
Kate
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Greenville College - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Graduate Degree: Webster University - Masters, Reading
dance, music, art, fitness, crossfit
Elementary School Reading
Elementary School Writing
Middle School Reading
Middle School Reading Comprehension
Middle School Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is based off a belief that every student is capable of learning and deserves the individual time it may take to teach them a concept. No two students are alike or learn in the same way. With this understanding, it is essential to provide the additional support some students may need to master a skill. It is my life's mission to provide a quality education and the necessary support to every student I come into contact with.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
When first meeting a student, it is important to spend time getting to know one another and begin to build a foundation of trust prior to any academic lessons.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Students become independent when they develop a personal connection to the academic material and a purpose for acquiring the knowledge being taught. The best way to develop this level of independence is by knowing the student well enough to provide the natural opportunities for them to connect with the material.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Most students stay motivated when they understand the purpose for knowing the information being taught, as well as feeling confident that the teacher is supporting them in mastering the skills needed. Giving the student small opportunities for success allows them to stay positive and confident as they learn. If and when the student does experience failure, the teacher should always be ready to support the student in developing grit.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
The best teachers are able to anticipate student misconceptions and predict possible areas of difficulty in learning a skill or concept. By thinking about these in advance, I am able to have the materials, manipulatives, and practice work ready to support the student through the challenge. If the difficulty was not anticipated, it is the teacher's responsibility (not the student's) to identify where the breakdown occurred and prepare to support the student by using student work as data.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
There are so many ways to help students struggling with reading comprehension. The first thing I would do is figure out what area of comprehension the student may be struggling with. From there, I would develop a goal with the student, use appropriate leveled texts, and explicitly teach strategies they could begin to implement independently while reading.