Vanessa

What is your teaching philosophy?

I want to help my students be the very best version of themselves they can be. My philosophy is to teach the bigger picture--not focusing just on commas and semicolons but about how we can use words to influence people to believe in our ideas and how writing can help us to know our own thoughts better and grow as people. And I also try to keep things fun!

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

In the very first meeting, we'll introduce ourselves to one another, and I'll ask the student about their goals (e.g. what they feel they need most help with--and how they think I can help). I'll also gather some information about how the student learns best. Once I have this information, I'll present a preliminary plan for how I think I can best help. If everyone is on board, we'll begin!

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

The best way to help a student become an independent learner is by helping them realize how fun and rewarding learning can be, and how much they can learn about themselves and what they are capable of when trying new things. You can do this by setting achievable goals in the intended activity--whether it's reading, writing, etc. A 10-page paper might seem impossible at first but not if you've first written a 1-page paper, then a 2-page paper, then a 4-pager, then a 6-pager, and then an 8-pager, and so on. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I'd help a student stay motivated by breaking bigger tasks into smaller chunks and celebrating each milestone they accomplish. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.