What is your teaching philosophy?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with needing a little extra help. Students learn in many different ways, and sometimes all of those needs cannot be met in a typical classroom setting. I think it is important to work with a child in the way that they will learn best and gain the most. In terms of English, literature, writing, and grammar, I think that discussion and interactive learning can often be most helpful.

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

I start by getting to know the child just the slightest bit. Obviously, I don't want to waste precious time, but I want the student to be comfortable with me. Then, we'll start working on whatever the child is struggling with and needs the most help with.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

We will work on skills that they can reproduce on their own without me the next time they are struggling. I am all about having a mental toolbox to refer to. If things are hard to remember, we can always make a check list of tactics to go about what the child is working on.