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

I will ask the student about long-term goals, and then ask how the current work will help them progress toward that goal. I will assess their current knowledge and abilities to determine the best place to start.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Teaching is an art. There is no single right or wrong way to teach. I try to get to know each student personally and adapt my style and techniques to get the best result for each student.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Interest in and curiosity about the subject are the most important factors for independent learning. Also important are reading comprehension and good note-taking skills. I do my best to engage my student's curiosity about my subjects. I also will ask them to read problems and solutions aloud, to help with comprehension. I will look over class notes and evaluate the student's understanding of their own notes, in order to improve them in the future.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I try to engage my students in every way possible; I ask questions, have them read aloud, or explain their thinking to me. I may bring along manipulative materials to assist with understanding challenging concepts. I try to help my students see math as a puzzle that is challenging but satisfying to complete.