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Jim M.

Master's Degree and Master of 39 Subjects

Master's Degree and Master of 39 Subjects

$30/hour

5.0 (14 ratings)

  • 30 hours tutoring

About Jim

Bio

I have tutored friends in Latin, Greek, Hebrew and Geometry. In Kindergarten I crushed the IQ test and worked my way into the third grade and the school urged my parents at that point to let them advance me so I wouldn't be bored, but my folks declined. As the tallest, youngest and smartest in my class I found school interminably slow, until at last I tested out of all my general studies in college. My ACT score was in the top percentile. I graduated from high school with 45 college...

I have tutored friends in Latin, Greek, Hebrew and Geometry. In Kindergarten I crushed the IQ test and worked my way into the third grade and the school urged my parents at that point to let them advance me so I wouldn't be bored, but my folks declined. As the tallest, youngest and smartest in my class I found school interminably slow, until at last I tested out of all my general studies in college. My ACT score was in the top percentile. I graduated from high school with 45 college credits and from the university in three years with a BS in English, and, a minor in radio and television, which is why my prof selected me to be KMOS-TV's first producer. I enjoy history, spelling, reading, geography, languages, linguistics, creative writing, trivia, and the like. Regarding trivia, I made it to the Jeopardy! contestant pool for eighteen months. My English profs urged me to go right to Harvard and get my Masters right away, with their heart-felt recommendations. Being also a certified literacy coach, I taught my son to read his first book on his own at age two. (I had only read it to him once!) My daughter at age four volunteered, "My favorite author is Poe."
As a community leader I have been a scout pack leader, volunteer hospice chaplain, guest weekly columnist, mental health rec center helper, prison Bible study leader, biweekly cable tv children's show producer, writer and host, library reader and illustrator, published poet, singer-songwriter, author, and so on.

As a tutor in 39 different subjects, my teaching goal is to help you click with your subject. My 31 years in the Holy Ministry have taught me to consider my responsibilities as privileges, and have given me many other skills that I am eager to share with you, as have my six years as a certified substitute teacher at all grade levels. I know you want to learn and advance and I will do all I can to help you do so!

I am looking forward to hearing from you!

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Education

UCM, Warrensburg
English
Concordia Seminary St. Louis
Masters

Policies

Schedule

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Subjects

Art

Drawing,

Drawing

I have always loved drawing and each artist's unique style. I am self-taught, for the most part, but have also taken classes. I can draw anything I see or imagine. I taught a class of first-graders to draw a complex picture of a boy on roller skates in one hour; they all did well and were beaming with pride!
Video Production

Video Production

As a Mass Communications minor, I worked a lot with video production. I was on and behind the camera and in the production booth as a sound man and a director. I learned video editing while working for our on-campus PBS station, where I was a writer and where my professor asked me to produce a magazine show. I love TV and am confident I can teach video production.

Business

Law,

Law

The Law has always intrigued me because, with just a few words, it establishes both freedoms and restrictions. My mother always said I'd be a good lawyer, as she said that I loved to argue! I guess I could have been one, at that, but all I ever wanted was to get my point across before my family shouted, "Drop it!" :)
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

As a pastor, I have written and delivered hundreds of sermons, which are all public speeches. In high school and college, I interpreted poetic, humorous and dramatic speeches, going to state twice. I also took speech and oral interpretation classes and taught a class how to read Shakespeare aloud for the best effect.

Computer

Video Production

Video Production

As a Mass Communications minor, I worked a lot with video production. I was on and behind the camera and in the production booth as a sound man and a director. I learned video editing while working for our on-campus PBS station, where I was a writer and where my professor asked me to produce a magazine show. I love TV and am confident I can teach video production.

