Maggie
Certified Tutor
I am currently enrolled in the Masters in Teaching English program at Gonzaga University. I attended the University of Washington in Seattle from 2010-2012 and majored in International Studies. I graduated with my BA in Latin American Studies and a minor in Diversity. My studies have taught me to be organized, social, and engage with people from all backgrounds. I lived in Costa Rica teaching at a language institute called Intercultura. I worked with the Kids Team lead and helped plan the Kids Halloween Carnival. I also volunteered with the administration during parties and the planning of events for students. I taught kids and adults, mostly at the intermediate level. I enjoyed creating interactive and fun lesson plans for my students. I am a collaborative person and enjoy organizing and having an outlet for my creativity.
My hobbies include going to trivia nights, hanging out with my dog Mischief, and exploring new parts of Washington.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Washington - Bachelors, International Studies: Latin America
Graduate Degree: Gonzaga University - Masters, MA-TESOL
- SAT Verbal: 710
I like to learn new languages, go to coffee shops and to go to trivia night. I am passionate about education and enjoy helping people learn.
- Adult ESL/ELL
- Adult Literacy
- Conversational Spanish
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- ESL/ELL
- High School English
- Languages
- Latin America History
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Other
- Phonics
- Public Speaking
- Social Studies
- Spanish
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 2
- Test Prep
- TOEFL Prep
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Students learn best when they are motivated and passionate about learning. My goal is to spark interest in students so that they do their best and see the value of education.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In the first session, I would ask the student what their goals are, how they learn best, and spend some time to get to know them. I think trust is essential to build into the relationship from the first day.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Learner training is important to establish independent learning. Students need the tools necessary in order to be successful learners. They need to know how to study efficiently so that they can see the best results.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would approach the problem from many different angles. Sometimes a student does not have the same thought process as I do, so it is important to explain something different ways and try to connect the idea or concept to their lives and make it relevant.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Reading comprehension is key for success in the future. I would help a student by looking at the micro and macro aspects of the text. For example, understanding vocabulary and the sentences is micro, and finding the main ideas and reasons is macro.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I have found that variety is key. By doing activities that encourage learning through many different channels, students are able to stay motivated and interested. I also like to incorporate games into my lessons.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would do oral or written comprehension checks. I would also ask questions to help the students restate what they learned.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I am a strong believer in positive reinforcement and encouragement. When a student knows they can understand, they will work hard to understand a new subject.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I do formative assessment to understand where the student is, and also ask students what they feel they can improve on.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I like to create materials and to use games to encourage students to stay engaged. Depending on the student's learning preferences, I can adjust the lessons.