What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that every child can learn, but it is up to the teacher to determine the best method for the student to succeed.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

In the first session, we learn about each other. What are their likes/dislikes? Sports? Study habits? Goals? What do they think is the reason they're having difficulty? By having this information I am able to develop a study plan for future sessions.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner by engaging them in independent activities that reinforce the concepts that we have covered.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Engagement is the key to motivation. I'd use fun and different activities to correspond with the concepts being taught.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I would use different types of learning strategies to help them understand the concept or skill.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

I have them read short passages at their reading level and then together we look for clues to help with understanding.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

The most important strategy I have found is making the child comfortable working with me. I explain that, as a team we will overcome any difficulties they are having. I also tell them to ask a lot of questions and that a wrong answer is ok because it allows them to learn from their mistakes.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

I would try to find an activity that is interesting to them and incorporates the subject that we are studying.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

I would give practice problems, online practice, and ask higher level questions.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

I build their confidence by being their cheerleader. It is very important that a child has good self-esteem to help them overcome any difficulties.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I use a variety of techniques from formative assessment to questioning and observing the engagement in an activity.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

I look for their strengths and adapt my tutoring to work hand in hand with those strengths.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I like to use their homework, practice problems that I have brought that correlate in what we are studying, and online games for review.