Amanda
Certified Tutor
I seek to spread knowledge and wisdom to the next generation of innovators. I am devoted to personal connections and making each student realize their potential. I love to bring positivity and optimism to most situations I encounter, and am great at on-the-spot troubleshooting. I thrive off of relationships and feeding off the energy the universe provides for us all!
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Undergraduate Degree: Salem State University - Bachelors, Geography
Graduate Degree: American International College - Masters, Moderate Special Education
Cooking, Hiking, Puppies, Barre and Yoga, Gardening, Saving the Environment
- Algebra
- College English
- College Essays
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- English
- Geometry
- High School English
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Reading
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
Everyone is driven to learn by a unique force that shapes them as an individual. Square pegs cannot fit into round holes, nor should they be forced. With positivity and openness, we are able to thrive in areas that we are driven, and also are more apt to gain a solid understanding of subject areas that are not as desirable to us.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would definitely play some getting-to-know-you games and interviews. I think feeling comfortable with one another and understanding a little about each other will make the tutoring sessions meaningful.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By showing students tips and tricks to success in their academics, they will feel internally motivated to continue to succeed, making them more driven to continue learning on their own. Praising on effort over accomplishment is key. By embracing an open and growth mindset, students discover new qualities about themselves as learners.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
It truly depends on the student and the situation. Some people are more driven by numbers and statistics, while others are more driven by feelings and emotions. Reminding students that the effort and work they have put in and how much of a difference it has made will be huge in keeping motivation.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Try to explain it or show it in multiple formats; try to connect it to prior knowledge or a real-world application familiar to them.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
By teaching students to use metacognitive skills while reading to summarize and paraphrase at the sentence, couplet and paragraph level. Previewing and reviewing key vocabulary. Using guided reading questions.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Giving options to the student so they feel empowered. Making it more of a working relationship versus an authority figure demanding work output.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
By making real-world connections and showing examples of how that subject might be beneficial for them. Encouraging students by praising on effort and perseverance, and assuring them that no one is expecting them to retain perfect scores.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Post-tests, the I-We-You method of teaching, and having the student teach me how to solve a problem or explain a story.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
By praising their effort.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Pre-tests, observations, and interviews with student and parent.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
By using different modality of instruction based on the student's learning type -- some may be more kinesthetic learners, while others are visual or auditory, so it's important to change the instruction to fit their style.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Electronic applications if the technology is available, whiteboards, manipulatives, and pictures.