What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe there are many wonderful methods of teaching, and I choose what is best so each student can learn in a safe, comfortable, and fun environment.

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

I always start each lesson with a minimum 5-minute warm-up. I just start a conversation, and the student can delve into new material more easily.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I teach them methods which can help them learn on their own. For example, I tell students to write down what they may find difficult to help with memorization.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I always look for the end result. Why is the student studying to improve their English? Is it to pass a test or to simply improve their communication skills. I remind students why they wanted to be tutored in the first place.

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

I would stop, change to a different skill, and come back to the more difficult lesson after the student gets a break.

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

I simply read more. I feel reading needs to be practice to be improved.

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

It is different for every student. I figure out how they learn best, whether it is visually or logically, for example. If a student loves music, we sing. If a student loves reading, we read. I cater all my strategies to each individual.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

I show them how what they are learning is used in real life situations. I feel students are more enthusiastic when they can see a clear result of their hard work.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

I simply ask them questions so I can verify they can explain the material back to me. Sometimes, I have them teach me what they just learned.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

I am a very rewarding tutor who always says, "Good job," or "Don't worry and try again." Students know when they are doing well.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

In the area of ESL, I always start with a series of questions designed to target their specific level. If a student is struggling with something, I simply change my method so the student can fully understand.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

I can read a student's demeanor, and I strive to always make sure they are comfortable. I do not use the same methods with every student. I find a specific teaching tactic that each student enjoys.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I always use the media, be it newspapers, magazines, or books. I also use video, music, and pictures for visual stimulation. I love singing. I am able to develop materials that are very interactive. I also believe writing is very important for memorization, so I do provide worksheets for practice work.