What is your teaching philosophy?

Creating instruction isn't productive, but creating explicit, innovative instruction with rigorous content is what every student deserves.

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

Typically we would have a 2 minute icebreaker game. Afterwards, we waste no time and dive into a warm-up question. Then, I allow the student to tell me his or her challenges with that particular subject. This allows the student to take ownership. We would then create a goal, and master that goal by the end of the session. However, if the focus is homework or school work, then I would teach that same content by scaffolding step-by-step using visual aids.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I do. We do. You do. I would show the student how to complete the problem using explicit directions, visual aids, metacognitive strategies, and possibly even videos. We would do multiple problems together. Then, the student would work independently as I observed. While observing, I'd take notes on if the student has mastered that skill or not. If not, we would re-visit "We do."

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

Building confidence in a subject occurs when students are receiving affirmation, or pro-con-pro strategies are being implemented.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I provide positive reinforcement and regular positive praise to students to stay motivated and engaged.