
Angela
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Oakland University - Bachelors, Secondary Education- History
Graduate Degree: University of Michigan-Dearborn - Masters, Special Education- LD
Baking, Cooking, Drawing, Traveling
American Literature
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Writing
High School English
High School Level American History
High School Level American Literature
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
Spelling Bee
What is your teaching philosophy?
My philosophy is the idea that every child can achieve academic mastery when their needs are identified and met. It is my responsibility to pinpoint areas of opportunity and tailor lessons to master these areas. I must incorporate engaging strategies that are relevant to the lives of my students.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In our first session, it is my goal to begin an educational relationship with my student. They need to understand that I genuinely care about their education. Once we know more about one another, we will then move forward into benchmark assessments so I can identify what my student's weaknesses and strengths are.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I will begin by doing a lot of modeling of strategies. Once the student understands my expectations, we will then complete work together. This gives them confidence and opportunity to ask questions as they complete work. This will promote assurance when they need to do independent work.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I will keep my students motivated by connecting material to their interests. I will also keep them motivating by using online videos to provide examples.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I will not move on until I am confident that my student has mastered the material. If they are having difficulty, I will find a new approach to teach the skill. I will continue to do this until the concept has been understood.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I begin by identifying their independent reading level. Once I understand what level they are reading at, I incorporate text that is easy for them to complete independently, yet challenging enough to offer growth. We will work on spelling, graphic organizers and use of guided notes during reading.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
After students complete an interest survey, I am sure to utilize that information to tailor their lessons. If a student tells me they enjoy sports, I will find text related to sports, use writing samples that involve athletic information, etc.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would incorporate many of their personal interests into the lessons. If a student does not like reading, I would attempt to find articles and books about their favorite past time. This may reignite a spark!
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would use a variety of assessments. I would use informal assessments such as oral questioning during lessons. Simple questions throughout a lesson let me know if I can continue teaching or if I need to re-teach. I would also use formative assessments such as short quizzes to determine if they have mastered the material. Students could also create a project of their choice to demonstrate mastery.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I am sure to use constant praise every time a child answers a question correctly in the subject or shows understanding. A student with low self-esteem in a subject needs constant affirmation.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I begin with a student survey and a parent survey. It's important for me to understand what the parent wants for their child, but also what the student believes they need to work on. I then use my own benchmark assessments to pinpoint areas of opportunity.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I begin by assessing how the student learns best. If they work best by oral discussion, then we will focus on oral expression. If they enjoy writing more, then I will have the student submit more written assignments. I tailor my lessons to the needs of the students, and how they learn best.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
When using online tutoring, I include the use of online videos to show examples. This is typically engaging for students. I also use my document camera to model strategies for my students to follow along with. Some of these strategies include the use of graphic organizers, annotating text, and the use of manipulatives.