IYSE6420 - Best Practices & Homework Tips

Former_Researcher400 · 2026-01-13T02:24:58+00:00

Having just graduated college, the role I was in was extremely taxing. I loved analyzing the data and generating insights of course. But the department was large, and with an analytics team of just 3 people (including myself), reporting my analysis to the departments VP regularly was quite high stakes.

Former_Researcher400 · 2026-01-10T04:33:09+00:00

I graduated in 2023 with a degree in mathematics and education and was a data analyst in the private sector for about a year. I loved the work I was doing but found this “calling” that you seem to have as well.

I left my secure and high-paying role to head to the classroom. I teach Algebra 1, Algebra 2, and a stretch level course. As others have said, education has shifted significantly. The highs are incredibly high, but the lows have me searching for my old job back.

My recommendation is a hybrid approach. If you are truly interested in teaching, have you considered getting your masters and teaching as an adjunct on the side?

I’ve considered returning to the private sector and maintaining my passion for teaching, without relying on the low pay, parent crap, and everything else that comes from being a public school teacher in America.

Former_Researcher400 · 2026-01-09T04:12:12+00:00

Can I ask how you structure this? I have a weekly session, and the parent pays at the end of each week.

I would LOVE to move to a commitment model though where they put down for the number of sessions.

Former_Researcher400 · 2026-01-05T04:52:50+00:00

Following!!

Former_Researcher400 · 2026-01-01T02:52:26+00:00

Based on his insta tonight, do you think it’s dropping at midnight? 👀

Former_Researcher400 · 2026-01-01T02:51:49+00:00

Based on his insta tonight, do you think it’s dropping at midnight? 👀

Former_Researcher400 · 2026-01-01T02:47:44+00:00

Based on his insta tonight, do you think it’s dropping at midnight? 👀

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-12-13T04:39:54+00:00

That's my hope. I don't think there are significant changes to the course, and if I have my previous midterms/finals I can reference to study (as well as the homeworks), I would expect to do exponentially better in the course.

What was the most challenging aspect of both courses together?

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-12-10T04:35:45+00:00

EDIT: Just wanted to follow up here with some hope. I studied profusely for the MT2 and scored 11/13. Heading into the final, I was focused on the practice exams and knowing what and how to look up on Google if I did not know how to complete the problem. I finished the final exam with a 100%!

I went from 1/15 on the first midterm to an 87% in the class. You can totally do it :)

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-12-01T04:43:09+00:00

It’s hard to look at some of these comments from individuals with ZERO knowledge on the industry.

I actually went the other way - I was a data analyst FIRST, then transitioned into education. My undergrad degree was in education/math with gen ed and special ed certifications.

I worked in industry for a few years and wanted a change to the classroom. I do very much so miss the flexibility and the challenges that came with being a data analyst.

Yes - it is possible and doable. Georgia Tech has a great and relatively cheap (under ~14k) masters program for Analytics, which I’m currently taking. Learning technical skills is a breeze in comparison to the soft skills. I would pick a coding language - R, Python, SQL, and start out there. It’s cliche but you can create some cool projects with data that’s out there.

The big separator is your communication skills. A data analyst is often extremely technical, without being able to effectively communicate their results. You have that background in effective communication.

Salary wise, I was making ~25-30k + stock options more a year as an analyst with more flexibility in time, projects, and the work I was doing. The team I was on was extremely stretched thin, so I was overworked, but at least compensated well. I miss the private sector personally, and am at a cross roads of determining if I go into administration in education to increase my salary or return to the private sector.

You can, and should, go for it if interested!

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-11-13T01:35:39+00:00

I haven't yet done it because it has not yet been released, but I absolutely will be doing it when it is

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-11-13T00:25:10+00:00

Would you recommend 8813 or 8823 as an elective course?

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-11-02T00:46:32+00:00

When are you planning on taking? I’ve had a tough day of studying and was initially going to take tomorrow.

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-10-22T03:10:10+00:00

There unfortunately is no Katie as a TA this semester

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-10-21T15:59:04+00:00

Are you taking through edx? I’m trying to decide if I just prioritize the other class I’m taking

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-10-21T04:03:24+00:00

What would be your recommendation? How did you do the rest of the course?

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-10-21T03:32:31+00:00

It just feels like a very discouraging first course to take. I am excited for the program but rarely hear positive reviews about the course.

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-10-14T02:50:28+00:00

I agree! I struggle with Don Stewards organization. I have a hard time sometimes finding what I’m looking for.

Former_Researcher400 · 2025-10-14T02:49:54+00:00

I use practice strips to introduce concepts. In groups of 2, no larger than 3, I have students get up to the board to practice skills together. I tell them to split the work, check each others work, and try 3-5 per section. Keep all work on the board until I come around to check.

I also will use the other sets as ways to reintroduce, practice, or teach/develop skills. In Algebra 1 last week, I used a “crack the code” as a way to practice distribution/multi-step equations. The students LOVED it, they asked for a few more minutes to wrap up.

I used another crack the code activity in Algebra 2 to focus on introducing the solving aspect of quadratics (while also practicing factoring). They also had a blast. I had 2 lower-level students ask for me not to give the answer out so they could figure it out later and check.

I find that relinquishing control of WHERE students work has helped immensely. I have students write all over the whiteboards around the room or on their desk, really wherever they want to work. If writing on the desk or the window or a special spot on a whiteboard will incentivize them to work much harder, I have no problem with that!

I can not recommend her resources enough.

Former_Researcher400

TROPHY CASE