What is your teaching philosophy?

I use a wide range of techniques to get students interested in the material and their futures. As a teacher, I try to be low-key and approachable to gain a student's trust and instill a desire to impress. Nevertheless, I am strict about homework and performance. I am experienced in tutoring younger students in all subject areas from math and science to reading and writing. I find it most satisfying to train people of all ages how to excel academically.

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

For me, the first session with a student includes taking a few minutes to meet each other, to find out about the student's needs, and the reasons behind those needs. I always include a short assessment, establish goals, and motivate the student with a few study tools to try out before our next session.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

There are several tools, tips, and tricks to help a student become independent and an active learner. I slowly build up the student's tool kit, confidence, and motivation until they are ready to tackle academic challenges they never considered within their grasp.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Motivation is the key to learning, but setbacks can easily derail a student's determination. I help my students stay motivated by informing them about the science of learning, reflective activities on what they did right so they don't focus only on a failure, and work through any difficulties until the student is confident in facing a similar problem or situation.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I like to use analogies with things the student enjoys to bring out an understanding of a difficult abstract skill or concept in order to make it more relevant to the student.