Katie
Certified Tutor
I believe that all children can learn, no matter ability or level. Children have to be given the proper tools to be successful and can apply their learned knowledge with the right tools and guides. Every child is different and learns in a different way, and I believe it is our job as educators to meet the child where he or she is at and implement tools and techniques that allow the child to successfully grow.
I would say that I have a strong background in education and have had many diverse experiences with children. I do have a bachelors from Emporia State in integrated studies and a masters in elementary education from Rockhurst University. Throughout my educational career, I have been a summer school teacher assistant, elementary and secondary tutor (the elementary tutoring was mainly math), a resource aide, substitute teacher and a camp counselor. Nothing excites me more than watching children reach their full potential. I love it when the light bulb suddenly clicks in their head! I am a very hands on tutor and provide lots of opportunities for children to learn the concept, and the opportunities are based on students' individual needs.
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Undergraduate Degree: Emporia State University - Bachelors, Integrated Studies
Graduate Degree: Rockhurst University - Masters, Elementary Education
Working out, animal lover, snow skiing, spending time with friends and family
- College English
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School English
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- High School English
- Homework Support
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Math
- Middle School English
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Writing
- Other
- Phonics
- PRAXIS
- PRAXIS Elementary School
- PRAXIS Writing
- Professional Certifications
- Reading
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Test Prep
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that all children can learn, no matter ability or level. Children have to be given the proper tools to be successful, and they can apply their learned knowledge with the right tools and guides. Every child is different and learns in a different way, and I believe it is our job as educators to meet the child where he or she is at and implement tools and techniques that allow the child to successfully grow.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would get to know the student. I would find out their interests, their educational background, and their likes and dislikes. I then would assess the student on the subject to determine a starting level.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Show the student how to complete a task, work that task together, and then allow the student to do it independently. I would also ask questions that allow the student to use problem solving skills so they learn to think for themselves.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Provide hands-on activities and incorporate their interests. For example, if the student likes basketball, let them shoot hoops and each shot they make they answer a math problem. Also, give lots of praise!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Determine where the difficulty lies and approach the subject/concept in a different way. There is more than one way to learn.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I break up the reading into chunks and provide activities that give them practice in understanding parts of a story.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Lots of practice, hands-on activities like games, and letting them know I am there to support them.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Present it in a fun way. If they are struggling in math, provide hands on activities like baking to show them it can be fun.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Paper quizzes and tests, exit slips, writing on whiteboards, and verbally answering questions. These are only a few strategies.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Provide opportunities for them to practice so they understand it.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Get to know them and assess them to see what their level of knowledge is.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Change the way I present information.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
It depends on the subject. Typically, I use flashcards, whiteboards, computer games related to the topic, and worksheets.