What is your teaching philosophy?

Curriculum is standardized, but it does not follow that the student's approach to the curriculum must also be standardized. I believe that each student has to find the study system that works for their own individual needs.

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

I'd like to get to know what the student hopes to improve in, and what their goals are in each subject. I also would like to learn what their teachers' expectations are for their coursework.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By giving the student all the tools necessary to achieve success, and allowing them the space to decide for themselves which tools work best for them.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Positive reinforcement is a mighty tool. For every goal achieved, I believe that a pat on the back is well deserved.

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

Patience is key. Remember that sometimes it is important to stop and take a breather when something is frustrating you - take a break, and come back to the problem with fresh eyes!

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

Personalize the subject matter! Almost anyone would rather talk about something that they are passionate about over schoolwork - why not combine the two? It makes it more interesting!

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

Break down the big picture, and make sure that the student understands each individual piece of the puzzle. Let them work through a few things on their own and see if they really get it! Try, try again!

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

A teacher having confidence in a student's success is almost as important as the student having confidence in themselves. Encouragement and patience are absolutely key.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Ask them! Students often know what the problem is. And, in the event that they can't identify what they need, go back to the basics and see what needs work!

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

I keep trying different tactics and tools until I find what clicks with them! Each student has an individual and unique take on life - I like to shift my style to fit their individual needs.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

A notebook for each individual subject, a pen/pencil, a computer on hand, and a calculator if necessary.

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

I break down the big picture. It is so much easier to find clues to comprehension in individual sentences than it is in a whole novel. Shrink down the problem to a manageable size - there isn't any need to be overwhelmed.

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

I like to try to figure out what tools the student already has that works for them, and what tools they have that simply aren't working. I think it's important to start from there to ensure success.