What is your teaching philosophy?

When I was young I didn't think I was smart, and it wasn't until I found a tutor who explained the subject in a new way that I finally realized I am smart and that we all learn different ways. My teaching philosophy is that everyone is smart and can grasp any subject; all it takes is for someone to explain it in a way that makes it click.

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

In a first session, I like to get to know the student and understand why they believe they are struggling with a subject. After I uncover their mental blocks and barriers, I work towards overcoming those by tackling them in small steps to help them gain confidence and understanding.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I believe students become independent learners when they understand how they learn. I strive to help students figure out their learning strategy, and from there, I help them frame new material into that strategy. For example, if a student is a visual learner, I teach them how to take the material they are taught in class and translate it in a visual way so that they can understand it in a way that makes the most sense to them.