What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that listening is the most important teaching tool. Every student is different, and no one method will help everyone. The key to my style is figuring out what works for each student as an individual. Are you a visual or aural learner? Maybe it's about moving around when your mind starts to wander? We will find the answers together!

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

We'll take time to get to know each other. I'll ask questions about what you need, and you can ask me about my methods. Then we can get to work!

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Again, for me it's not about teaching someone my way of learning. It's about cracking the code for each student. Together, we will discover how you learn best. That way, you can keep applying what we learn when I'm gone.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I'm a big believer in exercise. If we are getting discouraged, then it's time to get outside and move. Maybe a walk or a change of scenery can re-energize a frustrated student.

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

Take a break, work on something else, and then come back to it with fresh eyes. Sometimes concepts take time. Maybe we need to find a way that the concept presents itself in nature. Maybe we need a snack. Maybe you need to write it down in your own words. I won't give up on you, but together, we'll can find a way that is specific to you for cracking a concept.

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

I think reading out loud is so helpful. Sometimes you just need to hear the words as you read them. This might sound funny, but it also can help to move around while you read. I'm an actor, and I perform Shakespeare plays for a living. Sometimes, in order to understand a difficult piece of text, I will walk around the room while reading it. When the body gets involved, suddenly, the words make more sense.

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

Patience, communication and careful listening!

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

I always like to find the way the material can relate to the student. When I was in school, if I couldn't find a practical reason for a subject in my life, I would struggle with it too. So, I needed to figure out why it was important to me.

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

I make sure the student can work through a problem, guiding me through it step by step.

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

Repetition and words of encouragement!

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

Pen, paper and our imaginations.