable of success and that is what we will work at!
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Undergraduate Degree: Concordia University-Wisconsin - Bachelors, Elementary/Middle School Education
I love the outdoors and spending time with family (I have 2 kids). I spend most of my free time chasing a kid, playing trains or building legos. I also enjoy photography, music, and having dinner with friends.
- 10th Grade Math
- 1st Grade
- 1st Grade Math
- 1st Grade Reading
- 1st Grade Writing
- 2nd Grade
- 2nd Grade Math
- 2nd Grade Reading
- 2nd Grade Writing
- 3rd Grade
- 3rd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Reading
- 3rd Grade Writing
- 4th Grade
- 4th Grade Math
- 4th Grade Reading
- 4th Grade Writing
- 5th Grade
- 5th Grade Math
- 5th Grade Reading
- 6th Grade
- 6th Grade Math
- 6th Grade Reading
- 7th Grade
- 7th Grade Math
- 8th Grade Math
- 9th Grade Math
- Algebra
- Arithmetic
- College English
- Discrete Math
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- High School English
- Math
- Middle School
- Middle School Math
- Other
- Pre-Algebra
What is your teaching philosophy?
I love working with kids and seeing that look in their eyes when they finally "get it." I think, as a teacher, it is my job to find a way to reach that understanding.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
A first session would involve building relationships and getting to know one another to establish a culture of trust and mutual respect. It would also involve some gauging of abilities and finding out what our ultimate goal is going to be.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I think it's important to make sure the student knows the theory and reasoning behind it, and is not just memorizing. If the student truly understands, then the independent learner aspect comes more natural.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Encouragement, lots of chances for success, lots of praise and belief that they really can do it!!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would try to break it down into small components. Then, try to incorporate a hands-on method or try approaching the topic with a different method.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would start with smaller sections and more general questions. Then, gradually build. Once it gets too hard, back up a step, work more on strengths there, and then move on again.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Believe in the student’s ability; find out how they learn best, and get to know the student.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Start with them being successful. Show excitement myself and relate it to something they are interested in.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Formal and informal assessment, activities, occasional checkups, and conversations with the student about what they are doing.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Show they can be successful.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Question the student, and test informally on various topics without overdoing it.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
By teaching what the student needs and being flexible with what methods work best for the student.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Manipulatives, step by step directions, practice work, and "talk it out" problems.