What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is to appreciate and acknowledge all types of learners by keeping students engaged in the lesson. I also believe in adding rigor at a young age in order to prepare children for college.

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

In a first session with a student, I would start by getting to know their interests and hobbies. I believe incorporating these things into lessons is crucial for keeping children engaged. After that, I would assess their Reading, Writing, and Math skills.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I can help a student become an independent learner by building confidence. Creating a safe environment where it's alright to struggle and make mistakes is very important. When children are working it out - maybe stumbling a little - learning is happening. When they realize that they don't have to have it all figured out immediately, they are confident! In turn, they feel safe enough to branch out on their own.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would help a student stay motivated by tapping into their interests and adding these to lessons or assignments. I find that projects are a really great way to motivate students because they get to be creative. I also use a website called "Class Dojo." Students earn positive points, or can lose points as well, based on my expectations. Students earn points towards an end goal or reward.

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

If a student is having difficulty, I would go back to the beginning and change the way I taught it the first time.

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

I help students who are struggling with reading comprehension by teaching them to annotate the reading, ask questions along the way, and highlight important information. I also use graphic organizers to fill out as they read.

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

When I start to work with a student, the strategies I have found to be most successful are patience, giving them freedom to make mistakes, setting the tone that everything we do together has meaning, and expecting them to try their best.

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

Building excitement is very important to learning! I remember as a kid, if my teacher talked for too long, I tuned out! I like to keep the instruction moving, use technology when possible, have students work in collaborative learning groups, use peer tutoring, and incorporate classroom culture and interests into the lessons.

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

In order to be sure that a student understands the material before giving a test, I use exit tickets with questions based on the lesson. I walk around the room and assess answers to questions that I've asked while keeping track of responses, I grade everything I give them, I use "thumbs up if you understand," I ask questions, and I make sure to call on a student that I am concerned about. While students are working collaboratively, I spend time at each group listening to the conversations and prompt any students who are not participating.

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

I build a student's confidence in a subject by finding ways to have them practice!

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I evaluate a student's needs by paying attention all the time. I also will challenge individuals who are excelling, because when a student is bored or not challenged, there is no learning happening.

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

I adapt my tutoring to the student's needs by talking with them or their parents about what our goals are. If a student has their own personal academic goal, I would definitely work on that. Being in constant communication with the students and/or their parents is important.

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

During a tutoring session, I would typically use manipulatives, technology, worksheets, books, textbooks, highlighters, and graphic organizers.