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Analytic Writing, Debate & Math Concepts Specialist | UCLA Philosophy
Jason M.

5.0 (28 ratings)

120 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $125
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Response time: 24 minutes

About Jason

Bio

I am a California-licensed educator with over 14 years of experience teaching and tutoring across middle school, high school, and college-level academics. I hold a B.A. in Philosophy from UCLA with an emphasis in analytic philosophy, formal reasoning, and argument structure. My work centers on helping students think clearly, write precisely, and master concepts at a structural level rather than relying on memorization or short-term fixes.

My academic background spans writing, literature,...

I am a California-licensed educator with over 14 years of experience teaching and tutoring across middle school, high school, and college-level academics. I hold a B.A. in Philosophy from UCLA with an emphasis in analytic philosophy, formal reasoning, and argument structure. My work centers on helping students think clearly, write precisely, and master concepts at a structural level rather than relying on memorization or short-term fixes.

My academic background spans writing, literature, logic, debate, mathematics, and test preparation, allowing me to diagnose breakdowns in reasoning, organization, and conceptual understanding across disciplines. Whether a student is struggling with calculus, constructing analytical essays, or learning formal logic, I focus on strengthening the underlying thinking patterns that produce durable academic performance.

I began my teaching career through community-based education initiatives before joining Teach For America, where I taught for six years in Hawai‘i. After relocating to San Francisco, I taught high school English and coached debate, working extensively with argumentation, rhetorical precision, multilingual learners, and executive functioning. My instruction emphasizes structure, accountability, and intellectual confidence.

Today, I work with motivated students and families who value rigorous, outcome-focused support. Sessions are structured, diagnostic-driven, and tailored toward measurable progress in grades, conceptual mastery, and long-term academic independence. Families describe my approach as warm but demanding, supportive yet precise — designed to build thinkers, not just complete assignments.

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Education

UCLA
Philosophy
  • Licensed teacher

Additional Languages

Spanish

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $125
  • Rate details: General: Discounts available for 8 week commitments. Online: 1-3 hour sessions only. In Person: 2 hour minimum requirement. Pubic Libraries preferred.
  • Lesson cancellation: 36 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 5/9/2026

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

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Approved Subjects

African American Studies

African American Studies

I bring both lived experience and sustained academic engagement to African American Studies, grounded in over 14 years as an educator serving predominantly Black and Brown student communities. I completed African American Studies Honors coursework with top marks and, as a philosophy major, studied influential Black thinkers including W.E.B. Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, bell hooks, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Frederick Douglass, Angela Davis, Patricia Hill Collins, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Anton Wilhelm Amo, and Olaudah Equiano. I taught notable African American figures for three years to 9th-grade students as part of an AP Language and Composition curriculum, integrating history, rhetoric, and critical analysis. My teaching experience spans secondary and elementary levels, including five years in Bayview–Hunters Point serving primarily Black student populations, with an emphasis on historical accuracy, intellectual rigor, and culturally grounded analysis.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I am an experienced educator with a strong command of Algebra 1 concepts, including linear equations, inequalities, functions, graphing, and problem-solving strategies. I specialize in building strong mathematical foundations, helping students understand why procedures work rather than relying on memorization. My approach emphasizes clarity, confidence, and step-by-step reasoning, making Algebra accessible to students who feel stuck or discouraged. I have passed Wyzant’s Algebra 1 certification and regularly support students transitioning from elementary and pre-algebra into formal algebra coursework.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I have a strong command of Algebra 2 topics, including functions, quadratic and polynomial behavior, logarithms and exponentials, rational expressions, and graph transformations. I focus on helping students understand the structure behind formulas so they can reason through unfamiliar problems with confidence. My teaching style emphasizes clarity, step-by-step logic, and connections between concepts rather than rote memorization. I have passed Wyzant’s Algebra 2 certification and regularly help students prepare for exams and advanced coursework.
Debate

Debate

I bring both competitive and coaching experience to debate instruction, having competed on the UCLA Speech and Debate Team and later serving as Head Debate Coach for high school students in San Francisco. I trained and mentored diverse debaters in argumentation, research techniques, delivery, case construction, and tournament strategy — including preparing students for city-wide competitions. My work as a 9th grade English teacher also included teaching speech, rhetoric, composition, and public speaking, which strengthened my ability to scaffold persuasive communication skills across ability levels. I help students build confidence, think critically, organize ideas persuasively, and perform with clarity and conviction.
Elementary (K-6th)

Elementary (K-6th)

