What is your teaching philosophy?

I teach my students, but I learn from them as well, and what I learn helps to make me a better teacher. I think we are all teachers and learners, and the key to being successful at both is effective communication. I listen to my students when they tell me what they're struggling with, why they don't enjoy the subject matter, or simply what is bothering them that day, etc. And when I convey to them that the subject matter is indeed relevant, interesting, and useful, and that I genuinely care about them and want them to succeed, they are inspired to do well.

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

I'll often use an analogy for the skill or concept to make it easier to understand, or apply the concept to a real-life scenario that is relevant to the student. I also try to break it down into smaller skills or concepts and ensure the student fully grasps each one before going on to the next one.

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

I find that my own enthusiasm about the subject often rubs off on the student - if not at the beginning of the lesson, then at the end when they have mastered something or become more comfortable with a concept. I work to build the student's self-confidence through encouragement, praise, humor, and overall positive attitude. I really do believe in my students.

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

One technique I employ is to have the student play the role of the teacher and explain the material back to me. I ask questions like "Why?", "What do you mean?" and "How do you know that?".