Brent
Certified Tutor
Hello!
My name is Brent and I am very excited to be giving any assistance to help prepare interested students to be ready for this upcoming school year!
I am 26 years old and I just graduated from the University at Albany with my Master's in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology. Previously I went to the College of Saint Rose where I received my Bachelor's for Childhood Education in May of 2012. I have been employed as a teaching assistant for three years at Watervliet Elementary in a special education setting. In September, I hope to be getting my own classroom where I can finally have a group of my own students to prepare them for their next step in life.
I've been passionate about pursuing a teaching career since high school because I had that one teacher that I looked up to and told myself that I wanted to be "that teacher" (a rememberable one/one they look up to).
I have parents come up to me asking how I do it and all I say is it takes patience. Every student is different and has their own unique approach to learning. My goal is to have each student become a life-long learner and strive to do better at anything they do.
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Undergraduate Degree: The College of Saint Rose - Bachelors, Elementary Education
Graduate Degree: Univeristy at Albany - Masters, Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology
I like playing various sports such as basketball, baseball/softball, road biking, fishing, and football. I love taking road trips when I can. I find that hiking trails is fun and can be very relaxing.
- College English
- College Level American History
- Elementary Math
- Elementary School Math
- English
- High School English
- High School Level American History
- History
- Homework Support
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE- Lower Level
- Math
- Other
- Reading
- Social Studies
- Special Education
- SSAT Prep
- SSAT- Elementary Level
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Writing
What is your teaching philosophy?
To promote a want to learn; To conduct positive learning no matter the setting; To lay the foundation for a lifelong learner;
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
For a first session, I would ask the parents to fill out a small questionnaire that describes their child's learning styles and their expectations. Next, I would ask the student a few questions to see what their interests are, the different strategies they take to be successful in school, and what they struggle at. From there, I would go over a few questions with the student to see where they are academically and see what we would need to work on. Future sessions will be planned out so that the ultimate goal of the parent is reached.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
The goal of a tutor is the help the student but it is not always necessary to give them the answer right away if they are stuck. Excessive help with only hinder the learning process and the ability of the student to think for themselves. To become an independent learner, it is up to the tutor to give the student options to solve a problem on their own. First, students need to be able to eliminate answers that would not work, then come up with a few possible answers. From here, students can then have a better idea from where to proceed. The most important thing a tutor can do is to provide feedback. Let the student know what they are doing right and what needs to be improved on. Suggestions for improvement must be clearly stated so the student knows what to do next time. Then they can take control of their own learning.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Trying to keep a student motivated can be difficult especially when a subject is frustrating. It is important to give praise at what student is excelling at. Tell parents what they have been doing well at in the presence of their child can be a boost on confidence for everyone. It is also important to hold students at a high standard and set goals. That way, when they complete them, there can be a small celebration. It is up to me as the tutor to show excitement in every subject and to try to relate situations/problems to real life to show relevance.