What is your teaching philosophy?

Respect and inclusion are paramount. Students must treat one another politely and sympathetically, and students should be treated as responsible individuals. Further, while education is based on the passing on of knowledge, allowing students' interests and learning styles to inform a curriculum can lead to success in the classroom.

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

I would begin by asking the student about her or his academic and extracurricular interests, as this would provide me with guidance regarding how to structure lessons. I would also tell the student a bit about myself, as I would want the student to be comfortable speaking with me from the get-go.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Students already have the capacity within them to learn independently; all that remains is a nudge in the right direction. Teaching study skills, helping students to draw connections, and granting some autonomy during lessons can allow students to take ownership of their learning.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I believe in using positive reinforcement and emphasizing smaller successes. It is unlikely for a student's grade to drastically improve overnight. But what IS likely is witnessing a student correctly and successfully applying a skill in order to answer a question. These little advances are evidence of progress, and it is crucial to recognize them.

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

I would reflect on the student's interests and try to make a connection between these interests and the concept. If that is not possible, I would break down the concept to its base, teach the basics, and then slowly build up from there by asking check-for-understanding questions along the way.

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

Breaking down sentences into smaller, discrete units is the way to go-typically. Frequent checks for understanding and answering clarifying questions are also key.

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

Identifying students' interests and learning styles is most important, and setting specific, achievable goals is a great way to stay on track.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

I would do my best to relate the topic to one of the student's interests and/or hobbies, and then draw connections between the subject and the student's interest. A little creativity goes a long way!

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

I would ask impromptu questions of the student in order to check for understanding, drawing upon the material that was just discussed for information.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

Practice, practice, practice! It is important to look at the big picture, set actionable goals along the way, and continue to work diligently in order to improve in a subject.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I would initially examine a student's most recent test scores and grades, if possible, but what I have found to be more effective is to provide the student with a few brief, basic assessments in order to gauge the student's current academic abilities.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

If I see that one of my tactics is not working, I either adapt it or abandon it in favor of those to which the student responds better. The student's understanding is more important than my complacency with an established tactic.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I use a dry-erase board (with a spectrum of ink colors!) and index cards. I am no stranger to creating my own paper- and computer-based materials as well.