Farewell to Mrs. Nardone:
An acknowledgment of her
40-year dedication to John Jay

Whether you witnessed her running around holding the chains for Friday night lights or knew her from her Christmas tree in Room 191 adorned with genitalia models, Mrs. Nardone stands as an institution at John Jay Senior High School. In the realm of education, some embark on a path that wasn’t their initial plan, but discover an important calling. Mrs. Nardone, an esteemed educator at John Jay Senior High School, exemplifies this journey of dedication and growth.

Her story began far from the classroom, as she initially pursued a pre-med track with dreams of becoming an oncologist. The gloomy reality of dealing with cancer-stricken children prompted a change in direction. She still wanted to work in oncology, maybe in a lab, but she said, “it was too lonely, just me and the equipment.” It was during a study session teaching cell biology to her classmates that destiny intervened. “After explaining the unit to them, they said I should go into teaching,” and she did exactly that. 

Joining John Jay Senior High School in 1985 as a substitute teacher, Mrs. Nardone faced the challenges of a meager salary and being a 22-year-old woman in a department dominated by 40-year-old men who weren’t the keenest on helping her fit into the science department; in Mrs. Nardone’s words, “I was the low man on the totem pole.” In her inaugural year, she took on the dual responsibility of teaching both Biology and Chemistry while pursuing her master’s degree. Despite being low on the totem pole, Mrs. Nardone exhibited a steady work ethic that set the tone for the next two decades.

Reflecting on her favorite aspect of teaching, Mrs. Nardone fondly speaks of witnessing the transformation of immature freshmen into adult seniors. In her own words, “watching people go through those critical growth years, it’s really something special.” She says the funniest part of teaching is hearing the creative excuses kids come up with when it comes to missing work, and the most fun part being the unique experiences that unfold during field trips. Mrs. Nardone notes the importance of creating a laid-back environment outside the classroom to connect with students on a different level, as “kids are so different outside the classroom.”

However, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Mrs. Nardone candidly addresses the frustration of students dodging responsibility and the struggle with coddling parents who make excuses for their children. The evolving educational standards and bureaucratic hurdles add another layer of complexity to her role.

As Mrs. Nardone reflects on her journey, she gives valuable advice to those considering the noble profession of teaching. “If you are doing it to get good vacations, don’t be a teacher,” she warns, emphasizing that the work of an educator is ceaseless. Teaching is more than a profession; it’s one of the hardest jobs, in which individuals must wear numerous hats, playing the roles of educator, counselor, and at times a parental figure. Mrs. Nardone acknowledges the necessity for a diverse skill set, describing the profession as requiring individuals to be “crazily talented” to navigate the complexities of the classroom. To aspiring teachers, she advocates embracing the challenges, working diligently, and finding success in kindling a love of learning in students. For Mrs. Nardone, the reward lies in positively impacting lives, an invaluable experience she wouldn’t trade for any other profession. She also advises aspiring educators to be prepared for the scrutiny that comes with the job, emphasizing the need to be watchful in maintaining a professional and flawless image.

As Mrs. Nardone bids farewell to John Jay after almost four decades of unwavering dedication, her legacy is imprinted on the countless students she guided through their academic and personal growth. As her colleague and friend, Mr. Herman said, "They made a mistake and then broke the mold when they made Mrs. Nardone.”  The impact of her commitment to education and resilience in the face of challenges will undoubtedly resonate within the walls of John Jay Senior High School for years to come.