What is your teaching philosophy?

I do believe every student is entitled to an enriching education that fosters their individual needs and interests. I encourage each student to take responsibility for their own learning while scaffolding their attempts. The learning should be meaningful to the student. Reading is at the foundation of advanced learning. It goes beyond decoding and pronouncing the text with speed and accuracy. Those preliminary skills are needed to gather meaning beyond retelling, to deep analysis and evaluation of text. These and other developmental skills must be reinforced to the automaticity stage, while a stairway is built to higher levels. Developmental education does not begin from scratch; therefore, student motivation for improvement is an added plus. The student is aware of a need for assistance and willing to work toward a higher level. I am there to provide such assistance that supports and stretches the student.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

After modeling and guiding, I allow the student to practice