Katie
Certified Tutor
As cliche as it sounds, I love learning! I also love watching a student's face when that light bulb goes off and they just "get it." That's why I teach (and why I tutor) - to give students the most chances to have their light bulbs go off so that they can become the best students they can be!
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Virginia-Main Campus - Bachelors, History
Graduate Degree: University of Virginia-Main Campus - Masters, Elementary Education
Music, sports, history, reading
- 1st Grade
- 1st Grade Math
- 1st Grade Reading
- 1st Grade Writing
- 2nd Grade
- 2nd Grade Math
- 2nd Grade Reading
- 2nd Grade Writing
- 3rd Grade
- 3rd Grade Math
- 3rd Grade Reading
- 3rd Grade Writing
- 4th Grade
- 4th Grade Math
- 4th Grade Reading
- 4th Grade Writing
- 5th Grade
- 5th Grade Math
- 5th Grade Reading
- 5th Grade Writing
- 6th Grade
- 6th Grade Math
- 6th Grade Reading
- 6th Grade Writing
- 7th Grade
- 7th Grade Math
- 7th Grade Reading
- 7th Grade Writing
- 8th Grade
- 8th Grade Math
- 8th Grade Reading
- 8th Grade Writing
- Academic Coaching
- Adult Literacy
- Art
- Basic Computer Literacy
- Civics
- CLEP Prep
- CLEP College Composition
- CogAT Prep
- College Application Essays
- College English
- College Geography
- College Level American History
- College World History
- Composition
- Cooking
- Creative Writing
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School
- Elementary School English
- Elementary School Math
- Elementary School Reading
- Elementary School Science
- Elementary School Writing
- English
- English Grammar and Syntax
- Essay Editing
- European History
- Geography
- Gifted
- Government
- Handwriting
- High School English
- High School Geography
- High School Level American History
- High School World History
- High School Writing
- History
- Homeschool
- Homework Support
- Human Geography
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Lower Level
- ISEE- Primary
- K-11th Grade Standardized Tests Prep
- Math
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Middle School
- Middle School English
- Middle School Math
- Middle School Reading
- Middle School Reading Comprehension
- Middle School Science
- Middle School Writing
- Music
- Other
- PC Basic Computer Skills
- Personal Finance
- Phonics
- Photography
- Reading
- Science
- Social Networking
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Software
- Spelling Bee
- SSAT Prep
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- SSAT- Middle Level
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Technology and Coding
- Test Prep
- Vocabulary
- World Civilization
- World History
- Writing
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I use a first session to get to know the student, let them get to know me, set expectations, and have them work through a couple of problems to see where they need extra help.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I give students study and test-taking skills when I see that they are needed to help them become stronger, more independent learners.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I think incentives are good ways to keep students motivated, whether it's a 5-minute break that's earned, a sticker, or the occasional treat.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I try to come up with various ways to tackle a problem to see if a different approach makes a concept or skill easier. A lot of times, a different explanation or way to do it makes it click!
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I try to relate whatever they are struggling with to their personal interests. If they are struggling with reading, but like the NBA, I try to find some articles to read about basketball to help bridge the gap.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I use the first session to go over a variety of sample problems to see where students are struggling. I use that with parent information for what they see nightly with homework as well.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that all students have the capacity to learn, no matter where they are on their educational journey. I believe there needs to be a foundation of respect and trust between students and anyone in a teaching role for the student to really be successful. I believe that collaboration between parents, students, and teachers is the best way to help a student. I believe that learning should be fun!
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Readers who are struggling with comprehension can benefit from multiple reads, graphic organizers, asking questions about the text, making connections to their lives, and using effective reading strategies like using context clues.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
When I start working with a student, I like for them to know and see that I'm as excited to be there as they are! Setting the tone from day 1 is super important. I get to know my students and what they like to tailor my tutoring to them, which helps a lot!
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I can ask tailored questions based on a reading passage to see if they understand it. I can also use simple quizzes, sample tests, and sample problems using skills we've gone over to monitor understanding.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Confidence is usually tied to ability, so starting out with something that a student is comfortable with gives a confidence boost. Tying their learning to their interests and abilities also helps them become more confident.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I use student's interests to tailor how I approach a subject area. If they are interested in something, it makes everything run smoother, and they are usually more receptive to it.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I use reading passages, sample problems, and sample tests during a tutoring session. I also use technology to have students practice concepts.