What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is to ensure all students receive the best education that I can offer. Meaning, I believe that all students are capable of succeeding academically. It just takes the right person to figure out what motivates the learner to improve upon their academic skills. In many instances, I have been the teacher to continually motivate and challenge students to achieve and supersede their initial goals.

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

I would get to know the student by asking him or her what they like to do for fun. Also, I would ask the student their favorite subject. Then, I would ask, "What subject do you not like and why do they not like that particular subject?"

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner by being an active listener for the student. After I identify what subject area the student enjoys and why s/he likes that particular subject, I can then transfer, as well as incorporate, some of those interests into learning subjects where the student requires improvement. Finally, once the student becomes confident with their ability to learn a subject that s/he was having trouble with, then the learner will begin stating positive personal messages, such as, "I can do this or let me try on my own." In this instance, the student has now become an independent learner because I have helped to facilitate their ability to believe in themselves and achieve their academic goal(s).