Corporate Training

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a life-long English speaker I have always been fascinated by the similarities of all languages. Without these similarities, such as grammar, no language would make sense. Grammar and vocabulary and parts of speech are universal and make teaching and learning English easy!
Grammar,

Grammar

Grammar, as I learned in college, is much more than stuffy rules. It is how we understand a language. One person finds it difficult to comprehend what another's saying if that other person uses an unaccepted grammar. English grammar has always been tricky especially when you find out that the first English grammar book was in Latin! Oh well that's grammar for you!
Greek,

Greek

I started collecting Greek words before I started school, because my mom told me I needed to know Latin and Greek to be a veterinarian, or an etymologist. I received a Greek textbook in junior high and took classical Greek as a dual credit in high school and koine (common) Greek at seminary. I have used my Greek almost daily for over twenty-nine years as a pastor and have tutored friends in it. Three cheers for Greek!
Hebrew,

Hebrew

As leader of my study group, I taught Hebrew to my fellow classmates. As a pastor I use the language frequently. Although it has a different alphabet, reads right to left, and has no vowels or tenses, it is easy to learn. I'd love to teach it again!
Latin,

Latin

I love Latin. I have studied it since age four and, especially since age eleven, when my parents gave me a primer in it for Christmas, and took it in high school as part of my classical education. I also tutored friends in it while still in high school and still use it often today!
Law,

Law

The Law has always intrigued me because, with just a few words, it establishes both freedoms and restrictions. My mother always said I'd be a good lawyer, as she said that I loved to argue! I guess I could have been one, at that, but all I ever wanted was to get my point across before my family shouted, "Drop it!" :)
Proofreading,

Proofreading

My first job out of college was as a proofreader. I proofread advertising copy. Because of my Bachelor's of Science degree in English, I easily got that work, though none of my peers thought it worth a slap on my back. Maybe it wasn't an exciting career, but it was essential!
Public Speaking

Public Speaking

As a pastor, I have written and delivered hundreds of sermons, which are all public speeches. In high school and college, I interpreted poetic, humorous and dramatic speeches, going to state twice. I also took speech and oral interpretation classes and taught a class how to read Shakespeare aloud for the best effect.

Elementary Education

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have taught elementary school as a substitute teacher for many years. I love teaching the basics so that the students get a firm foundation for the higher grades soon to come. I learn so much from teaching children, which makes me a better teacher. I can't wait to tutor an elementary student!
Elementary Science,

Elementary Science

I love science, which means "knowledge". As a former pupil and a substitute teacher, I have soaked much of it in. I feel very confident in teaching it.
Grammar,

Grammar

Grammar, as I learned in college, is much more than stuffy rules. It is how we understand a language. One person finds it difficult to comprehend what another's saying if that other person uses an unaccepted grammar. English grammar has always been tricky especially when you find out that the first English grammar book was in Latin! Oh well that's grammar for you!
Handwriting,

Handwriting

Cursive may be on the way out, but penmanship or handwriting will never become obsolete. I taught my son to write his large and small letters when he was two. I hated practicing cursive in school, as I recall, but I am glad I did. Teachers know best!
Phonics,

Phonics

I learned phonics in grade school and phonetics in college. When I took Russian and learned the Cyrillic alphabet I was intrigued by the letters which were consonant blends in English. Phonics are a great way to learn to speak and spell.
Reading,

Reading

I have always had my nose in a book. I read before I started Kindergarten, where I tested in reading and other subjects on the third grade level. By sixth grade, I tested on the twelfth grade level, and just kept on reading. When I was disabled and couldn't read, I made up stories for my kids, and, when I could only hold very small books, I read my growing youngsters the condensed classics. I'll never forget when my two-year-old read his first book or when my four-year-old daughter commented, "My favorite author is Poe."
Spelling,

Spelling

My dear mother taught me how to spell fifty words before I started Kindergarten. Since then, spelling has always come easily for me. I automatically see a correctly spelled word in my mind when I hear it. Though English orthography has nothing to do with intelligence, it is essential for clear communication.
Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Vocabulary has always been fun for me. Because words and their origins have always intrigued me, my mom said I should be an etymologist. At the age of eight I read the dictionary to put all the vocabulary possible into my head. Every day is a new day for increasing my vocabulary!

