Jackie
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: University of Dallas - Bachelors, English
Graduate Degree: The University of Texas -Pan American - Masters, Educational Diagnostics
Reading, Music, Art, Travel, Outdoors
6th Grade AP Language Composition
AP English Language and Composition
Comparative Literature
Elementary School English
Elementary School Math
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Writing
Executive Functioning
High School English
High School Level American Literature
ISEE Prep
Learning Differences
Middle School English
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
Other
Spanish 1
Study Skills
Study Skills and Organization
World Literature
How would you help a student stay motivated?
In every lesson I compliment the student on the areas in which he/she is successful and has made progress.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I focus on the student's strengths and interests and use creative approaches customized to those strengths and interests.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I generally begin with a close reading of the text, going sentence by sentence with the student and pausing to ask what we learned from each one. Depending upon the student's age, either the student or I will jot notes so that at the end of the passage, we can draw some conclusions about what we learned. Close attention also is paid to detail and inference.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I evaluate the student's interests and strengths to provide a more customized, focused approach.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would relate the student's interests and real-life experiences
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I use constant review and evaluation as we move forward.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I compliment and reinforce the areas in which the student is making progress on a regular basis.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I pay close attention to the student's non-verbal cues as well as to written and spoken work. I also talk with family and teachers if possible and applicable to assess the student's past and current academic situation.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
In addition to the student's school assignments, materials may extend to age and subject-appropriate audio and video recordings, online articles, and manipulatives such as clay, cutouts, and Cuisenaire rods.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that all students can make progress with appropriate customized instructional approaches, focus on their interests, and constant reinforcement.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In the first session I get to know the student and his/her family if applicable. I find out what his/her interests and strengths are, a little about their academic history - especially the area(s) in which he/she is having difficulty - and what their goals and expectations are. I then make a written plan and ask for the student's and parent's approval, noting that adjustments will be made as needed.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Constant reinforcement and progress in previously troublesome areas can help a student to become a more independent learner. Once he/she has matched his strengths and interests to a challenging subject, confidence grows.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
At the initial session, I talk with the student and parents about the student's past and present educational experience and then develop a plan. I also closely observe students during tutoring sessions and suggest strategies and techniques that will help them be more successful.