I am a credentialed elementary classroom teacher with over a decade of experience teaching and tutoring students in grades K–6. I currently teach in a K–2 classroom, with a strong focus on foundational reading, phonics, writing, and elementary mathematics. My work includes literacy intervention, math skill development, and supporting students with organization and study skills. I specialize in helping elementary students build strong academic foundations and confidence.
Elementary Math

Elementary Math

As a trained elementary educator with a strong background in foundational math instruction, I teach core concepts such as number sense, place value, arithmetic operations, and early geometry. I use research-based teaching strategies to support conceptual understanding rather than rote memorization. My experience working with diverse learners allows me to tailor lessons to individual strengths and needs. I aim to help students build confidence and long-term mastery in elementary mathematics.
English

English

I have 14 years of experience teaching ELA writing and reading comprehension across K–12, including four years teaching high school English and AP English Language. I’ve helped many 11th-grade students strengthen literary analysis, thesis development, and timed writing skills. I’m experienced in guiding students through essays and exam preparation under tight deadlines while helping them understand structure, clarity, and effective writing organizational structure.
Essay Writing

Essay Writing

I have 14 years of experience teaching essay writing across elementary, middle, and high school, including AP English Language and Composition. My training in analytic philosophy at UCLA, while earning my B.A. degree, gives me a strong foundation in argument structure, clarity, and persuasive writing. I have coached hundreds of students through literary analysis, research essays, and timed writing for standardized tests. I help students develop clear thesis statements, strong evidence, and confident, polished writing that reflects their own voice.
Geography

Geography

I am an experienced K–2 educator with a strong foundation in world and U.S. geography, including map skills, physical geography, and human–environment interaction. I help students master continents, countries, capitals, regions, and geographic vocabulary using clear explanations and visual strategies. My instruction emphasizes spatial reasoning, real-world connections, and age-appropriate scaffolding. I also support older students with geography content tied to civics, history, and current events.
Geometry

Geometry

I have extensive experience teaching and tutoring Geometry, including foundations, reasoning and proofs, angle relationships, similarity, congruence, circles, and right-triangle trigonometry. I break down complex visual and spatial concepts into clear, concrete steps that students can follow with confidence. My instruction emphasizes understanding why methods work, not just memorizing formulas. I help students strengthen problem-solving skills, prepare for tests, and build a strong foundation for Algebra 2 and beyond.
Government & Politics

Government & Politics

I hold a degree in Philosophy and have extensive experience teaching and tutoring U.S. Government and civics. I help students master constitutional principles, institutional design, civil rights, and the historical development of American political systems. My instruction emphasizes critical thinking, argumentation, and deep understanding rather than memorization. I work with students preparing for exams, coursework, or long-term civic literacy.
Grammar

Grammar

I help students master grammar by breaking complex rules into simple, practical steps they can immediately apply. My experience teaching writing, literacy, and language skills allows me to support learners of all ages, from early elementary through adult professionals. I focus on clarity, sentence structure, punctuation, and confident communication. Students consistently see improvements in their writing, accuracy, and overall language fluency.
Handwriting

Handwriting

I am an experienced elementary educator with over a decade of classroom teaching experience, including extensive work in early literacy and handwriting development. I specialize in proper letter formation, posture, pencil grip, spacing, and age-appropriate handwriting mechanics for K–5 students. My approach is grounded in evidence-based instructional practices and fine-motor skill development. I also have experience supporting left-handed writers and students with handwriting challenges such as dysgraphia.
Literature

Literature

I have extensive experience teaching and tutoring literature across elementary, middle school, and early college levels. My work emphasizes close reading, theme analysis, character development, and evidence-based interpretation of both classic and contemporary texts. I help students build strong analytical thinking while clearly expressing ideas through discussion and writing. My background as a classroom teacher allows me to adapt literary instruction to different ages, abilities, and learning goals.
Logic

Logic

I earned my B.A. in Philosophy from UCLA, where I received extensive training in first-order logic, formal proof systems, and symbolic reasoning. My academic work includes research and writing in modal logic, semantics, and the foundations of logical theory. I help students understand derivations, inference rules, quantifiers, and the structure of valid arguments through clear, step-by-step guidance. My approach emphasizes analytical rigor and critical thinking, making complex logical concepts accessible and intuitive.
Personal Statements

Personal Statements

I have extensive experience helping students craft personal statements for college applications, beginning with my time at UCLA tutoring high school seniors at Inglewood High School. Over the past 14 years as a teacher, I’ve guided many students—including several from my own homeroom classes—through developing compelling narratives, clarifying their voice, and expressing their experiences authentically. I specialize in helping students reflect on their story, structure their essays effectively, and communicate their strengths with clarity and confidence. My approach is supportive, collaborative, and tailored to each student’s goals and personality.
Philosophy

