How can you teach so many subjects?
I love learning and teaching, and I study a great deal in my free time. My mathematics degree concluded with a focus on Artificial Intelligence, which led me to computer science, which unexpectedly led me to economics, history, and political theory, which then led me to philosophy, and ultimately to higher-level writing and English, as well as my Master’s degree in curriculum theory. In addition to my studies, I am currently very interested in postmodern theory and literature, which is increasingly guiding me towards art and art history. I am comfortable teaching all of these subjects and more. I have also spent some time teaching at a secondary school in British Columbia, Canada, covering a wide range of subjects. I enjoy being interdisciplinary in my learning and teaching and specifically seek teaching positions that allow me to broaden my skill set.
What does your ideal online classroom look like?
I aim to be economically accessible to students and parents, so I prefer to have a variety of class sizes. Depending on the subject, the students, and the resources available, I may teach one-on-one so that students can control the timing and direction of lessons, or in a larger group so that I can assist more people at a more affordable rate. My lessons tend to flow into one another, starting with a review of the previous lesson, followed by a discussion about the new topic, then some practice, and concluding with some food for thought until the next lesson. While this is the usual structure I follow, I am very open to other ways of conducting a lesson, depending on what is required.
How would you describe your teaching style?
In a few words, I would describe my teaching style as engaged and flexible. I am good at cultivating interest in myself and in others on any topic. Because I have a broad range of teachable subjects, I draw from various related subjects and tools to enhance a lesson and keep things interesting. For example, I will sometimes use genetic algorithms from computer science to teach about genetic evolution in a biology lesson, geometry to teach composition in an art lesson, or examples from baking to teach ratios in mathematics. I keep this age-appropriate, but I find that most students learn better when they can see how what we are studying connects to the wider world.
What teaching experience do you have?
I have taught a general Year 4 curriculum online, conducted online coding clubs and lessons, run book clubs on philosophy, led online classes specifically on executive functioning for students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, tutored university-level mathematics, chemistry, and computer science, and been a secondary school classroom teacher for careers, photography, science, mathematics, computer programming, history, philosophy, and psychology.
What do you do outside of tutoring?
I currently work at a post-psychiatric care home and on a farm. I assist people who would have difficulty living independently with all aspects of life. On the farm, I care for horses, cows, chickens, ducks, pigs, bees, maple trees, hay, wheat, corn, garden vegetables, and tea. My life is very full and flexible, providing me with many opportunities to learn.