English

ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I love taking tests. My favorite are the essay tests. ACT Reading is more a multiple choice exam, but very necessary for getting into a desired college or university. Whatever school of higher learning you desire, it is my desire to get you there as best I can!
English,

English

I majored in English in college. I have had much experience teaching it as a substitute teacher, and using it as an English speaker and proofreader. I have every confidence in my abilities to teach it.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a life-long English speaker I have always been fascinated by the similarities of all languages. Without these similarities, such as grammar, no language would make sense. Grammar and vocabulary and parts of speech are universal and make teaching and learning English easy!
Grammar,

Grammar

Grammar, as I learned in college, is much more than stuffy rules. It is how we understand a language. One person finds it difficult to comprehend what another's saying if that other person uses an unaccepted grammar. English grammar has always been tricky especially when you find out that the first English grammar book was in Latin! Oh well that's grammar for you!
Literature,

Literature

I have read since before I started Kindergarten, where I tested into the third grade. I started off reading mythology and fairy tales from the encyclopedia and have read all the literary classics. Literature is writing at its best, and, as a reader and writer, I enjoy learning and teaching it!
Proofreading,

Proofreading

My first job out of college was as a proofreader. I proofread advertising copy. Because of my Bachelor's of Science degree in English, I easily got that work, though none of my peers thought it worth a slap on my back. Maybe it wasn't an exciting career, but it was essential!
Public Speaking,

Public Speaking

As a pastor, I have written and delivered hundreds of sermons, which are all public speeches. In high school and college, I interpreted poetic, humorous and dramatic speeches, going to state twice. I also took speech and oral interpretation classes and taught a class how to read Shakespeare aloud for the best effect.
Reading,

Reading

I have always had my nose in a book. I read before I started Kindergarten, where I tested in reading and other subjects on the third grade level. By sixth grade, I tested on the twelfth grade level, and just kept on reading. When I was disabled and couldn't read, I made up stories for my kids, and, when I could only hold very small books, I read my growing youngsters the condensed classics. I'll never forget when my two-year-old read his first book or when my four-year-old daughter commented, "My favorite author is Poe."
Spelling,

Spelling

My dear mother taught me how to spell fifty words before I started Kindergarten. Since then, spelling has always come easily for me. I automatically see a correctly spelled word in my mind when I hear it. Though English orthography has nothing to do with intelligence, it is essential for clear communication.
Vocabulary,

Vocabulary

Vocabulary has always been fun for me. Because words and their origins have always intrigued me, my mom said I should be an etymologist. At the age of eight I read the dictionary to put all the vocabulary possible into my head. Every day is a new day for increasing my vocabulary!
Writing

Writing

Writing is exciting because it conveys the most precious commodity of the human mind. It communicates the human thought. I would love a chance to teach others what I know and have discovered about the elements of style!

History

American History,

American History

All history came alive for me when one teacher unfolded it as one long, interesting story! Indeed, truth trumps fiction every time! My history teacher encouraged me to major in history of all kinds. I love, as an American, teaching what is so imprinted on my mind!
Bible Studies,

Bible Studies

I have loved studying the Bible all my life, so much, that I became a pastor twenty-nine years ago. I have taught the Holy Word to my flocks. The Old Testament is the unfulfilled testament, and the New Testament is the fulfilled testament of our Lord Jesus.
Classics,

Classics

I love the classics of ancient Greco-Roman times, especially the mythology and philosophy, the former of which I have devoured since I could read. I have tutored people in Latin and Greek, and in literature weighted with classicism, the temper of which transcends all ages. One of the reasons that I am a JEOPARDY! finalist is because of the classics, ancient and modern!
European History,

European History

I love history. It is one, long crazy story. European history is no exception. As a substitute teacher for all subjects and grade levels, I am very confident in teaching it.
Geography,

Geography

I love geography. I have taught it for years as a substitute teacher. I enjoy learning and teaching about where people live around the world.
Religion,

Religion

Religion is how man understands and relates to the divine. As a parish pastor I have taught religion for over 26 years, from Buddhism to Islam. I studied religion and its history at seminary and feel I am competent and confident to teach it.
World History

World History

World history is fun, not just because Mel Brooks spoofed it! Learning how the first civilizations formed and what transpired after that is one spell-binding story. I love everything about world history!

