What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is rooted in differentiation. When I truly know the social, emotional, as well as the academic needs of a student, I can better serve them. Learning is a holistic journey that is about process and product.

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

In a first session, I would spend the first 10 minutes doing a get to know you activity. I would encourage the student to share information about themselves, and I would also share information about myself. This helps to set a tone of mutual respect and trust.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I help empower independence in learners by first modeling what that type of learning actually looks like. Then, I guide a student through the process before asking them to do it on their own. I also respond to student questions with more inquiry to encourage their critical thinking skills to flourish .

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I help students stay motivated in a variety of ways. The first is verbal acknowledgement when I notice them doing something that shows even the smallest bit of progress. I also like to track student progress with charts and apps. I also provide incentives such as reading a fun book at the end of a session or doing some fun math games once work has been completed. The biggest way I motivate is to actually come to each lesson fully engaged with an upbeat attitude along the way as I interact with the student.

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

If a student has difficulty, I first quickly assess what is causing the difficulty (certain step in a process, misunderstanding a question, etc.). I then step away from the actual work and present them with an example that will help to strengthen that skill. We then practice again but in the context of whatever work we are doing, as I talk out their thought process. We then continue until they can not only show understanding but also explain why they understand.

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

There are so many ways to help students with comprehension. I love to model how I think about reading for students because many comprehension issues derive from that process or the lack thereof. After lots of modeling, I then ask students to try it, using stop and jots as they write or graphic organizers to keep important details of the text in their memory. I then help students bring all of that information together by scaffolding and asking leading questions to help them get to answering questions more accurately.

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

The biggest strategy is to have a conversation with the student about how they view themselves as learners. This information, mixed with how parent/teachers view them, helps me to provide the best service possible.

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

I would find applications of the subject in everyday, non-academic life such as television, music, social media, and nontraditional texts. For example, if a student struggles with reading, I would bring in materials from magazines or movie scripts or topics they enjoy.

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

I do lots of check-ins during sessions to ensure proper understanding. I also like to do exit slips, where students independently answer questions to show me if they have comprehended a subject or need further teaching in that area.

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

I notice every single thing they are doing better and let them know. I also show them how well they are doing one thing and focus on their strengths as a way to help them continue to work on their improvement areas.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I take lots of information into account. I listen to parent and teacher feedback. I also have the student evaluate what they think they need. Also, during the first one or two sessions, I take lots of notes to input any additional needs I notice in a student.

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

Planning! I like to plan my sessions ahead of time once I get to know a student. I also allow myself flexibility if we come across a concept that is causing frustration or something else the student needs addressed.

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

I like to use books, magazines, and online articles. I also find online games, apps, and other materials that are helpful during a tutoring session.