Philosophy

I hold a B.A. in Philosophy from UCLA with a strong background in symbolic and first-order logic, derivations, and formal proof construction. My studies included philosophy of mathematics and coursework that required advanced formal reasoning. I’ve also supported students in calculus and related analytical skills, which helps reinforce step-by-step problem solving for logic exams.
Phonics

Phonics

I am an experienced elementary educator with over a decade of classroom teaching, specializing in evidence-based phonics and early literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading. I support students in developing phonemic awareness, decoding, blending, and automatic word recognition through explicit, systematic, and multisensory approaches. My instruction integrates phonics with spelling, reading fluency, and comprehension, helping students build strong foundational literacy skills that transfer across subjects. I work closely with students to identify skill gaps and provide targeted, confidence-building interventions.
Political Science

Political Science

I hold a BA in Philosophy and have extensive experience tutoring Political Science at the high school and college levels. I support students in political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and public policy by emphasizing clear concepts, strong argumentation, and analytical writing. My approach helps students move beyond memorization to understand how political systems, institutions, and ideologies actually function. I work especially well with students preparing for exams, essays, and discussion-based courses.
Prealgebra

Prealgebra

I am an experienced elementary educator with a strong background in helping students transition from arithmetic to prealgebra concepts. I teach core skills such as fractions, decimals, ratios, integers, and beginning equations using clear explanations and step-by-step problem-solving. My approach focuses on building confidence while strengthening conceptual understanding, not just memorization. I support students at all levels—whether they need remediation, enrichment, or preparation for higher math.
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

I have extensive experience teaching speech, argumentation, and performance, including three years coaching competitive debate and nine years teaching English language arts, rhetoric, and presentation skills. I’ve worked with students of all ages — from elementary SEL-based speaking routines to high school public speaking, persuasive delivery, and college-readiness communication. My coaching emphasizes clarity, structure, presence, and confidence, empowering students to speak with conviction while organizing their ideas effectively. Whether preparing for a class presentation, speech competition, or interview, I help students find their voice and perform with poise.
Reading

Reading

I have 14 years of experience teaching reading and literacy across K–12, including work with students who need support in comprehension, fluency, and detail retention. I specialize in breaking down complex texts, teaching active reading strategies, and helping students build confidence as independent readers. My background includes supporting struggling readers, students with ADHD, and English learners through structured, student-centered approaches. I tailor each session to the student’s level and needs so they can make steady, measurable progress.
Spanish

Spanish

I have over 14 years of teaching experience, including two years teaching Spanish I and Spanish II at the high school level. I completed a travel–study program in Spain while at UCLA and took four additional Spanish courses in college after four years of Spanish in high school to maintain fluency. In my current role as an elementary school teacher, I regularly use Spanish to support English language learners and communicate with families. I specialize in helping beginners build confidence with clear explanations, practical conversation skills, and patient, structured lessons tailored to their goals.
Spelling

Spelling

I teach spelling through explicit, phonics-based and pattern-driven instruction rather than rote memorization. I help students understand sound–symbol relationships, spelling rules, syllable types, and common word patterns so they can spell unfamiliar words independently. My approach integrates phonemic awareness, decoding, and morphology to strengthen both spelling and reading skills. I have extensive experience supporting elementary and middle school students with foundational literacy development.
Thesis Writing

Thesis Writing

I have extensive experience guiding students through thesis development, academic writing, and complex argumentative structure, drawing on my formal training in analytic philosophy at UCLA. I help students clarify their research questions, strengthen their arguments, and organize long-form writing with precision and coherence. My background includes writing and mentoring in fields such as ethics, logic, political philosophy, and education, giving me a broad foundation for supporting humanities and social science theses. I work collaboratively with students to refine their voice, improve clarity, and develop rigorous, well-supported analytical work.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

I help students expand their vocabulary through practical strategies that strengthen reading comprehension, writing clarity, and overall language confidence. My experience teaching literacy and academic writing allows me to support learners at all grade levels, including ESL students and struggling readers. I focus on word meanings, roots, context clues, and real-world application to ensure lasting retention. Students consistently gain stronger communication skills and improved academic performance.
Writing

Writing

I’ve taught ELA writing for 14 years across K–12, including four years teaching high school English and AP English Language. I also taught 9th grade writing composition and have extensive experience helping students—including those with ADHD—improve organization, reading comprehension, and written expression. My approach focuses on building skills step-by-step while developing confidence and independence in young writers.

