What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. I will help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable individuals. I will assist children in discovering who they are, so they can express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas. I have a vision of a world where people learn to respect, accept, and embrace the differences between us as the core of what makes life so fascinating.

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

I will get to know the student first and foremost and develop a relationship with the student. I will also assess the weakness and the strength of the student in the subject matter.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Provide an open environment where students can ask questions. Give the student my total attention during tutoring sessions. Be flexible with learning styles and adapting to the student's needs. Let the student do their own work. Allow the student to answer their own questions. Use praise to encourage and show the student that they are headed in the right direction. Provide the student opportunities to use a resource other than myself. Ask for help if the student is not sure how to answer a question.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Basically, motivations stem from unsatisfied needs. However, it must be understood that individuals are motivated through a wide variety of needs. Some people are highly motivated by money, others by power, and others by praise. Since teachers are not usually in a position to offer students money or power, the focus here will be on praise. It should also be noted that some people are self-motivated and perform because they like a challenge and want to perform. While educators can't make or teach students to be self-motivated, they can encourage and promote this highly desirable personal trait. Generally, students will show some self-motivation if they (1) know what is expected of them, (2) think the effort is worthwhile, and (3) feel they will benefit through effective performance.

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

If a student was having difficulty with a skill or concept, I would reflect on my teaching style and make modifications based on what the student is having trouble with. I would present the information another way, i.e. I would revise my lesson plan and work with the students and try new approaches to introducing the information. I would present the information another way, i.e. I would revise my lesson plan and work with the students and try new approaches to introducing the information.

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

Show empathy toward the student. Show the student that you care.

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

I teach the fundamentals of reading by taking words apart and putting them together in order to understand the whole meaning.