You might have seen her around last year speaking Spanish, but this year, you can find her doing equations and using calculators. Mrs. Navarro is here for her first full year at Berkley. Last year, she taught Spanish, covering for Mrs. McNamara, during her maternity leave. Now, she’s back at Berkley in a full-time role as a math teacher.

I sat down with Mrs. Navarro to get to know where she’s from, what she likes, and how she plans to approach the year. Originally from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Mrs. Navarro now lives in Royal Oak with her husband, their toddler, and their golden retriever. Her family has a significant influence on her teaching approach in many ways. Mrs. Navarro explains, “Having a toddler has given me more patience and empathy.” With family being such an important part of her life, it has helped shape her into a welcoming and supportive teacher to all. In the classroom, Mrs. Navarro’s goal is to “make [her] classroom welcoming and where students want to come, versus trying to leave and wander the hallways. [She] wants them to feel like they’re safe in [her] classroom and that I’m happy to see them!” By simply dimming the lights in her classroom or greeting you by name, Mrs. Navarro creates a calm and inviting environment for every student.

Mrs. Navarro’s teaching career spans three continents and eighteen years. Armed with degrees in Spanish and math, Mrs. Navarro originally had a job lined up in the math field, but a flyer advertising a study abroad in Moscow, Russia, inspired her to change plans. Her research led to an English teaching position at a Moscow-based private company. Motivated by her desire to improve her Spanish, she then went on to work at a resort in Punta Cana, teaching Spanish to tourists. Wrapping up her teaching travels, she moved to Seoul, South Korea, teaching at a private high school. Reflecting on these experiences, she explained, “It helped me get an understanding of the other cultures and how people do things differently.” Adding, “There is no right or wrong way, it’s just the way that people are accustomed to.” Even with her love of traveling, she decided to return to the United States to settle down and get a dog. After returning, she went on to teach Spanish and math at Richmond Middle School, Grosse Ile High School, and now Berkley High School for her eighteenth year.

Although she is currently teaching math, when presented with the question “Which subject do you prefer teaching and why?” She said, “I can’t say because in math it’s only our second week. Like I said in class, we do things a little bit differently than I’ve done them before.” She follows up with, “But each one has their challenges and benefits. I just can’t say right now. Maybe at the end of the year.” Only time will tell if her answer changes. I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Though joining Berkley mid-year presented challenges like learning new policies, students and teachers eased Mrs. Navarro’s transition. “The teachers were so patient with me, as well as the students and parents.” When asked what her favorite school to teach at was, she replied, “They all have their benefits, but I’ve really been enjoying my time at Berkley.” She excitedly added, “The students are so friendly, and I’m happy to come in every day to work and hang out with everybody!” Her journey through different schools and countries has given her a special perspective, and it’s clear that she has found a special place within the Berkley community.

Mrs. Navarro makes being a welcoming teacher her top priority. Whether it’s in class or in the hall, students often find her greeting them warmly in both English and Spanish throughout the school day.