What is your teaching philosophy?

I love working with kids and seeing that look in their eyes when they finally "get it." I think, as a teacher, it is my job to find a way to reach that understanding.

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

A first session would involve building relationships and getting to know one another to establish a culture of trust and mutual respect. It would also involve some gauging of abilities and finding out what our ultimate goal is going to be.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I think it's important to make sure the student knows the theory and reasoning behind it, and is not just memorizing. If the student truly understands, then the independent learner aspect comes more natural.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Encouragement, lots of chances for success, lots of praise and belief that they really can do it!!

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

I would try to break it down into small components. Then, try to incorporate a hands-on method or try approaching the topic with a different method.

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

I would start with smaller sections and more general questions. Then, gradually build. Once it gets too hard, back up a step, work more on strengths there, and then move on again.

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

Believe in the student’s ability; find out how they learn best, and get to know the student.

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

Start with them being successful. Show excitement myself and relate it to something they are interested in.

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

Formal and informal assessment, activities, occasional checkups, and conversations with the student about what they are doing.

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

Show they can be successful.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Question the student, and test informally on various topics without overdoing it.

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

By teaching what the student needs and being flexible with what methods work best for the student.

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

Manipulatives, step by step directions, practice work, and "talk it out" problems.