Amplify your skill in English, Spanish or Theater Arts! Whether you have a specific goal or just want to set the stage for success, I can help you!
James A. Muller
Need help with conjugation or vocabulary?
Do the preterite and imperfect tenses confuse you?
How’re you doing with idiomatic expressions?
Are you understanding and conversing easily?
Would you like to start learning Spanish?
¡Puedo ayudarte!
Need help structuring an essay?
How’s your grammar?
Are you struggling with MLA or APA format?
Working on a major project for school?
Baffled by elements of literature?
I can help you!
Preparing for an audition?
Need help with your public speaking for class?
Struggling to find the right take for a monologue or scene?
Are you physically punctuating your words?
Want to up your game?
I can train you!
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE DETAILS ON AREAS of STUDY
SPANISH
- Verb Conjugations: Moving from regular verbs (\(-ar\), \(-er\), \(-ir\)) to irregular verbs in the present tense
- Past Tense (Preterite vs. Imperfect): This is the #1 hardest concept in Spanish 2; students struggle to know when to use a completed action versus an ongoing description
- Reflexive Verbs: Mastering daily routine verbs (like lavarse or despertarse) and pronoun placement
- Noun-Adjective Agreement: Ensuring adjectives match nouns in both gender and number
- Stem-Changing Verbs: Memorizing verbs that change spelling in the middle of the word when conjugated
- Pronunciation & Accent: Practicing natural rhythm and tricky sounds (like the trilled \(rr\))
- Real-Time Listening: Comprehending native speakers or audio exams without needing to translate word-for-word
- Oral Presentations: Building scripts and practicing the pronunciation and intonation for graded speaking tests
- Fluency & Flow: Overcoming the anxiety of making mistakes and learning how to respond naturally in dialogues
- Ser vs. Estar: Understanding the difference between permanent states of being (ser) and temporary conditions/locations (estar)
- Gustar and Similar Verbs: Figuring out how to use indirect object pronouns (me, te, le) with verbs like gustar
- Idiomatic Expressions: Learning common phrases that don’t translate literally into English
- Sentence Structure: Moving beyond simple, direct sentences (Subject-Verb-Object) to more complex paragraphs
- Writing Prompts: Organizing thoughts and drafting essays or journal entries without relying heavily on translation software
ENGLISH
- Essay Writing & Structure: Outlining, drafting, and refining different types of essays (persuasive, analytical, narrative, and research papers) to ensure logical flow and clear arguments
- Literary Analysis: Dissecting complex reading assignments, identify themes, working to understand figurative language, and crafting analytical arguments
- Reading Comprehension: Developing strategies to actively read, retain information, and quickly identify the main ideas in dense or historical texts (e.g., Shakespearean plays or classic literature)
- Grammar & Mechanics: Correcting common errors in sentence structure, punctuation, subject-verb agreement, and syntax to polish final drafts
- Vocabulary Expansion: Learning academic vocabulary to improve both reading comprehension and writing style
- College Application Essays & Personal Statements: Brainstorming topics, structuring narratives, and revising college admissions or scholarship essays to make the best impression
- Executive Functioning & Planning: Organizing large projects, managing reading schedules, and breaking down multi-step assignments into manageable deadlines
- Public Speaking and Presentations: Fine-tuning vocal and visual presentations to make you look and sound your best
THEATER PERFORMANCE
- Monologue Preparation & Auditioning: Selecting the right audition pieces, polishing cuts, crafting character objectives, and overcoming audition anxiety
- Scene Study: Analyzing subtext, establishing relationships with scene partners, and successfully applying a director’s feedback
- Acting Methods: Breaking down and applying specific acting theories, such as Stanislavsky or Practical Aesthetics
- Script Analysis: Understanding plot structure, identifying the protagonist’s “through-line,” and mapping the dramatic beats of a play
- Theatre History: Exploring different historical eras (like Greek theatre, Shakespearean drama, or Realism) and understanding how to apply these styles to acting and design
- Theatre Criticism: Writing thoughtful, structured critiques of live theatrical performances
- Vocal Diction & Projection: Learning projection techniques, articulation, and regional accent control or dialects
- Stage Physicality: Utilizing pantomime, mastering stage movement, and learning how to convey emotion using only the body
- Body Punctuation: Using the body to enhance the speech, emphasizing the potential impact of the verbal/physical connection
Some of Mr. Muller’s former, and ongoing students…
QUINN STANFORD – Student – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
“The tutoring sessions Mr. Muller holds with each of his students provide specific, constructive, and enlightening feedback to improve writing, communication, and academics. I was able to take these valuable lessons into my college courses and succeed. In addition to improving my English skills and knowledge, Mr. Muller also directed me in musical productions in our school. I grew exponentially under his direction. I’m even taking his lessons and mounting my own productions as a result of his tutelage. Simply, there’s no better person to provide commercial-level performance training, or challenging, first-rate guidance in English or Spanish than Mr. Muller”
SHAOLIN GATES – Student – 2026 Graduate of Selinsgrove High School
“¿por dónde empiezo? From English 4 Drama to Spanish; the two very different classes both have something in common. That being, the impact made by Mr. Muller. I have been lucky enough to experience that hands on. As I had always been interested in Spanish through all 4 years of High School, Mr. Muller deepened that passion and now it has become something I plan to pursue in college. Mr. Muller is an all around amazing teacher, but his skills in Spanish are impeccable. You could not find anyone better. His tutoring sessions and techniques improved pronunciation, conjugation, and structure…all such important things to understand a language. ¡El señor Muller no ha fallado ni una sola vez enseñándome!”