Homeschool

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have taught elementary school as a substitute teacher for many years. I love teaching the basics so that the students get a firm foundation for the higher grades soon to come. I learn so much from teaching children, which makes me a better teacher. I can't wait to tutor an elementary student!
English,

English

I majored in English in college. I have had much experience teaching it as a substitute teacher, and using it as an English speaker and proofreader. I have every confidence in my abilities to teach it.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a life-long English speaker I have always been fascinated by the similarities of all languages. Without these similarities, such as grammar, no language would make sense. Grammar and vocabulary and parts of speech are universal and make teaching and learning English easy!
Handwriting,

Handwriting

Cursive may be on the way out, but penmanship or handwriting will never become obsolete. I taught my son to write his large and small letters when he was two. I hated practicing cursive in school, as I recall, but I am glad I did. Teachers know best!
Reading,

Reading

I have always had my nose in a book. I read before I started Kindergarten, where I tested in reading and other subjects on the third grade level. By sixth grade, I tested on the twelfth grade level, and just kept on reading. When I was disabled and couldn't read, I made up stories for my kids, and, when I could only hold very small books, I read my growing youngsters the condensed classics. I'll never forget when my two-year-old read his first book or when my four-year-old daughter commented, "My favorite author is Poe."
Spelling,

Spelling

My dear mother taught me how to spell fifty words before I started Kindergarten. Since then, spelling has always come easily for me. I automatically see a correctly spelled word in my mind when I hear it. Though English orthography has nothing to do with intelligence, it is essential for clear communication.
Writing

Writing

Writing is exciting because it conveys the most precious commodity of the human mind. It communicates the human thought. I would love a chance to teach others what I know and have discovered about the elements of style!

Language

ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a life-long English speaker I have always been fascinated by the similarities of all languages. Without these similarities, such as grammar, no language would make sense. Grammar and vocabulary and parts of speech are universal and make teaching and learning English easy!
Greek,

Greek

I started collecting Greek words before I started school, because my mom told me I needed to know Latin and Greek to be a veterinarian, or an etymologist. I received a Greek textbook in junior high and took classical Greek as a dual credit in high school and koine (common) Greek at seminary. I have used my Greek almost daily for over twenty-nine years as a pastor and have tutored friends in it. Three cheers for Greek!
Hebrew,

Hebrew

As leader of my study group, I taught Hebrew to my fellow classmates. As a pastor I use the language frequently. Although it has a different alphabet, reads right to left, and has no vowels or tenses, it is easy to learn. I'd love to teach it again!
Latin

Latin

I love Latin. I have studied it since age four and, especially since age eleven, when my parents gave me a primer in it for Christmas, and took it in high school as part of my classical education. I also tutored friends in it while still in high school and still use it often today!

Most Popular

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have taught elementary school as a substitute teacher for many years. I love teaching the basics so that the students get a firm foundation for the higher grades soon to come. I learn so much from teaching children, which makes me a better teacher. I can't wait to tutor an elementary student!
English,

English

I majored in English in college. I have had much experience teaching it as a substitute teacher, and using it as an English speaker and proofreader. I have every confidence in my abilities to teach it.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a life-long English speaker I have always been fascinated by the similarities of all languages. Without these similarities, such as grammar, no language would make sense. Grammar and vocabulary and parts of speech are universal and make teaching and learning English easy!
Reading,

Reading

I have always had my nose in a book. I read before I started Kindergarten, where I tested in reading and other subjects on the third grade level. By sixth grade, I tested on the twelfth grade level, and just kept on reading. When I was disabled and couldn't read, I made up stories for my kids, and, when I could only hold very small books, I read my growing youngsters the condensed classics. I'll never forget when my two-year-old read his first book or when my four-year-old daughter commented, "My favorite author is Poe."
Writing

Writing

Writing is exciting because it conveys the most precious commodity of the human mind. It communicates the human thought. I would love a chance to teach others what I know and have discovered about the elements of style!

