Personal Description:

My name is Ciara and I am passionate about science and teaching. I grew up in Ontario in a small town outside of Toronto, before moving to Montreal for 5 years while I earned my Bachelor of Education in Secondary Science and Technology with a specialization in Physics and Chemistry. I then moved to Vancouver Island in the summer of 2020 for a teaching position and have been loving it! I love anything active and outdoors, reading, and building community. I also have worked in remote, northern communities in Canada in the summers and as a Tour Director for student travel trips. I love the opportunity to try new things, connect with people, and learn through experiences.

Tutoring Experience:

I first started peer tutoring when I was a high school student myself, and would peer tutor for every subject, including science and math. I then went to university for my B. Ed where I had four different teaching placements across a wide variety of schools which allowed me to develop skills to meet all kinds of student learning needs. Throughout my teaching placements, I supported many students one-on-one to help them find success in their science courses. I have been teaching general science and upper-level Chemistry as a full-time teacher in my own classroom now for the past two years; which gives me a strong understanding of what is being asked of students, and the resources and tools to support them. I also have experience in emotional support roles which allows me to see the learner as a whole person and address other potential learning challenges aside from content mastery (i.e. test anxiety/grounding strategies/self-confidence). I have extensive training and experience with tutoring, teaching, and supporting youth that allows me to meet each learner where they are and help them find their unique path to success.

Tutoring Approach:

My philosophy on teaching and tutoring is based in a holistic view of the learner that views the learner as a whole person, and doesn't only focus on the content being taught. By focusing on all aspects of each learner and building a relationship with each student, students are more likely to be engaged in their learning and enjoy their learning. Success is individual and what success looks like for one learner, may be very different than what success looks like for another learner. Keeping in mind the specific challenges and goals of each student is important in helping them along their individual path to success.

When it comes to learning and tutoring, I think there are four main categories of focus; the content being taught, skills important to learning and demonstrating learning, student self-confidence in their understanding and skills, and personal interest and curiosity. I always emphasize that understanding is more important than just memorizing facts or a set of steps to a process; and through understanding a learner can grow their confidence in themselves and their ability to solve problems. A variety of skills (such as studying, organization, note-taking, how to approach a test) are also equally as important as knowing the content and something I always work on with my students. When students are able to build their understanding and skills, and see their own success in practice, that confidence in themselves will aid their success both in the classroom and beyond. And finally, if students are able to actual enjoy their learning and feel reflected in it, they will be more engaged and curious.