LOGAN RODKEY – Student – Shippensburg University
“The two classes that I had with Mr. Muller my Junior and Senior year of high school, increased my writing skills with his help and guidance. Writing assignments and essays that were given not only challenged me, but also my classmates and ultimately put us on track for writing at the next level. I am currently a Junior at Shippensburg University, and I would say that I am ahead of my peers when it comes to writing and grammar. My professors are pleased with how I approach essays and assignments and I attribute this vote of confidence to Mr. Muller. If you are struggling, in need of help, or simply need proofreading in any English, Spanish, or Theatre courses, I would highly recommend reaching out to Mr. Muller.”
ABBY WATKINS – Student – Bloomsburg University
“Throughout my four years of high school, I’ve been fortunate enough to have a teacher, director, role model, and mentor all in one person: Mr. Jay Muller. This past year, I was part of an English 4 Drama class he taught. During this time, he furthered his students’ grammar knowledge, encouraged writing at a college level, and boosted our presentation skills and comfortability. Every essay, paragraph, and sentence was carefully discussed through one-on-one writing conferences, greatly benefiting my essay techniques. Along with his exceptional teaching, his directing ability is superb as he has helped with my poise, etiquette, and confidence on stage, allowing me to transfer these characteristics to real-life scenarios. No matter the setting – on stage or in the classroom – Mr. Muller has taught me many important lessons I will take with me to college and beyond.”
TIRUS TWYNE – Interim Pastor – Redeemer Bible Fellowship Church
“Mr. Muller is one of the greatest mentors I’ve ever had. As a pastor, the wisdom, advice, and training I received under his leadership are tools I employ every single day. When we first met, he recognized my potential but saw that I needed help refining my personal presentation. He taught me that powerful public speaking goes far beyond eloquence—it requires proper posture, genuine eye contact, and reading the room’s energy. His foundational instruction in presentation, leadership, and administration truly set me up for long-term success. I thank the Lord for bringing him into my life, and I know he will be an invaluable asset to yours as well.”
KATELYN STILLMAN – Performer – Carnival Cruise Lines
“I will remember my time with Mr. Muller as life-changing. I was graduated form college with a vocal performance degree and yet I was having absolutely no luck earning a job. Mr. Muller taught me how to audition, how to enter the room, how to package my strengths to my best advantage. He also taught me a great deal about physical punctuation, which turned out to be a great asset as I earned almost every job I auditioned for after my time with Mr. Muller. Do yourself a favor, if you’re looking for commercial skill in performing arts, or even if you want to be the best in your community theater or school, schedule a tutoring session with Mr. Muller!”
Your Instructor: Mr. James A. Muller
Hello! ¡Hola! I’m Mr. Muller.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and dual-certification in Spanish from Susquehanna University and a Masters Degree in English with Education Emphasis from Grand Canyon University.
I earned a teaching position post-undergrad in the Unit #40 School District, Effingham, IL. I taught a total of three years (1990-1993) at the high school level in three disciplines, including English I, for freshman students; Spanish I and II, for grades 9 through 12; and Journalism.
I currently teach grades 9 through 12 at Selinsgrove Area High School, where I instruct all four levels of English and Spanish 1. I re-wrote the Drama curriculum to better facilitate my students and work diligently with colleagues to better our students’ experiences. My duties also include directing the school show choir, the musical, and serving as an emcee and public speaker for various entities including the National Spanish Honor Society. I will be entering my 5th year of instruction this fall, and while I fully appreciate my in-person charges, I do have a knack for technology and virtual learning and am branching out to help YOU!
I explored a number of virtual platforms for tutoring, but none of them provided the ease and personal touch for which I was so earnestly seeking. Learning should be fun, engaging, and fulfilling!
Between teaching posts, I served as the administrator of Re-Creation USA, Inc., a 501(c)3 national tour service honoring Veterans across the country in VA Medical Centers and State Veterans Homes. In my 30-year run as Director of Re-Creation USA, Inc., I served as Administrative Director, Speech-Writer, Choreographer, Costume Designer, Stage Designer, Lighting Designer, Group Mentor and Counselor (alongside a certified psychologist), Government Vendor Liaison, Web Designer, App Designer, Graphic Designer for Digital and Print Publishing and more.
Yes, this is a great deal of information about me. I want you to be fully confident in the knowledge that I can advise, direct, counsel, and guide you to achieving your academic and creative goals.
Let’s JAM!
James A. Muller
Download the PDF Contract, read in its entirety, provide the necessary signatures and information and email to jamsessiontutoring@gmail.com
Once the contract is electronically sent, feel free to book your session(s).
**When you book your JAM Session, be sure to indicate in “Notes” in which area of study you are interested. Details are appreciated. For example, “Spanish Verbs” or “English Essay” or “Theater Audition Prep” would be helpful indicators.
If you have any questions, please direct them to the above email address. Thank you!
James
JAM Session Tutoring Contract