For me, teaching is a journey to encourage and support people of all ages to explore the world and be open to knowledge. A good teacher provides comfort, but challenges students to reach their potential.

In the first session, I would like to spend time getting to the know the student in terms of both academics and social emotional needs, while creating a fun, engaging and safe environment!

I can support students to stay motivated by creating fun and engaging lessons that encourage students to challenge themselves to reach their goals!

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, I like to provide differentiated instruction to support the student's needs. Students can be different learners and may need different tools to learn a concept. I like to teach topics in the way the student learns best.

When I begin to work with a new student, I have found that I am more successfully when I take time to get to know the student. I like to learn the interests of the students, how the student prefers to learn (auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, visual), and the strengths and needs of the student. When I understand the whole student, I am better able to meet their needs and sessions are more productive.

As a certified reading specialist, I know many different ways to support reading comprehension. Some methods I like to use are collecting and implementing background knowledge, different questions, visuals, auditory recaps and graphic organizers. All of the methods are research-based methods of instruction that are designed to support reading comprehension.

I like to use formal and informal assessment to determine if the student understand the material I am teaching. This could be as easy as the student providing a "thumbs up" if they master a concept, or using different levels of questioning. I also like using assessments that provide data for parents and guardians, in order to see the progress their student has made.

I build student confidence by providing many different opportunities for success. Opportunities for success can look different for each student. I also like to use positive praise and charts so students can see their own growth in their learning!

I use different methods of assessment to determine a student's need. I like to use formal testing, grades, teacher input, parent input and student input to determine the exact needs.

Once I determine a student's needs, I am able to adapt my tutoring to meet their needs. I am willing to use differentiated instruction, personalized instruction and manipulatives to support a student.

During a tutoring session, I like to provide hands-on materials and fun things for the students to use while we are working. I also like to bring high quality text and real-world problems!

I can help a student become an independent learner by boosting confidence and motivating the student.

I would help a student get excited about a subject they are struggling in by creating a lesson that includes their personal interests. It has been found that students are more likely to be engaged when lessons include items, concepts, or places they enjoy!