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

We won't simply move on! If we must table the concept until I go find additional resources, we will, but I believe all children are capable of learning!

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

The best way to help a student struggling with reading comprehension is to read. We will read short passages together and unpack what themes the author is attempting to convey. Additionally, I'll encourage out-of-session reading, whether it be fiction or non-fiction. Plus, I have a lot of high interest novel recommendations my former students loved!

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

The I do, we do, you do method of teaching and learning has shown the most success.

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

I will typically try to meet a student where they are. If I am teaching poetry terms, I will seek popular songs that are appropriate and match the lesson. Getting students to understand the relatability of a subject to their lives makes it more tangible.

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

Having a student explain to me why a right answer is correct and why the other answer choices are incorrect has been a powerful tool to gauge mastery of a particular learning standard.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Assessing a student via quick "Do Now" or "Exit Tickets" (short, 1-5 answer quizzes) helps me to gauge the understanding a student possesses. Further, having a student write a test question themselves proves to be useful in seeing the gaps of understanding a student may have.

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

If my current teaching method is proving unsuccessful, that is when I will pause and probe the student to see where the breakdown in understanding lies.

What is your teaching philosophy?

All students are capable of thought and learning.

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

Introduction! I will get to know the student as an individual (hobbies and interests) as well as gauge their learning needs and styles. I will want them to feel comfortable going through the learning process with me as well, so I will share interesting facts about myself too.