What is your teaching philosophy?

Looking back at my personal education, I have had many wonderful teachers; some better than others. Over the years I have recognized a "good" teacher to be one who: -listens to their students’ needs -shows multiple ways to solve a problem -questions the students often -allows the students to make mistakes -integrates technology and hands-on activities in the curriculum - shows respect to student - maintains a good relationship as friends - believes that ALL students can learn mathematics (even if it’s your weakness) -makes learning mathematics exciting and interesting. I try my best as a tutor to replicate the "ideal teacher" and meet the needs specific to you.

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

Students have various needs: some need help with a specific topic or homework assignment, while some want to sharpen their skills as a whole. I always like to spend a few minutes to get to know each other at the beginning; this helps me construct a lesson plan perfect to your needs.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Having the students work problems on their own, allowing them to make mistakes they can learn from right away.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Encouraging them and showing a positive, excited attitude toward the material.

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

Break it into bite-sized concepts to see where the difficulty may be.

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

Practice problems; they must learn from mistakes, so that in the classroom they know exactly what NOT to do.

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

A whiteboard, blank printer paper, pens, pencils, and a calculator.