Examples of Expertise

Jason has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 16 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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Response time: 24 minutes

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (28 ratings)
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Reviews

Exceptional Writing Tutor

I really can’t say enough good things about Jason as a teacher and tutor. Over the past several weeks, he has worked with my son on his high school advanced literary analysis course and helped him move far beyond simple plot summary into much deeper, more thoughtful analysis. They worked together on crafting strong thesis statements, identifying meaningful textual evidence, and developing sophisticated arguments. My son would find evidence in the text, and Jason would thoughtfully discuss and analyze it with him, helping him strengthen both his ideas and his writing. Jason also helped my son develop more complex sentences and paragraphs and taught him writing strategies that simply were not being taught in the classroom. He was consistently extremely prepared for every session, carefully reviewing all of the materials we sent ahead of time, including drafts and scoring rubrics. He even read the play my son was assigned so he could provide truly informed guidance. In addition to being an outstanding teacher, Jason is an excellent communicator. He was always very responsive to my questions, sent detailed summaries after every session, and made himself available for additional sessions whenever needed. My son is ending the semester with a significantly improved grade and much greater confidence in his writing abilities. Jason has made a tremendous difference.

Brooke, 9 lessons with Jason
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for the incredibly thoughtful review, Brooke. It was genuinely a pleasure working with Finn this semester. Finn is a very bright and insightful student, and I was consistently impressed by his willingness to engage deeply with challenging texts and ideas. Watching his confidence and analytical writing skills grow over the course of our sessions was extremely rewarding. I also truly appreciated how communicative, supportive, and engaged you were throughout the process. That kind of collaboration between tutor, student, and parent makes a tremendous difference. I’m very proud of the progress Finn made this semester, and I’m grateful you trusted me to support him along the way. Wishing him continued success moving forward!

Thoughtful and Dedicated Mentor

We’ve been very happy with Aaron’s philosophy teacher so far. Aaron genuinely enjoys the classes and feels that the lessons are both engaging and intellectually challenging. The teacher is organized, thoughtful, and very responsive. After each session, he quickly provides detailed class summaries, assigns meaningful homework, and consistently follows up on Aaron’s progress. What we appreciate most is that the teacher not only explains philosophical concepts clearly, but also encourages deeper thinking, analysis, and discussion. Aaron feels motivated after each class and looks forward to continuing. We are very grateful for the teacher’s dedication, professionalism, and support.

Haofan, 8 lessons with Jason
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for your thoughtful review! I really appreciate you taking the time to write such kind words. Working with Aaron has genuinely been a pleasure. He is curious, motivated, and willing to engage with challenging ideas in a serious way, which makes teaching him especially rewarding. I’ve been impressed by his growth, not only as a debater, but as a thinker. I’m grateful for the trust you and Aaron have placed in me, and I’m excited to continue building on his progress this summer through a more structured philosophy course. Thank you again for your support — it means a lot.

Exceptional Writing Tutor

I really can’t say enough good things about Jason as a teacher and tutor. Over the past several weeks, he has worked with my son on his high school advanced literary analysis course and helped him move far beyond simple plot summary into much deeper, more thoughtful analysis. They worked together on crafting strong thesis statements, identifying meaningful textual evidence, and developing sophisticated arguments. My son would find evidence in the text, and Jason would thoughtfully discuss and analyze it with him, helping him strengthen both his ideas and his writing. Jason also helped my son develop more complex sentences and paragraphs and taught him writing strategies that simply were not being taught in the classroom. He was consistently extremely prepared for every session, carefully reviewing all of the materials we sent ahead of time, including drafts and scoring rubrics. He even read the play my son was assigned so he could provide truly informed guidance. In addition to being an outstanding teacher, Jason is an excellent communicator. He was always very responsive to my questions, sent detailed summaries after every session, and made himself available for additional sessions whenever needed. My son is ending the semester with a significantly improved grade and much greater confidence in his writing abilities. Jason has made a tremendous difference.

Brooke, 9 lessons with Jason

Engaging & patient with our 3rd grade son!

We have been working with Jason for the last few weeks, following our initial meeting. He has met our son where he is, identified topics and areas of interest, and utilized those to drive the lessons which has helped keep our 9yo son on task. We’re thrilled with some of his latest progress as a result! Thank you, Jason - see you next week!

Leialoha, 6 lessons with Jason
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for the kind words, Leialoha. It has been wonderful working with your son these past several weeks. One of the things I appreciate most about teaching elementary students is helping them discover that learning can feel engaging, confidence-building, and even fun when instruction is tailored to their interests and needs. Your son has shown great growth already, and I’ve really enjoyed seeing his confidence and focus continue to develop each week. I also truly appreciate how supportive and collaborative you’ve been throughout the process. I’m looking forward to continuing to help him grow!