Music

Music Theory,

Music Theory

I have played and composed music since age seven. Music is indeed the universal language. Classical music is the most profound and moving. Keys, signatures, types of notes and registers all take music from theory to reality!
Songwriting

Songwriting

Songs thrill the heart and change attitudes and, sometimes, lives! I have written hundreds of songs and a cantata and musical as well. I've always loved how two melodies come to my head each day and how the lyrics, which are gibberish at first, soon follow! I have written and sung three CDs also.

Other

Bible Studies,

Bible Studies

I have loved studying the Bible all my life, so much, that I became a pastor twenty-nine years ago. I have taught the Holy Word to my flocks. The Old Testament is the unfulfilled testament, and the New Testament is the fulfilled testament of our Lord Jesus.
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a life-long English speaker I have always been fascinated by the similarities of all languages. Without these similarities, such as grammar, no language would make sense. Grammar and vocabulary and parts of speech are universal and make teaching and learning English easy!
Geography,

Geography

I love geography. I have taught it for years as a substitute teacher. I enjoy learning and teaching about where people live around the world.
Law,

Law

The Law has always intrigued me because, with just a few words, it establishes both freedoms and restrictions. My mother always said I'd be a good lawyer, as she said that I loved to argue! I guess I could have been one, at that, but all I ever wanted was to get my point across before my family shouted, "Drop it!" :)
Religion

Religion

Religion is how man understands and relates to the divine. As a parish pastor I have taught religion for over 26 years, from Buddhism to Islam. I studied religion and its history at seminary and feel I am competent and confident to teach it.

Science

Anatomy,

Anatomy

I have always been fascinated with the human body, and I soak up everything I hear or read about it. I easily could have been a doctor, I suppose. Anatomy comes from the Greek for "cut again"!
Botany,

Botany

Botany is the study of plants, how they grow and how they reproduce. I took college botany in high school and have taught it as a substitute teacher. I would love the opportunity to teach it one-on-one!
Geology,

Geology

I've loved geology most of my life. Since I earned a scout camp merit badge for it, I've enjoyed the study of rocks. I like that it is so basic, as a rock can only be igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary. Let the teaching begin!
Psychology

Psychology

I am both a study and student in psychology, as I am a patient who has suffered from mental illnesses and have read much about them. I am both grateful for modern medicine and would never even entertain the idea to quit taking it. I am a schizophrenic and bipolar son of an alcoholic, subject to clinical depression, but a normal guy otherwise.

Special Needs

Phonics,

Phonics

I learned phonics in grade school and phonetics in college. When I took Russian and learned the Cyrillic alphabet I was intrigued by the letters which were consonant blends in English. Phonics are a great way to learn to speak and spell.
Special Needs

Special Needs

All students learn at their own pace. Special needs students are no exception. About half my time as a substitute teacher for six years was spent in special needs classrooms. Whether they are developmentally, physically, or emotionally challenged does not matter, as I can work with any student.

Sports/Recreation

Poker

Poker

My dad taught us three kids how to play poker when we were young. We played with no money, just chips, learning five-card-stud and draw, and seven-card stud, and calling any card at all a wild card. He, Dad, taught us how to read tells and the most efficient ways to remember played cards! Royal flush beats four of a kind, which beats a straight flush, which beats a full house, which beats a flush, which beats a straight, and so on, if memory serves me correctly. I haven't played in a while, but that's mainly because I usually win, and I don't like taking money from overly zealous opponents who can't afford to lose.

