What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that teachers/tutors should expect great things from everyone, and then meet students where they are to help them meet those expectations. Learning should be individualized and fun! Not everyone learns in the same way or at the same pace, but absolutely everyone is capable of learning.

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

In the first session with a student, I might ask them their goals and their perceived strengths/weaknesses in the area of our focus. I'll ask them if they have had any learning experiences that they felt made a deep impact on them and what way they feel they learn best. Together, we will make a plan for success. If there is time, I might try and determine their current ability level through a basic assessment of some sort.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students become independent learners when they feel confident and empowered in their learning. Setting up an atmosphere where it is OK to be wrong, but not OK to not try, is key to this. When students get a taste of success despite failure, they are much more likely to be motivated to learn independently.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

It is so important to determine what motivates individual students. Maybe they want to be a doctor when they grow up, maybe they want to be able to write a short story that is dynamic and interesting, or maybe they just want to pass a class so that they can continue to play sports. These are all valid motivators. Calling students back to the big picture of their long-term and short-term goals is key. Encouraging conversations and setting students up for success are also vital.