What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that students should understand how material relates to their daily life. Teaching is about making material exciting for students so they can use it to grow as people outside of the classroom, as well as within the class room. Each student has a unique learning style that should be catered to, and I don't teach any two students exactly the same.

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

A typical first session with a student involves a brief "get to know you" so the student feels more comfortable with me. Then we will talk about the area they are struggling in, evaluate strengths and weaknesses and identify a plan of attach. The student and I will create together some ideas for improvement and support. Then, we dive right into whatever the student is working with so they can get immediate support and results.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Instead of offering clear answers to students, I encourage them with prompts to help engage their thinking and ultimately allow them to arrive at the answer on their own. I scaffold the student so that in the early process I am guiding them more, and the more we work together, the more they are doing the thinking while I just lay the path. Ultimately, they are able to walk the path alone. If a student reaches a place where they feel they no longer need me, then I have done my job.