What is your teaching philosophy?

A good classroom has three things: questioning minds, smiling faces, and a teacher who cares.

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

I will sit and talk with you like a friend; I'll ask you questions about your hobbies and what subjects you love in school. Then, after you have relaxed a bit, we'll talk about the subjects you're struggling in, and what I can do to help you!

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I love sending helpful links and information for students to build a digital library of their own--these materials help students have ownership of their own store of information.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I talk with them on a personal level. Everyone has moments where they struggle to stay motivated. A teacher is also a counselor, and I would help them work through it!

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

I take my time and am patient with students. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, myself included! We would just keep working to find a creative solution to help them learn!

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

The best approach to reading comprehension is through a variety of small steps. We break it down and talk about each block of text, and make it easier to read and understand!

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

I love incorporating visual aids and interactive videos. We live in such a technological world, that sometimes in order to get students excited about an otherwise boring subject, we have to incorporate videos and technology to help them see how interesting the subject is.

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

I ask a lot of questions throughout a tutoring session. I want to make sure I'm doing a good job and teaching in a way that the student understands. If I find I'm failing in that respect, I backtrack a bit and try again.

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

I am very encouraging, and make it a point to show students the areas in which they excel.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I ask questions, check their writing assignments, and have them give summaries about some reading material.

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

Every person, and likewise every student, has different learning methods and needs. I would adapt my tutoring methods to suit them after I have met with them for the first time.

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

Depending on the student, I'll bring either my own books, printouts or educational materials from the internet.

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

I think being open, understanding and approachable is very important when you are building rapport with a new student. They need to know they have the freedom to make mistakes and ask questions.