What is your teaching philosophy?

* I enjoy presenting ideas and concepts to students, enabling them to grasp it. * This opens windows and eventually doors for the student to progress to further success

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

* Introduce myself. * Ask mostly about the student: what do you like/not like; how do you learn best; what are your dreams; what are your goals; etc. * How can I help you succeed?

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

* Show them how to research things, allow them to practice while I watch, encourage them to do it on their own. * Praising them when each level is achieved.

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

* I allow them to read a paragraph at a time, then pause to discuss the content. * I also ask them to use their thumbs as guides along the edge of the page. This helps them to remember their place.

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

* Being friendly, using praise that is age appropriate. * Stickers and/or stars for the younger, "high 5" or fist bumps for the older; often, simply "great job!" does a lot!

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

* Show them the positive aspects. * Show them how learning it can benefit them.

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

* Oral question/answers. * For older students: multiple choice quizzes. * Examples to be thought through.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

* Objectively, based on state guidelines and/or public school requirements.

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

* The first session usually gives me a pretty fair assessment of the student's learning style and need. * I tutor according to the student's strengths in learning style, fashioned to the subject matter.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Give a 5 minute break to listen to their heart and listen to what they wanted to talk about.

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

I would find a different method, or skill that would enhance the topic, providing for learning.

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

Positive praise and encouragement at the effort put forth.

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

Depending on the subject matter and age of student - books, manipulatives.