What is your teaching philosophy?

Learn smart, learn fun. It’s smart because I base all of my instruction in proven practices and theory. It’s fun because I love to laugh and make sure my students have a good time.

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

Talk about the student's goals and learning styles for the first fifteen minutes. Try different activities for the next forty-five.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Teach learning strategies, including those that have made me successful.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Help them tap into the sheer joy of learning... even if it's a subject they hate.

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

Have the student tell me what's most difficult about it and what teaching approaches usually work for them. Then, experiment with different methods and activities until the skill or concept ‘clicks.’

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

Slow things down. Break longer sentences into chunks. Try to locate the missing vocabulary, grammar, or skill that's causing them problems.

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

Be super positive and find what works best for them. Explain the subject in a different light than what they're used to.

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

Ask higher-level questions. Make students explain things back to me in their own words. Recycle old material in new lessons to make sure they haven't forgotten.

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

Set them up to succeed by giving them difficult, but doable grade level assignments.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By listening to them.

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

By having an open mind, an open heart, and open ears.

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

I am very good at making materials up on the spot based on the students' interests and preferences. However, I also have an archive of past lessons and textbooks I can use.