Shannon
Certified Tutor
I believe that all students have the potential to be successful, some just have different ways of getting there.
I'm finishing my 5th year teaching special education. I have taught in a high school, middle school and elementary school. I love teaching and I love the opportunity to help students learn.
Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband and son, reading, sewing and crocheting.
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Undergraduate Degree: Iowa State University - Bachelors, Elementary Education, Special Education
I love to read, crochet and hang out with my husband and son.
- Arithmetic
- College English
- College Essays
- College Geography
- College Level American History
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- English
- Essay Editing
- Geography
- Geometry
- High School English
- High School Geography
- High School Level American History
- History
- Homework Support
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Other
- Pre-Algebra
- Public Speaking
- Reading
- Social Studies
- Special Education
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is that every student can learn- I may just need to figure out the best way to teach.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
A first session would be a get-to-know you session first. I would want my pupil to be comfortable with me, so I'd be willing to answer any questions and concerns. After this I would also like to discuss our expectations for their learning.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Becoming an independent learner takes practice, so that's what we'd do. I would help them discover things that they are interested in and practice finding things out on their own.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Motivation can be hard if you're not interested in the subject. I try to teach in a hands-on way to help them stay interested.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would try to teach it in a different way! I also firmly believe in kinesthetic learning. Sometimes we need to move our bodies to help our brains comprehend.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
There are lots of ways to help break down what they have read and ask questions. I do this with a lot of my students. Ask them to read and just pay attention to who the characters are. Then read again and find out what their problem is, etc.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
When I start working with a student, I need to learn how they learn. So I have them work through problems, or questions and explain their thinking every step of the way.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I love crafting. I like to have students build or make something that is related to a challenge in order to help them get excited about it.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
If a student can teach me what they have learned over a period of time, I know they've learned it!
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I try to always encourage them. Learning can be hard at any age, so we start with what they know to build confidence and work our way up.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I have students show me work or explain to me how they think about something, that helps me understand where they are and what they struggle in.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I always try to be flexible. If I bring something that doesn't seem to fit their needs, I make a game plan change and work on what seems more appropriate.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use the typical books and paper and pencil. I also try to create games and other fun activities to keep it exciting.