
Suzanne
Certified Tutor
As a teacher, I find fulfillment in helping students achieve. That "light bulb moment," when a student understands a concept, is so satisfying. Although I help students every day in the classroom, I know that some need that extra help or motivation outside of class to be successful and I am happy to provide that.
I am a certified teacher and former journalist. I currently teach dual credit U.S. History and AP World History as well as writing skills. For the past several years, 100% of my students have passed the US History STAAR test. Last year, 73% passed at mastery level.
I also have taught World Geography and World Cultures. My journalism background has provided me with strong writing and editing skills that I share with students to increase their abilities. It also has enabled me to help students make connections with historical themes through current events.
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Undergraduate Degree: Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi - Bachelors, History
Graduate Degree: American Public University System - Masters, History
In my free time I enjoy reading, photography, watching baseball, and hiking.
- AP United States History
- AP US History
- AP World History
- College English
- College Geography
- College Level American History
- English
- Essay Editing
- Geography
- High School English
- High School Geography
- High School Level American History
- History
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Writing
- Reading
- Social Studies
- US History
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that every student can learn and achieve. Every student learn differently. I try to differentiate how I present lessons so that various learning styles are incorporated.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would try to get to know the student a little bit and find out his/her strengths, weaknesses, and possible learning styles. I would then try to formulate, with the student, a "game plan" to achieve his/her goals.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I would model the work first, and also help the student make as many real-world connections as possible. Once a student sees real-world applications, learning becomes a natural process.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Positive reinforcement is always good. Hearing that you are doing a good job makes a difference to many students. I also would find out their likes/dislikes, and try to provide them with incentives.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would ask them specifically what they didn't understand and break down the concept from there. I also would teach it again in a different way than I taught it the first time. Students have different learning styles.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would work with them on vocabulary, and using context clues while reading.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would try to get them to make some connections with it to their own lives. I also would incorporate technology into how I taught it.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would evaluate the student's comprehension through oral and written assessments. It also could include quick multiple-choice or T/F questions.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Positive reinforcement that they are putting in the effort, and that it is starting to pay off, is probably the best way to boost confidence.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I would look at class assignments/tests to see how they answered questions. I also would speak with them and probably orally quiz them on their subject to determine strengths and weaknesses.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I would probably have the student do a learning style profile to see what kind of learner they are. I would then try to tailor my approach to that so learning in optimized.