My teaching philosophy is to meet each student where they are. Some need more motivation than others. Some students need more fun in a lesson, and some need stricter guidance. Whatever it is they need, I will meet them in that place, but I always try to ensure that we have fun during our sessions. It eases them up and helps them to understand that I am here for them.

My typical first session consists of getting to know the student on a personal level. This includes asking questions about school, where do they feel they need the most help and answering questions about me. I also like to spend a few minutes with the parent to learn of their expectations in front of as well as aside from the student. My first sessions only last about 45 minutes to an hour.

When doing this, I try to teach the student their strengths and show them how to work on their weaknesses. I try to show them how to be more confident in their work.

I work with my students on what motivates them by talking about future goals. This helps them to focus on not just what we are working on currently, but also to work on getting better for the future.

I feel out each student and reach them where they are. During this process, I am able to determine whether or not a student is learning the way we are going or not before proceeding. I communicate with them to understand if we need to move in a different direction or not. There are many ways to teach someone, and I ensure that the way we ultimately settle on truly will get the best result with the student.

First and foremost, you have to make it fun. When a student is struggling with comprehension, it's usually because they aren't a good or great reader. This in turns make them dislike reading. I make it fun and interesting. I also work on vocabulary, because the bigger the vocabulary, the better the reader. During this time, they are not only learning more words, they are also becoming a better reader, which turns them into someone who better comprehends what they are reading.

The first thing I do with a new student is spend the first session speaking with the parent, and then the remainder of the session with the student. I also tell the student a little about me, my style of tutoring and my goal with them. This tends to put the student at ease. I ensure them that we will have laughter, but ultimately I am here for them to become better at whatever it is we will be working on.

In this situation, I find out things the student finds interesting, whether it is another subject in school, a sport, a movie or a TV show. I then show them how those things are linked to the subject we will be working on. Some of them are very surprised with the links I make. For instance, if I am working with a student on writing, I start off with the basics of writing, and then when I begin to assign writing assignments, I first assign something they find interesting. Once we move on to the next assignment, I then incorporate something they don't really care for. This is to show them how to put forth an effort in writing even though they really don't care for the topic. It works well, as long as you begin on common ground.

I build their confidence by ensuring them that I am here to help. I may have to critique them, but it's only to help them get better. During this time, I also reinforce the fact that just because you need help doesn't mean you are any less than anyone else. I explain to them that realizing and understanding that you need help is the first step in becoming better in a subject.

This process involves speaking with the parents, the student and also seeing the work. Whether that is homework, previous grades or pending assignments, I try to get the full view of the student and their need.