What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe math is not necessarily a linear learning experience. It is more circular. Sometimes going back to review, sometimes leaping forward.

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

I would assess the student's needs - the student's strengths and weaknesses. I would talk to the student about his or her goals for the sessions as well as his or her learning style.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

While observing, I would have the student work on problems independently to give the student confidence to do it on their own. I would also let the student know of various web-sites to help a student if he or she has difficulty with a problem.