What is your teaching philosophy?

Respect for students, teaching at an appropriate level based on the student's background, and dedication to teaching science as a process accessible to all.

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

Determine their standing in a class, desired goals, and areas of difficulty - then tailor teaching to meet the stated goals.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I teach by allowing the student to do the work with hands-on tools and experiments.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I focus on the end goal while making a little progress every day. Positive feedback and regular recommendations for improvement

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

I attempt multiple approaches until finding the one that works for that student.

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

I slow down the reading until I'm sure the material is being understood.

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

I use personal introductions, getting to know the student, and making them comfortable before attempting to give them new information.

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

I focus the topic on an area of their personal interest, such as sports or the arts. E.g. - How are chemistry and biology important in those fields?

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

Ask the student to teach the material back to confirm understanding!

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

Encouragement, repetition, and confirming understanding.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I discuss needs and goals with the student and/or parent during the introductory meeting

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

I identify those needs and focus on them, not other subject areas.

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

I use the internet, videos, models, specimens, etc., as needed.