I get great joy from helping students discover their own ability to master what they are learning. My philosophy of tutoring can be described in three elements: education, mentoring, and obsolescence.
The first element is education. The word education comes from Latin routes meaning "to draw out" and "to bring up." While there is an element of education that is about imparting knowledge, true education happens when students realize their own abilities and the value of what they are studying. Students who learn by guided self discovery thrive as they learn critical thinking skills to help them process and apply what they are learning.
The second element is mentoring. I seek to mentor students into self discipline skills, good study habits, and a sense of their own intrinsic value so they can learn to achieve out of who they are not out of the stressed of the school system. This mentoring should also help to build the students confidence and translate that confidence to other areas of life.
The third element is obsolescence. In this type of relationship, I plan to transition the student to a place where I become obsolete because the student now has skills and self discipline to continue growing in education on their own. The timing of this obsolescence will obviously vary from student to student and will always be discussed with the parent, but students need to realize that they can stand on their own and I love to bring them to that place.
Though I have never served as a formal school teacher, I have twenty years experience in educating students of varying ages within a church context. As a youth pastor, I have mentored many students who are now serving in various professional spheres. I have also spent many hours tutoring students in various subjects in an informal way. During high school and college, I volunteered within the local schools to serve as a tutor.
It is my hope that I can help your student succeed and grow personally and educationally.
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