What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that each student is an individual who learns in his/her own way. Understanding and knowledge comes to each of us in its own time. I try to look for different ways to explain topics so that each student has an opportunity to understand and learn. In the wise words of Captain Jack Sparrow, "The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude about the problem."

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

I'd like to get to know the student, what their interests are outside of school, classes they enjoy in school, and how they learn best. Possibly administering a series of multiple intelligence's quizzes to gauge what the student would respond to.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By introducing students to the different ways they could learn, the students will begin to approach different topics in a way that feels comfortable for them. Teaching them study skills and habits that will help them become life-long learners.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I believe motivation comes from within. I can try to motivate the student to keep working and keep going, but in the end, the student needs to want to study and succeed. In my own class I show motivational videos on Mondays; we call them Motivational Mondays. Humor and music work well, as well as being able to connect to the students in ways they understand.

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

I'm going to try different ways of explaining the topic. Possibly using visuals, charts, graphs, maps, videos, music or readings to help the students understand. There are so many different ways to learn and understand; it’s my job to figure out how the student will understand the skill or concept.