What is your teaching philosophy?

As an educator, I strongly believe that every child can learn. Students learn using a variety of teaching styles and techniques. When students are interested and engaged in how new information is taught, students are able to learn. I strongly believe no person learns the exact same way. It is very important to use a wide variety of teaching methods when providing instruction.

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

During the first session I would meet with the student and parents to discuss their needs and skills. I would ask the student to share their interests, and we will begin working on the area they requested for tutoring with a fun opening activity.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students can become independent learners when they are taught a variety of strategies to solve a wide variety of problems.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Positive praise is always important. As students work they should always be encouraged.

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

I would examine what the student is struggling with and ask the student to share what they would like more help with. I would teach the skill using different methods to see if the student learns using a different method of instruction.

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

I assist students that are struggling with reading comprehension by discussing the text. I teach students to make connections, predictions and inferences. I encourage students to reread using close read strategies.

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

I find arts, engaging activities, and connecting student interest the best strategies that help students become successful learners.

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

I would connect a student's interests to the subject they are struggling with. For example, if a student is struggling with math but really enjoys football, I would create math problems that incorporate football.

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

I would use exit slips or tickets to check for understanding. We will always review before completing a session.

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

Positive praise and reinforcement are key!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I analyze student work and student data.

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

I develop my tutoring based on individual student needs.

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

I use a wide variety of learning manipulatives.