Turning a Passion for Math into a Purpose for Teaching
John Navarra ’25, ’26 MST fulfills calling through sharing his love for math
For John Navarra ’25, ’26 MST, the journey to becoming an educator began with a simple realization: he loved helping others understand math. Growing up in the Bronx, N.Y., he often found himself tutoring friends as early as middle school.
“Math was my favorite subject, and I came to realize that I wanted to help others see the beauty of it as well,” Navarra said.
That early passion would ultimately shape his academic and professional path.
Navarra’s decision to attend Iona University was deeply influenced by the educators who came before him. Many of his own teachers were Iona graduates, and their impact left a lasting impression. A student teacher he met during his senior year of high school further introduced him to the program. Combined with the strong reputation of Iona’s education department—especially its 4+1 program — he knew he had found the right place to pursue his goals.
At Iona, Navarra completed his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and continued into the Master’s in the Science of Teaching program for Adolescent Education (7–12). Throughout his time there, he found not only academic rigor but also meaningful mentorship. Faculty members were consistently approachable and supportive, helping him navigate both coursework and the realities of teaching.
“They are always willing to give advice, provide support, or just chat about how things are going if you reach out,” Navarra said.
Conversations with professors about their real-world experiences helped him better understand how to succeed in today’s classrooms.
A cornerstone of Navarra’s preparation has been Iona’s emphasis on fieldwork. Through classroom observations and guided experiences, he developed a strong foundation before stepping into student teaching. These early opportunities allowed him to understand what makes a classroom effective and engaging. By the time he began teaching, he felt ready to take on increasing responsibility.
Now, Navarra is completing his student teaching at Bronx Green Middle School, working with 8th-grade students. In this role, he has transitioned from observer to instructor, gradually leading lessons and building confidence in his teaching style. His goal remains consistent with his early experiences — helping students not only learn math, but appreciate it.
Navarra also participates in the Noyce Scholars Program, further demonstrating his commitment to education and service. For him, teaching is more than a profession, it’s a way to guide and inspire others.
“I really enjoy working with students and helping to guide them on their journeys in life,” Navarra said.
With a strong foundation from Iona and a clear sense of purpose, he is well on his way to making a lasting impact in the classroom.
ABOUT IONA
Founded in 1940, Iona University is a master's-granting private, Catholic, coeducational institution of learning in the tradition of the Edmund Rice Christian Brothers. Iona's 45-acre New Rochelle campus and 28-acre Bronxville campus are just 20 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. With a total enrollment of over 4,000 students and an alumni base of 55,000 around the world, Iona is a diverse community of learners and scholars dedicated to academic excellence and the values of justice, peace and service. Iona is highly accredited, offering undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, science and business administration, as well as Master of Arts, Master of Science and Master of Business Administration degrees and numerous advanced certificate programs. Iona students enjoy small class sizes, engaged professors and a wide array of academic programs across the School of Arts & Science; LaPenta School of Business; NewYork-Presbyterian Iona School of Nursing & Health Sciences; and Hynes Institute for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Iona also continues to be recognized in prestigious national rankings. Most recently for 2025, Iona has been named one of the nation’s best colleges by The Princeton Review, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and others. Additionally, U.S. News & World Report recognized Iona as one of top for social mobility in the country, while Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) ranked an Iona degree in the top 6 percent nationally for long-term return on investment. Iona’s LaPenta School of Business, meanwhile, is also accredited by AACSB International, a recognition awarded to just 6 percent of business schools worldwide. In addition, The Princeton Review once again named Iona to its “Best Business Schools for 2025,” recognizing both its on-campus and online MBA programs. Connecting to its Irish heritage, Iona also opened a new campus in County Mayo, Ireland, located on the historic 400-acre Westport House Estate. A school on the rise, Iona officially changed its status from College to University on July 1, 2022, reflecting the growth of its academic programs and the prestige of an Iona education.