An Exceptional Debate Coach Who Truly Helps Students Grow

I really like Coach Jason’s class. His philosophy is exactly what I believe in—kids should be learning to think for themselves and focus on long-term growth, not just chasing quick wins in competitions. At my child’s current debate school, it’s more like they’re being fed the answers—the kids don’t really learn how to work things out on their own. The school just wants to get good rankings. That might work in the short term, but it’s not good for the kids in the long run. Jason, on the other hand, takes the time to help students build their skills step by step and think independently. I’m really happy my child has the chance to learn from him

Jia, 23 lessons with Jason
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for the thoughtful review, Jia. I truly appreciate your trust and support throughout this process. Working with Nina and Nicole has been incredibly rewarding. Both students are intelligent, thoughtful, and capable of tremendous growth, and I’ve especially enjoyed helping them strengthen not just their debate skills, but also their confidence, critical thinking, and independence as learners. I strongly believe debate education should help students learn how to reason, analyze, communicate, and think for themselves in the long term, so your words genuinely mean a great deal to me. I’m very proud of the progress they’ve made so far, and I look forward to continuing to support their growth moving forward.

An Exceptional Debate Coach Who Truly Helps Students Grow

I really like Coach Jason’s class. His philosophy is exactly what I believe in—kids should be learning to think for themselves and focus on long-term growth, not just chasing quick wins in competitions. At my child’s current debate school, it’s more like they’re being fed the answers—the kids don’t really learn how to work things out on their own. The school just wants to get good rankings. That might work in the short term, but it’s not good for the kids in the long run. Jason, on the other hand, takes the time to help students build their skills step by step and think independently. I’m really happy my child has the chance to learn from him

Jia, 23 lessons with Jason

An Exceptional Debate Coach Who Truly Helps Students Grow

Jason is an outstanding debate coach. He has not only sparked my daughter’s interest in debate, but has also significantly improved her skills in a short period of time. He carefully analyzes her strengths and weaknesses and pays close attention to her tournament performance. Communication with him is always smooth — after each session, he provides detailed updates about what was covered, and he responds to questions thoughtfully and promptly. Overall, he is a truly exceptional coach who genuinely helps students grow. Both my daughter and I enjoy working with him very much.

Jia, 23 lessons with Jason

Teaching knowledge and confidence

Jason made an incredible difference for my daughter. Not only did her math grade improve, but her confidence did too. He tailors the lessons to what she needs and makes adjustments when he sees what she struggles with. She is becoming more excited to learn and thats made a huge difference in her attitude towards school.

Vanessa, 20 lessons with Jason
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for the thoughtful review, Vanessa. Working with Maddy has truly been a joy. Maddy is a very capable student, and one of the most rewarding parts of our sessions has been watching her confidence continue to grow alongside her academic skills. I strongly believe students learn best when instruction is adapted to their specific needs, strengths, and learning style, so I’m very grateful your family trusted me throughout that process. I’m extremely proud of the progress she has made, and I’m excited to continue supporting her growth moving forward!

Professional, Responsive, and Genuinely Invested Tutor

I started working with Mr. Muse while preparing my application essays for law school, and his guidance made a meaningful difference in both the quality of my writing and my confidence in my story. He helped me clarify my narrative, strengthen my structure, and refine my voice without ever losing authenticity. He created a strong lesson plan for our sessions and how each essay's prompt should be addressed. What I appreciated most was his ability to ask thoughtful, probing questions that pushed me to reflect more deeply rather than simply edit my work. He spent a lot of quality time reviewing my personal statement line by line to make sure the writing was cohesive and strong for my application. The session felt purposeful, and his feedback was both honest and encouraging. I’ll be submitting these essays to t-14 law schools which is why it was important for me to find a tutor who could advise me the best way possible. Mr. Muse was consistently professional, responsive, and genuinely invested in my success. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for insightful, supportive help with personal statements or any other writing in general. -A recent graduate from the University of Pennsylvania.

Nahomi, 6 lessons with Jason
Tutor responded:

Thank you so much for this incredibly thoughtful review, Nahomi. It was truly an honor to work with you during such an important stage of your academic journey.  Not only were you my very first testimonial, but I had the honor and privilege of having taught you back in high school!  Full circle moment! You brought a great deal of intelligence, self-reflection, and authenticity to the writing process, and I really appreciated how seriously you engaged with both the revision process and the deeper questions behind your personal statements. Watching your essays evolve into writing that was both compelling and genuinely reflective of your voice was extremely rewarding. I’m very proud of the work you accomplished and grateful that you trusted me to support you through the process. Wishing you continued success in law school and beyond!

Hourly Rate: $125
Response time: 24 minutes
Contact Jason