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Carnegie Mellon Grad & Full-Time Software Engineer (20+ Years)
Jay K.

274 hours tutoring

Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Hourly Rate: $50
Response time: 22 minutes

About Jay


Bio

With over 20 years as a professional software engineer, I specialize in making challenging programming concepts accessible and intuitive. What sets me apart is my ability to break down complex problems into manageable pieces while tailoring my teaching approach to match your individual learning style.

I don't just help you complete assignments - I guide you through the problem-solving process so you develop the critical thinking skills that make great programmers. Using real-world examples...

With over 20 years as a professional software engineer, I specialize in making challenging programming concepts accessible and intuitive. What sets me apart is my ability to break down complex problems into manageable pieces while tailoring my teaching approach to match your individual learning style.

I don't just help you complete assignments - I guide you through the problem-solving process so you develop the critical thinking skills that make great programmers. Using real-world examples from my industry experience, I show how abstract programming principles apply to actual software development, helping you see the bigger picture behind every concept.

Currently employed as Lead Software Engineer, I bring cutting-edge industry knowledge to every session. My areas of knowledge include:
-- AP Computer Science Principles
-- AP Computer Science A
-- Java (IntelliJ, Eclipse, NetBeans, BlueJ)
-- Python (PyCharm, Idle, Visual Studio, VS Code)
-- Apache Tomcat (Servlets, JSP, Spring Boot)
-- XAMPP
-- Web Development (HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP)
-- Full-Stack Development
-- SQL (MySQL, PostGreSQL, SQL Server, Oracle, Access)
-- ERD (Entity Relationship Diagrams)
-- Git (Bash (command line), GitHub Desktop, GitLab)
-- Coding AI Tools (Claude Code, AI Codex, Gemini CLI, Aider, LiteLLM)

Some Popular CS courses I've helped with:
-- Runestone Academy
-- CodeHS
-- Harvard CS50
-- CMU CS Academy

What I love most about tutoring is that breakthrough moment when complex algorithms suddenly make sense to students. I'm committed to creating those moments through patient, encouraging guidance that builds both knowledge and confidence. Whether you're starting your programming journey or tackling advanced coursework, I'll help you develop genuine appreciation for software development while achieving your academic goals.

Ready to transform your programming skills? Let's discuss how I can help you succeed.


Education

Carnegie Mellon University
Information Systems
Carnegie Mellon University
Masters

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $50
  • Rate details: Lessons that are canceled, skipped or rescheduled by the student without 24 hours notice may be subject to a $30 No show/last minute cancellation fee.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required
  • Background check passed on 12/18/2019

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

Computer Programming

Computer Programming

As a full-time software engineer, I've been writing computer programs professionally for 20 years. In my spare time I help programming and programming concepts to students of all ages. I often assist high school students with AP Computer Science. I've programmed in various languages, using various technology, including Java, PHP, SQL, Python, Git, HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
Computer Science

Computer Science

I have 20+ years as a full-stack web applications software developer. 10+ years volunteering with youth as a teacher/mentor/coach. I often assist high school students with AP Computer Science. I have a Bachelors Degree in Computer Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University and a Masters Degree in Computer Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University.
HTML

HTML

Experienced web developer with expertise in HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
Java

Java

As a full-time software engineer, I've been writing Java programs for over 20 years. In my spare time I teach programming and programming concepts to students of all ages. As a full-stack (front-end and back-end) developer, I regularly use Java, PHP, MySQL, Git, HTML, CSS, and Javascript.
Linux

Linux

I've been building dynamic web sites on Linux for 20 years. At my work I use the Linux command line for Git, running bash shell scripts, querying MySQL databases, and running web servers. My favorite Linux distributions flavor is Ubuntu.
PHP

PHP

I've been building dynamic web sites in PHP for 20 years. I'm well-versed in writing PHP scripts for rendering HTML, querying MySQL databases, and interacting with REST API's. I've used various PHP frameworks,and have deployed web applications on XAMPP, Windows, and Linux.
Python

