What is your teaching philosophy?

I work primarily in test prep, where my philosophy is that state of mind is just as important, if not more so, than understanding concepts. I work with students on test-taking strategies that work with their academic style, and I focus on making the students feel confident before the big day. I suffer from test anxiety, and so I want to help anyone else who has the same issue to overcome it and do their best.

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

Often in first sessions, I will talk with the student to better understand their goals and what exactly they want to get out of tutoring. Then, we will usually do a quick overview of all the test subjects so I can get a feel for where they are in each. Near the end of the session, I'll make a study plan with the student, including what we'll plan to do in the next session and any homework I want them to do between now and then.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By teaching students study skills as well as content, I help prepare the students for studying on their own, both for this subject and for their future academic endeavors.