
Stephanie: Waltham tutor
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Xavier University of Louisiana - Bachelors, Sociology
Graduate Degree: Xavier University of Louisiana - Masters, Curriculum & Instruction
I enjoy reading, dancing, cooking, and gardening.
American Literature
College Application Essays
High School English
High School Level American Literature
High School Writing
Other
STAAR EOC Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
Empowering students will leave a lasting impact on their educational goals. All scholars can learn any concept when I motivate them, change my teaching strategy to meet their individual needs, and get their commitment to achieving excellence. The future belongs to those who succeed despite the odds.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a typical session, I would introduce myself, inquire about the student's interest, access the student's tutorial need (strengths and weaknesses), and then provide a plan of action to begin the tutoring session. I would also ask the student what interventions were previously done so that no time would be wasted.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I will assist the student to become an independent learner, by demonstrating what strategies are required to improve the deficiency. I can also direct the student to online resources so that more practice can be done until mastery of the subject is achieved as well.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would keep the student motivated by checking frequently for understanding, providing immediate feedback, giving prompt praise, and implementing manageable scaffolding activities.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would scaffold the concept when a student has difficulty understanding.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
When students are struggling with reading comprehension, I chunk the text and provide sentence stems for the student to complete. I have the student repeat back to me what was understood. I also use a plethora of graphic organizers as well.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
It is best to discover the student's interests through a causal conversation. I like to make the student feel comfortable and secure in knowing that the problem can be improved. The strategy most suited for the student's learning style would be offered and a brief inventory checklist would be given.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would use the student's interests and fascinations to keep him engaged and offer several options to complete the assignment. I certainly would also use current events and make sure there was relevancy.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would allow the student to teach me what was understood. I would give frequent checks for understanding, and if the student was not clear, the lesson would be taught using a different method until mastery is achieved.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I build the student's confidence by giving work assignments at various levels. I let the student teach me by pretending to make a mistake, and this is a quick confidence booster.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
If I do not have any student data, I talk with the student to learn more about his ability to use the English language orally, get a writing sample, and give a short reading assessment.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I adapt my tutoring frequently in order to meet the needs of the student by implementing a variety of strategies and incorporating graphic organizers.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
During a tutoring session, I use graphic organizers, textbook resources, writing samples, the student's assignment, PowerPoints, and interactive, engaging websites.