What is your teaching philosophy?

As a teacher, I recognize that each student learns differently based on their unique learning style. My teaching philosophy is based off the quote by educator Ignacio Estrada, "If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn." That is exactly what I strive for. I get to know my students and create an environment most applicable to their learning needs.

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

The first session is where I take the time to get to know the student- what are their interests? Favorite book? Favorite subject? What do they struggle in? What are they good at? I like to motivate the students I work with by creating curriculum that inspires them and incorporates their interests.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

In order for a student to become an independent learner, they need to be provided clear expectations by the teacher. Modeling what needs to be achieved is a great method to accomplishing this.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I help my students stay motivated by incorporating their interests into my instruction.

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

If a student is having difficulty, I like to model it and target the problem to determine where they are having trouble.

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

In order to help students who are struggling with reading comprehension, I believe it is important to have the child make connections to help deepen their understanding. I always encourage my students to ask questions and provide strategies for them to follow, such as underlining text and reading the questions beforehand.

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

In order to achieve student success, I define clear objectives. I work closely with the child to work through their weaknesses and highlight their strengths.

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

I have always been able to motivate my students by incorporating things they are interested in into my instruction. I find out what they like and try to include it in my teaching. I think it's also important to make real world connections to the material I teach.

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

Strategies I like to use are called exit slips and 3-2-1 cards. They allow the child to think about what they learned and shows the teacher what they understood or what they still have questions on.

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

In order to build student's confidence in a subject, I have the child speak to me about the topic and speak openly about what they do and don't understand.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I evaluate a student's needs by assessment and conducting a learning styles inventory.

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

Just as everyone has a unique fingerprint, each student has an individual style of learning. Not all students in a classroom learn a subject in the same way or share the same level of ability. My masters was in Differentiated Instruction, which is a method of designing and delivering instruction to best reach each student. I adapt my teaching style to meet the unique needs of each student.

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

I like to incorporate different materials such as videos, manipulatives, flashcards, etc. to make my instruction very hands-on.