Experience Summary
My first tutoring experience actually began when I was a high school senior and tutored ESL students at South High School. Since then I have worked in a summer program tutoring elementary ESL students, gone on to graduate with degrees in English and Environmental Studies, and most recently, worked as an Americorps member at Andersen Elementary and Open in Minneapolis. My primary role at Andersen was tutoring elementary students (mostly 5th grade) in math and reading. I also have some experience in teaching ecology at a couple of environmental learning centers. Although my degrees are in English and Environmental Studies, I am also quite comfortable with math up through the 8th grade level.
Teaching Style
I think one of my greatest strengths as a tutor is my patience with students. I am very attentive to the frustrations that students sometimes undergo and I continue to work with students until they understand the concepts of the lesson, often trying different approaches until I find one that works for that student. I believe strongly in the idea that all students have the ability to learn, and that it is necessary to make learning interactive and relevant. I feel that it is important to encourage students, but I also pride myself on not offering empty praise, but rather pushing students to be able to explain how they came to an answer or conclusion. I believe students learn best in a supportive and comfortable environment, which is aided by my easy-going and friendly manner.