What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that every child should love learning. Learning new skills and content is fascinating, and getting really good at a skill through lots of practice is exciting. As a teacher, it is my job to help your child achieve their academic goals and feel joy, curiosity and a sense of achievement while doing so.

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

In our first session, I want to get to know the student as a person and as a student. I want to get a sense of what their strengths and weaknesses are and what they hope to get out of our sessions.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I always encourage students to ask questions, and when suitable, I guide them to the answer rather than giving it to them. When students find the answer to a problem on their own, they are learning not only the answer to their specific question, but also valuable learning tools that they can use in future problems.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I help students stay motivated by keeping them interested in the subject and making sure to explain the WHY behind everything we do. When we understand the why, everything makes more sense and we are more motivated to keep at it!

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

I'd try to approach the skill/concept from a different approach. There is usually more than one way to see a concept, and it's a matter of finding the way that works for a particular student. That, and trying and trying again!

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

Practice makes perfect! The best way to become a better reader is to read, read and read. Also, there are some tricks that will help a struggling reader break apart the text and find the main idea. I would share those with them as well.

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

I'd find ways that the subject is applicable to their life. I'd come up with stories or situations that they are interested in and then incorporate the subject material. I'd show them that learning this subject is cool and fun!