What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that all students can be successful, and I like to make sure they see themselves as a successful individual. If we can focus on that first, then we can conquer any subject matter that the student is working on.

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

I want to understand what they are studying, why they are studying it, what challenges they have and what they want to accomplish. Based on that, I can help them set up goals and objectives for further sessions and the completion of their course work.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

For me, it is super important to understand what makes a student tick and what excites them, and showing them how learning can help them reach their goals and objectives in life.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I am a constant cheerleader for students and have no problem being that accountability partner for them as they develop their studying habits or work through a difficult subject.

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

Find something they can relate to and find a way to relate that difficult skill or concept to what they like. Humor and music don't hurt either to get students open to ideas!

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

My most successful strategy is talking with the student to understand the purpose of the meeting, where the student wants to go or helping them understand what their goals should be, and helping them craft a plan to meet that goal.

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

I think there are a couple ways to do this. First, draw on other successes the student has had, and work with them to see that they have been and are successful in other areas and can be successful in the areas that they are struggling in. Second is to provide them with examples of what they can do with the subject or skills once they master them.

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

Often, when students are struggling with a subject, all they see are the issues with that subject. I'm all about making sure students are able to take a step back and see their success and potential. Once they see that, then to start helping them tackle the subject and celebrate the victories!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

A lot can be accomplished by talking with the student and understanding their struggles, challenges and what they want to accomplish with a subject material.

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

A lot my tutoring focuses on the world of business, so I use a lot of real world issues in the business world to help explain an issue.