What is your teaching philosophy?

My approach to teaching is simple. I only work one-on-one with students so I can customize the lesson to fit their needs, and move as fast or as slow as needed based on the student. After every lesson, there will always be a homework assignment for the student to continue practicing what they are learning. Before we start the next lesson, we will always review the homework to make sure the student fully understands what they are learning. I will never move onto a lesson until the student understands the current lesson.

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

I spend the first session just getting to know the student, and spend time asking questions to gain a better perspective of their needs and what they want to learn.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students need to think for themselves and take responsibility, especially when they are given a homework assignment. The whole point of the homework assignment is to see if they understand the material on their own, and then I help them make adjustments on what they still don't understand.

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

Practice, practice, practice and reading out loud helps while I'm there so I can correct their pronunciation.

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

Spending the first lesson getting to know the student before even moving into the sessions.

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

Encouragement is very motivating to a student when they are learning something new and it's difficult for them to comprehend. Also, taking time to really help reach their heart with the material until they understand it will get the student excited when that lightbulb moment finally strikes.

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

Review and ask questions. Illustrations also can provide a lot of help.

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

Encouragement and praise them on what they are doing well at and to keep up the good work.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By watching their facial expressions, body language and listening to their words, you can gain so much knowledge about what direction you need to teach the student, and how fast or slow you can go.

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

I keep the lesson moving at their pace -- no exceptions!

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

Anything that will reach their heart. It could be a book, question and answer session, illustration, story, a field trip, homework, etc. It all depends on the subject matter and the student's needs.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

We keep working on that skill until they master it.