How can you help a student become an independent learner?

By giving them the love of knowledge. Don't focus on the material being learned, rather focus on what that material can do.

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

As someone with surface dyslexia, reading has never been easy. My biggest advice is do not be afraid to read slow and reread a problem several times.

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

Build a rapport with the student by just talking to them, making sure morale is high, is just as important as the material being taught.