What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that all students can and will learn. I believe that there is always a way to ensure students understand new concepts; therefore, differentiation is key. I also believe that with the right support, students can reach all their goals and achieve anything they set their mind to.

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

Get to know each other and do a diagnostic test and review of basic skills.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I believe reading is the skill to literacy. I believe the more a student reads, the more fluent he/she becomes, which will help them excel at any subject. Also, I would teach research and problem-solving skills, which will allow the student to try to solve daily life lessons and/or reach out for help or resources if needed.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I believe feedback is extremely important. I would track progress and celebrate successes as we go. Also, I would engage him/her in hands-on activities in which he/she can explore and create with their own hands.

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

Find different ways to teach it. Sometimes, with pictures. Sometimes, with manipulatives. All students can learn, even when not all of them learn in the same way or speed!

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

Read alouds and continuous practice is always part of my lessons. I read and the students read. We practice decoding so students are not stuck, trying to figure out how to sound out words. Once that is mastered, students can focus on the gist of what they are reading.

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

Students must discover and create their knowledge. The more work they do, the more they learn. Besides, it is boring to hear the teacher talk the entire time! They must do it!

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

Coloring, cutting, building, highlighting, reading, creating, etc., are some of the strategies I use to ensure students understand the concepts. Also, I try to help them make connections with real-life situations so it is relevant to them.

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

I check for understanding throughout the lesson. I try to make benchmarks as we go, so if the student is struggling with a minor concept, I can correct it before we move into major ones.

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

I am 100% convinced that all students can learn, and I understand that we must build on our knowledge. We can't skip concepts. Most concepts build on one another. We will conquer one step at a time, creating a strong foundation.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

With diagnostics assessments, observations, and checks for understanding throughout the lessons.

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

I review what was taught in class and try to build on it. If there are misconceptions, I address them before moving on. Practicing and showing mastery of new concepts helps us ensure we are ready to move on.

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

I use the curriculum as a guide, but tutoring comes with the help of pictures, drawings, blocks, whiteboards, and any other materials that help the students' minds demonstrate what they know.