Irene 'Minnie' Iannuzzi brings decades of STEM leadership experience to White Plains

After building a successful career leading mathematics, science and STEM initiatives across New York City and Westchester County, Irene “Minnie” Iannuzzi has joined the White Plains City School District with a clear mission: support teachers, inspire students and make learning more meaningful through real-world experiences. 

As the district's new Director of Mathematics, Science, Engineering and Career and Technical Education (CTE) for grades 7-12, Ms. Iannuzzi brings more than two decades of experience as a teacher, instructional coach, school leader and district administrator. 

Throughout her career, one philosophy has remained constant. 

"I always think of myself first as a teacher and as an educator," Ms. Iannuzzi said. "I'm there to support, I'm there to give guidance, I'm there to be your thinking partner. But I also have high expectations. I've always described myself as tough and supportive." 

Before entering education, Ms. Iannuzzi earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Columbia University and briefly worked in finance before realizing her true passion was in the classroom. She transitioned into teaching in the Big Apple in the late 1990s, beginning what has become a career dedicated to helping students and educators succeed. 

"I started teaching in New York City in 1999 in Washington Heights as a middle school math teacher," she said. "I loved, loved, loved teaching! Even though my first year was difficult, I fell in love with the kids, the families and just teaching in general." 

She served as a math coach, mentored new teachers, helped implement Common Core State Standards across dozens of schools in the Bronx, worked as a Director of School Renewal supporting struggling schools, and later became an assistant principal, where she led math and science departments while supporting implementation of the NYS Next Generation Math Standards and the NYS Science Learning Standards. 

After 20 years, Ms. Iannuzzi moved to Westchester County, serving as assistant principal at Hommocks Middle School in Mamaroneck before becoming K-12 Supervisor of STEM in the Eastchester Union Free School District. Most recently, she served as Director of Curriculum for Secondary Education in the Lakeland Central School District, overseeing curriculum across all academic departments for grades 6-12. 

When the White Plains opportunity became available, it immediately stood out because of the connection to STEM subjects. 

"When I saw this role come up, I applied immediately." she said. "And now, here I am!" 

What excites her most is the opportunity to focus on the subjects that have defined her career while helping strengthen the connections between them. 

"I'm excited to focus on the sciences, and on math and engineering because they're really in my wheelhouse," she said. "I'm also excited about looking at that overlap and seeing where we can make those worlds cohere better so that it makes sense to kids." 

She is especially enthusiastic about collaborating with teachers and administrators while remaining connected to students. 

"I'm excited to meet the teachers, work in a school where I can interact with children every day, and be part of such a great team," she said. "I want to be a source of support and a thought partner for our outstanding educators and leaders while helping make learning for White Plains students more engaging, more meaningful, more relevant, and more connected to the real world."  

This emphasis on authentic learning has shaped her work since her earliest days in the classroom. 

"I believe all humans are innately curious." Ms. Iannuzzi said. "Our job as educators is to spark curiosity, to get kids to ask questions, and to help them make sense of the world around them." 

She believes students learn best when classroom lessons connect directly to everyday life. 

"I believe kids need lots of opportunities to solve real problems, not just problems in a textbook," she said. "We have to bring those opportunities into the classroom, and we also need to bring kids out of the classroom into the real world." 

One of her favorite examples came early in her teaching career, when she designed an interdisciplinary project centered around planning and preparing a complete dinner. 

Students explored nutrition, budgeting, unit pricing, percentages, grocery shopping, cooking, and meal preparation while applying math and science concepts throughout the project. 

"When kids ask, 'When am I ever going to use this?' we can actually show them," she said. "Skills like calculating unit prices are things I use all the time as a mom and a shopper. These are real-life skills that matter every day, especially now, when the cost of everything is so high." 

She has also taken students on neighborhood geometry walks to identify mathematical concepts in everyday architecture and taught trigonometry by having students build simple clinometers to calculate the heights of trees, buildings and flagpoles. 

"I love when kids start noticing the world differently," she said. "They're actually applying what they learned in the classroom outside of school." 

As White Plains continues to expand its career and technical education offerings, including the emerging Innovation Wing at White Plains High School, Ms. Iannuzzi sees exciting opportunities ahead for students. 

"I'm excited to think about the opportunities students will have through career and technical education," she said. "The hands-on learning, combined with the new equipment and spaces in the Innovation Wing, will give them experiences that connect directly to the real world and prepare them for whatever path they choose." 

During her first year, Ms. Iannuzzi plans to spend more time listening than leading. 

"My biggest goal is to learn what's working well, understand where people need support, and build strong relationships across the district," she said. "I hope people find me dependable and that I will earn their trust.” 

Before introducing any changes, she wants to gain a deep understanding of the district's people, culture and history. 

"I want to learn before I act and listen before I lead," she said. "Every school community has its own strengths, traditions and experiences. Taking the time to understand those is the best way to build on what's already working and make thoughtful decisions together." 

Through conversations with teachers, visits to classrooms and interactions with students, she hopes to build strong relationships that will guide future work. 

"I'll work really hard to help people and find answers," Ms. Iannuzzi said. "I want people to know that I'm here for them."