What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is a balanced approach. Students acquire knowledge through a myriad of ways. Inquiry-based learning is essential; however, explicit instruction is also integral in fostering academic success.

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

I would ask questions about the student's objectives. It might also be helpful to review data or past performance to establish a clear plan.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students become independent learners when they have clear expectations and access to helpful resources. Feedback is another important factor in creating independent learners. Students want to know when they are on the right track. Technology has played a major role in supplementing the human element necessary in providing feedback.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Creating mini-milestones of achievement often helps students stay motivated. Also, connecting small goals to greater goals establishes the significance of what may otherwise be considered tedious and boring.

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

Understanding author's purpose is a key component in teaching comprehension. Notwithstanding, a comprehensive evaluation is invaluable. Phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, and other skills must be addressed when teaching reading comprehension.

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

Reciprocal teaching and using analogies to complex concepts have been effective strategies in working with students.