Bio

I have more than 20 years of experience as an elementary, middle school, and high school STEM teacher in Connecticut. I spent several years as a grade K through 12 science curriculum supervisor in three school districts. I have taught general science, AP biology, IB biology, 10th-grade biology, chemistry, Earth science, physical science, environmental science, astronomy, meteorology, marine science, oceanography, computer science, mathematics, and algebra.

Teaching Experience

20+ years Science Curriculum Supervisor and Teacher
three Connecticut school districts
10 years of education consulting

What is your teaching philosophy?

High standards taught in a highly organized, logical sequence. Check for understanding frequently.
Everyone is a learner and should be respected as such.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

Introductions, get to know the student, assess students’ needs, strengths and weaknesses, target areas of confusion and misunderstanding.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

Build confidence. Have the student steer the direction of the tutoring.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Be interactive. Don’t do all the talking.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

Explain until the concept or skill is mastered. Use different strategies. Be persistent.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

Have them read aloud, and explain what they read. Have them answer questions about the reading.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

Be friendly and encouraging.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

Be optimistic and share my own passion for the subject.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Questioning for understanding. Being able to recount and explain the information using vocabulary and concept summaries.

How do you build a student’s confidence in a subject?

Be positive. Assure them of their progress, by building capacity.

How do you evaluate a student’s needs?

Assessing them. Questioning them.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student’s needs?

Frequently assessing students and modifying my teaching.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

Teaching Skills