Python

I develop Python applications using PyCharm, VS Code, Idle, Flask, Beautiful Soup, and other Python-related software. I also use Python with Git, SQL, and Bash. I've been building dynamic web sites for 20 years. I'm well-versed in writing Python code for rendering HTML, querying MySQL databases, and interacting with REST API's. I've used various Python modules,and have deployed web applications on XAMPP, Windows, and Linux.
SQL

SQL

I've been writing SQL queries to power web applications for 20 years. I design databases with ERD's (Entity Relationship Diagrams). I've written SQL for relational databases such as MySQL, MariaDB, PostGreSQL, SQL Server, Access, and Oracle. I've set up databases on Windows, Linux, and XAMPP.
Web Design

Web Design

I have 20+ years as a full-stack web applications developer and designer. 10+ years volunteering with youth as a teacher/mentor/coach. I have a Bachelors Degree in Computer Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University and a Masters Degree in Computer Information Systems from Carnegie Mellon University.
JavaScript

Examples of Expertise


Jay has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 1 question submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

Jay K.'s Photo

Questions? Contact Jay before you book.

Still have questions?

Contact Jay
Response time: 22 minutes

Ratings and Reviews


Rating

5.0 (98 ratings)
5 star
(96)
4 star
(1)
3 star
(1)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Very patient and knowledgeable

I had a project I needed help with and I really had no idea what I was doing. He was very patient with me. By the time we were done, it seemed so simple. He explained everything to me very well, better then my instructors have. I will definitely be using him again in the future.

Caitlyn, 1 lesson with Jay

Great tutor. knowledgeable and very patient

I worked with Jay on a class assignment. He was able to help with the errors and explained the fixes step by step and clarified OOP concepts. Extremely patient and encouraging, he made sure I understood before moving on. I feel confident tackling similar problems for my class. Highly recommend Jay for clear, methodical guidance.

Asha, 1 lesson with Jay

He is very helpful and knows a lot about java and using intelliJ software.

We reviewed my computer science assignments and he ended up helping with the assignment and to get to know the IntelliJ(the software I was using as a IDE) much better and helped me learn many new shortcuts that made my work on my own much easier and more efficient

Raghav, 1 lesson with Jay

Knowledgeable and Patient Tutor

Jay is an excellent tutor for PHP concepts. His in-depth knowledge, coupled with his talent for delivering clear and practical explanations, sets him apart. Jay’s patience and supportive approach created a conducive learning environment. In addition to his proficiency in PHP, Jay also shared valuable insights on Visual Studio code shortcuts, enhancing my overall learning experience. I would hire him as a tutor again.

Gabriel, 17 lessons with Jay

Knowledgeable tutor

Jay helped me with Git, Git Destop and GitHub. He was very clear and easy to understand instructions for push and pull to a remote repository for a class. He helped me to understand the basics of Git Hub and Git

Christina, 1 lesson with Jay

File Transfer protocol

He was very knowledgeable and knew what he was doing.He was patient and willing to listen to his students.I highly recommend him if you Information Technology course.

Maisoun, 1 lesson with Jay

Patient and Clear

Jay was slow and patient in his teaching of a true beginner like me. Everything was clarified when I didn't understand. I had 5 one hour lessons with him. Completely satisfied.

Max, 5 lessons with Jay

Great Patient Tutor

Working with Jay was a pleasure. He was super knowledgeable and patient, and walked me through everything I needed in a thorough way that made sure I understood the logic behind what we were doing

Guy, 1 lesson with Jay

Fast-response, great attention to detail

Jay was able to very quickly comprehend my project upon our first meetings and identify inconsistencies between my database and the ERD I was creating to show the relationships between the database's tables. If you're looking for someone to help you create an ERD, Jay would be very helpful! :)

Kathrina, 1 lesson with Jay

Excellent instructor!

Jay was incredibly helpful and kind. He explained concepts that made my assignment make more sense. Jay is very knowledgeable, and I would highly recommend him.

Amy, 1 lesson with Jay
Hourly Rate: $50
Response time: 22 minutes
Contact Jay