What is your teaching philosophy?

Everyone can learn and it’s my pleasure to help you customize your way! Ready? Lets GO!

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

The first session is my meet and greet session. You will tell me your expectations, goals, and what you consider your strengths/needs. I want to know about you, what you like, what are your pet peeves and other information to help me create interesting sessions for us. One thing I know about teaching/tutoring is creativity is key to making education FUN. We will get to know each other and then form a plan of action to execute your success.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

The key to independent learning is empowering a student by giving them choices. Resources and research projects are a cornerstone to learning. The wonderful thing about the internet is it is vast and full of possibilities. I always try to find video/audio and as many forms of differentiated methods to meet the needs of my students. If we are meeting in person you will see my teacher toolbox full of things I use to convey a particular concept. If we are online you receive as many links, and created work packets to assist you in learning. Customizing the learning process is how you create an independent learner. Also, I will challenge and compete with my students to motivate them to go above the bar. Homework is the independent practice needed to build a student's confidence. By combining these methods success can and will be achieved by an individual.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Challenge THEM!!! Challenges are motivating because they confirm competency. I believe in positive reinforcement and realistic consequences. So, if a student meets one of my challenges they may earn a reward. (No new homework, and/or a cool coupon for something I know they're into) We may play a round of beat the teacher trivia to see if you can best me "The all powerful OZ of tutoring..." (Which isn't easy by far) Yet, I know the most satisfying feeling is the one of accomplishment from rising to the occasion.

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

Differentiated materials and surveys for feedback will assist in my planning lessons to develop their skills.

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

Teaching Latin root words, context clues, and sounding out words can increase reading comprehension. Pronunciation, spelling challenges, and flashcards are also resources that can be used and tracked for achievement.

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

The best strategy is listening and planning ahead. Communication is key in creating realistic and reachable goals.

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

By creating lessons that include things that they like. For example, if Star Wars is your thing then we will read scripts to practice skills. Or I will do math problems in Yoda speech. I will try to incorporate student interests into the subject content areas. Fun always makes the session better.

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

The check for understanding method (CFU). I ask my students their comfort levels, to revise/review their own work, and give planned self assessments. The assessments cover concepts already taught and challenge students to critically think. Getting a right answer is only half the battle; knowing why your work is correct is winning the war. By reviewing/revising student work you create the opportunity for self-correction observations and a chance to find another way to solve the problem. This deepens the student engagement and strengthens their skills.

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

Celebrating the victories. The end goal isn't the only goal. There are plenty of steps or stages that are necessary to master before achieving a desired outcome. By setting small, reachable goals and celebrating those victories. Students’ confidence is boosted and in the same light they become more motivated to complete their future tasks.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

Student check-ins are one on one conversations will happen at the end of most sessions. These check-ins provide the time for us to discuss needs, wants and go over how much progress has been made towards the goal. Also, student surveys tell me what I need improve or get rid off.

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

The materials depend on the subject but I always try to have writing materials, worksheet packets, calculator, rulers, and other basic needs for a productive session. Other times you might see me in dressed up for "theme" session of your choice. I like to use manipulative pieces like Legos or Popsicle sticks. Materials can be as creative as necessary to keep a session productive.

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

I adapt my lesson according the needs of my students and their strengths. By focusing on their learning style combined with their learning ability we can reach our goals.