Steve Itelson

I am an "A" student, but my weakness is math. I was a little freaked out because I took Math 840 a couple semesters ago with a teacher who was a "little monster." On the first day of class Steve Itelson walked in, he CLEARLY explained what was expected of us, did not try to overwhelm us, or pull any Jedi mind-tricks that related to his ego. He got down to teaching right away, and took time to answer everyone's questions, and he never made anyone feel that their questions were unimportant. He continued to teach in this manner throughout the semester. He teaches with kindness and compassion, he is truly a GIFTED teacher-not everyone who is good with math should teach. This man was born to teach. Algebra was still hard for me, but I truly understood what I was doing, and when I did not he always took the time to explain or set up an appointment so he could explain. This man enjoys teaching, he is always well prepared, and he has an innate ability to look at your work and instantly understand what you're doing (this really comes in handy when you're lost.) I honestly don't have any criticisms. His class is fair, your overall grade is in your hands. He gives you the opportunity to do extra- credit, which is great if your someone like me. If you're not great with math and you're probably going to get a "C"-you have the chance to turn it into a "B" by doing the extra credit. If you struggle with understanding math, this is the guy to take. I never felt overwhelmed, I never second-guessed my questions, and I did not dread going to class. I wish he taught Math 860, I think it's awful that this man does not teach full-time. He is an asset to the students at City College.

He is an excellent teacher with a lot of patience. Every time, at the beginning of the class, we reviewed the homework. Very nice since if we didn't understood the material we have a chance to ask questions.

If you are shy or don't like to talk infront of the class because English is not your first language...Don't worry, he will never ask questions to an specific person.

The first test is closed-notes, but don't worry, he drops the lowest score test. There after all the test are open book, open notes and you can use whatever material or handouts that you want...except laptops.

The exams are very similar to the review test. The project is not that hard, he give you a sample project which will give you an idea of what he expects in your project.

You have to survey 125 or more people to do your survey, but again is not that hard because you learn something very useful, so you put a lot of interest in it.

Don't feel discourage if you go to the lectures and you don't understand anything that he's talking about. When you do the homework, things will be clearer.

mister itelson is just a wonderful teacher. he has enormous respect and patience with his students. every day that i went to his class i went with the feeling that i was going to a place where i would be respected and could fully engage in the noble task of learning. i learned SO much in his class.

a couple warnings: steve is kind and patient but you DO have to WORK to do well in his class. keep up with homework, and be sure to be in class and pay attention to his lectures. even if you don't understand the material, just be there and listen. it will come together eventually.

if you take the tuesday/thursday class you'll have to do a project. the project is a lot of work, but it's fun. start early!

i have only one personal criticism of steve. if you ask him a question after class, he has a tendency to ramble on and on for a very long time, and you are liable to end up missing your bus. other than that, he is just great.

oh, one more thing, be sure to do the sample finals!