Summer

Elementary (K-6th),

Elementary (K-6th)

I have taught elementary school as a substitute teacher for many years. I love teaching the basics so that the students get a firm foundation for the higher grades soon to come. I learn so much from teaching children, which makes me a better teacher. I can't wait to tutor an elementary student!
ESL/ESOL,

ESL/ESOL

As a life-long English speaker I have always been fascinated by the similarities of all languages. Without these similarities, such as grammar, no language would make sense. Grammar and vocabulary and parts of speech are universal and make teaching and learning English easy!
GED,

GED

I guess I need to say that I don't know what is in a GED, but I am sure what is in other tests I have taken, such as the ACT, PSAT, GRE and CLEP tests. The ACT is another name for the SAT, in which I scored in the top percentile of our country. The PSAT is the bare minimum exam for acceptance into a state university. It must be very close then to the GED. The GRE is for graduate school, and contains a lot of logic problems, like the ones you find in puzzle books. (I have never been able to solve one of those thorny things!) The CLEP tests have about 45 points each and cover a single subject, such as college grammar or math or science. I am sure that, with a little research, I can help anyone ace a GED!
Reading,

Reading

I have always had my nose in a book. I read before I started Kindergarten, where I tested in reading and other subjects on the third grade level. By sixth grade, I tested on the twelfth grade level, and just kept on reading. When I was disabled and couldn't read, I made up stories for my kids, and, when I could only hold very small books, I read my growing youngsters the condensed classics. I'll never forget when my two-year-old read his first book or when my four-year-old daughter commented, "My favorite author is Poe."
Writing

Writing

Writing is exciting because it conveys the most precious commodity of the human mind. It communicates the human thought. I would love a chance to teach others what I know and have discovered about the elements of style!

Test Preparation

ACT Reading,

ACT Reading

I love taking tests. My favorite are the essay tests. ACT Reading is more a multiple choice exam, but very necessary for getting into a desired college or university. Whatever school of higher learning you desire, it is my desire to get you there as best I can!
GED,

GED

I guess I need to say that I don't know what is in a GED, but I am sure what is in other tests I have taken, such as the ACT, PSAT, GRE and CLEP tests. The ACT is another name for the SAT, in which I scored in the top percentile of our country. The PSAT is the bare minimum exam for acceptance into a state university. It must be very close then to the GED. The GRE is for graduate school, and contains a lot of logic problems, like the ones you find in puzzle books. (I have never been able to solve one of those thorny things!) The CLEP tests have about 45 points each and cover a single subject, such as college grammar or math or science. I am sure that, with a little research, I can help anyone ace a GED!
PSAT

PSAT

I took the ACT as a high school junior and the PSAT as a college freshman, testing in the top percentile. I found the latter much easier than the former. I know I could be a great help in aiding a student to prepare for either test, but, especially the PSAT.

Examples of Expertise

Jim has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 128 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Jim ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

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Wonderful teacher, very patient and friendly

Jim is a wonderful and caring tutor. Very patient with my son and have help him to aging the confidence he needed. Thank you Jim

Jackie, 23 lessons with Jim

Wonderful teacher, very patient and friendly

Jim is a wonderful and caring tutor. Very patient with my son and have help him to aging the confidence he needed. Thank you Jim

Jackie, 23 lessons with Jim

Kind and Wise Spiritual Advisor

God reaches to me with great love and gave me the gift of forgiveness and salvation (the gift of eternal life) with Jesus Christ, infused by the Holy Spirit into my soul to heal me. Jim encouraged me to continue to love my family who have fallen away from God, and remind them that God loves them. I like that Jim took me out of how I was defining religion like a dictionary term, bringing me into a real connection with God through Jesus, here, now, and always. God's love, eternal life, so simple yet I was making it so hard. Jim is exactly who I need at this time in my life. Very compassionate.

Jean, 4 lessons with Jim

Wonderful teacher, very patient and friendly

Jim is helping my son Alexander with his Greek language class. Since starting three weeks ago, he has gain confidence and interest in learning a language that was completely new to him.

Jackie, 23 lessons with Jim
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Response time: 13 hours

$30/hour

Jim M.'s Photo

Jim M.

$30/hour

  • No subscriptions or upfront payments

  • Only pay for the time you need

  • Find the right fit, or your first hour is free

Contact Jim

Response time: 13 hours