What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is that success is all about preparation. If a student learns question types, prepares for testing through repetition as well as works hard towards their goals with specified testing material, that is the key. I've filled many shoes so I know how it feels to be in different positions in terms of writing. The more authentic question would be, If you had the key to a test, would you take it? I am simply that key.

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

Go over basic knowledge and foundation writing. Meet you where you are as a student.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Practice makes perfect! Foundations turn into routine and routine turns into habits.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I've been through many things as a student. We can always relate in that aspect. I never liked writing initially, and look at me now. I not only love writing, but want to share with students the secrets to enjoying it too, even if it is just for school purposes.

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

It’s important to be able to adapt and meet students where they are. I always ask "How do you feel about this?” and "What confused you about this?" Essentially I am creating an open dialogue between the student and I.

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

The key with reading comprehension is repetition. Stop at the words you are unfamiliar with and familiarize yourself with them. Dictionary and Thesaurus are good friends of mine as a writer.

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

Plan. Jot. Attack. Simple.

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

Ask questions. Writing topics can really be engaging and fun when you discuss them. Let a student's opinion be heard.

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

Testing. Questions as we go along. Open Dialogue is so important!

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

Practice and positive reinforcement!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Capability test. (Basically let a student pick a prompt of choice related to the writing goal and let them "have at it") After completion, going over it and having the student revise and edit their own paper.

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

Simply adapt. As a tutor it’s essential to know all students are different and comprehend concepts from their perception level.

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

Passages, prompts, blank sheets of paper, model papers, and more...