What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that everyone can learn. The trick is to find out the best ways for each person. They can include a combination of visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and oral. I also believe that whatever you are learning has to matter to you, so finding those connections are important.

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

I would love to find out the student's interests to help tailor my approach. I would also love to find out what the student has taught him/herself and how which will help me understand the student's learning style.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Knowing your learning style and having some interests is the first step. Thinking about scheduling and time management, including calendars and alarms, will help keep anyone on track.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Within each session, having a schedule that we go through will help keep the session moving and maintain appropriate expectations. Talking about future goals will keep the student motivated by always looking ahead at what's next.

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

Usually, I ask them to summarize, verbally, each chapter afterwards. I also ask them to share what they can relate to about the book. Letting students choose their own book topics also often makes a difference in comprehension.

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

Learning the student's interests and figuring out their learning style, along with building rapport and getting to know each other, usually makes the best foundation.

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

The way to get excited about any subject is to connect to it. I would try to find a way that the subject can be meaningful to the student. Sometimes, the meaningful part is not the topic itself but where it can lead you.

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

One of the best ways to check for understanding is to talk about it. Questions about real-life problem solving that utilize the material are exciting to discover and create and give the student a reason for application of the material while giving the teacher an idea of how deep the student understands it.

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

I believe that we should all be confident about learning anything. People often say things like, "I'm not a math person." I don't believe that is true. If you want to learn something, you can! It's really that simple. By frequently reminding a student of where they started, what their goals are, and where they are on that trajectory, a student will build his/her own confidence.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

The first step is to ask a student where they think they struggle. The next is to assess using metric-based tools, such as tests and writing samples.

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

My background is in special education. There are many tools, such as color-coding your notes, keeping a schedule to remind yourself of your tasks, or using a small sand timer to keep you moving, that can help anyone. I would look at where the student is struggling and help them develop tools to help themselves.

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

Movement is probably the biggest-as in taking stretch breaks, taking a walk around the room, or moving your body. Other materials include schedules, timers, and colored pens.