What is your teaching philosophy?

This answer strongly depends on the subject. For SAT & ACT Math, I always emphasize the fact that most question can be solved in different ways; by attempting multiple techniques on the same problem, students can understand their strengths and weaknesses and pick their favorite method. For ACT and SAT Reading, I teach procedures for solving questions that take advantage of how the test questions are constructed.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Deep learning doesn't happen in one big jump; it happens in "baby steps." Whenever my students make another "baby step," I tell them of their progress. Students become aware of their true progress and don't become discouraged thinking that they must climb a mountain in one giant step.