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

I introduce myself and try to get a feel for what the student is struggling with in particular. I then address those questions or problems by starting at the foundations and trying to help my student get a good grasp of what they are trying to do.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I try to show my students steps and procedures to solving problems, and then let them teach an example back to me. This helps make sure that they are understanding the concepts as well as giving them a chance to explain in their own words.

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

I try to make subjects relatable to students. If they have an interest in sports, I show how the subject can relate to sports, or any other interest they may have. It also turns into more of a game to get the right answers and pick up concepts, and becomes more fun that way.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Every student can learn any subject if they want to.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Work with their parents to offer incentives such as a later bedtime or a favorite dessert for doing well.

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

After teaching a concept, I will present them with a practice problem, and have them explain and teach me how they solve it.

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

I try to make the reading material more relatable to the student. I do this by trying to find similarities of the student and the reading, or have them visualize the scenario or the voice in the reading piece to help them comprehend better.

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

Making tutoring an interactive experience. I like to talk to my students about their interests and use that information when teaching them so that it's not just another boring teacher making them learn, but a fun tutor trying to help them understand in a fun way.