What is your teaching philosophy?

I give students choices rather than directives and they feel empowered to learn.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I provide students with opportunities to self-monitor.

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

I would identify the lack of understanding and determine whether or not we simply need to review or take a fresh approach to the concept to be learned. Sometimes you just have to go back to basics.

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

We discuss the meaning of words while going through the text and target a few words for deeper teaching, really probing what those words mean and how they can be used.

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

I offer praise and acknowledge student's accomplishments. I try not to correct every single thing the student says wrong, not interrupt the student when they are talking to correct them -- this will harm their confidence, not boost it. I always make sure to express a positive attitude to all of my students.

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

I get to know the student and expectations.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I tell them to start with the question, not the answer.