Sara
Certified Tutor
There are few things as rewarding as learning; helping students feel the same way is one of my main focuses. As a teacher, it is my responsibility to know who my learners are, what kinds of knowledge and experience they bring to the table, and what they want to achieve so that I can tailor a curriculum that fits their needs and yet leaves enough room to accommodate topics that emerge.
I especially love teaching when the learning in my classroom/with a student is palpable. I believe that teachers who demonstrate curiosity and passion about a subject area motivate students.
My philosophy of teaching is informed by the material I teach, relevant scholarship, and the lessons I have learned from personal teaching successes and failures.
I have many years experience tutoring for SAT and ACT, as well as all high school level math and English.
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Undergraduate Degree: SUNY at Binghamton - Bachelors, English Literature and Women's Studies
Graduate Degree: CUNY Bernard M Baruch College - Masters, Operations Management MBA
Running, working out, reading, listening to Podcasts, writing, volunteering, spending time with my friends and family, exploring new places, and travelling
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Writing
- College Essays
- Comparative Literature
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Essay Editing
- Homework Support
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Middle Level
- Literature
- Other
- PSAT Writing Skills
- REGENTS Prep
- SAT Prep
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- Summer
- Test Prep
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I genuinely think learning is fun; sometimes it takes the right person to show you that. I strive to help students better understand how to approach performing better in school or on tests, but more importantly I strive to help them make it enjoyable.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
It's imperative to understand how a student sees him or herself in terms of studies. I'd spend time getting to know the student as a pupil and as a person. In addition, I'd dig into his or her frustrations, fears, strengths and weaknesses.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Help him or her identify the rewarding aspects of learning.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Often, difficulties with reading comprehension are the result of attention issues; I personally have struggled with this. I like to show students that sometimes understanding the "science" of reading comprehension can make it far less boring.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would help the student understand how the subject matter fits into the big picture. In addition, I'd remind him or her of the rewards of hard work.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
After understanding what is holding the student back, I would break down the skill or concept into smaller skills or concepts to make it less intimidating and/or less boring.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would vary the types of work the student does with the specific concept. This would include different forms of testing the student's understanding.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
In order to build a student's confidence, I would create mini checkpoints. Many little victories often lead to big victories.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I get to know the student and understand what he or she likes, dislikes, finds boring, etc.