In today’s increasingly interconnected world, education plays a critical role not only in shaping knowledge, but also in fostering cultural exchange and international collaboration. Within this global framework, educators who combine academic expertise with institutional leadership and cross-cultural engagement are essential. Professor Francesco D’Anna represents one such figure, bringing over 32 years of experience in mathematics and physics education from Italy to an international setting in New York.
Since 2022, Professor D’Anna has been serving at La Scuola d’Italia “Guglielmo Marconi” in New York, following his selection through a highly competitive national process for teaching positions abroad, administered by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. His appointment reflects a high level of institutional recognition and positions him within a network of educators tasked with representing the Italian education system globally.
Throughout his career in Italian scientific high schools, Professor D’Anna has taught approximately 100 students per year, contributing to the academic development of thousands of students in STEM disciplines. His work is grounded in a strong academic background, including a degree in mathematics and physics, multiple teaching certifications, and extensive postgraduate training in mathematics and physics education, assessment methodologies, and intercultural education.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Professor D’Anna has played a significant role in academic evaluation and institutional processes. He has served 34 times as examiner and board president for Italy’s national high school graduation exams, both in Italy and in Italian schools abroad. Earlier in his career, he was appointed as a computer science expert on a national teacher recruitment examination board, contributing to the selection of new educators at a national level.
His engagement with the broader scientific community is reflected in his long-standing membership in the Italian Mathematical Union since 2007 and his more recent affiliation with the European Mathematical Society (2025), reinforcing his connection to both national and international academic networks.
At La Scuola d’Italia in New York, Professor D’Anna holds key leadership roles that extend beyond the classroom. As a member of the school leadership team with responsibility for Italian academic regulations, he contributes to ensuring the integrity and continuity of the Italian educational system abroad. At the same time, as Head of the STEM Department, he promotes interdisciplinary approaches and innovative methodologies in science education, adapting traditional academic rigor to an international and multicultural environment.
His work also reflects a broader function often associated with education abroad: cultural diplomacy. Italian schools overseas serve as important institutions for the promotion of language, culture, and academic standards. Within this context, Professor D’Anna contributes to strengthening the presence and recognition of Italian STEM education in the United States, helping to build bridges between different educational systems.
A clear example of this role is the “Study Abroad” program, which he directs. The initiative allows students from Italian scientific high schools to spend a semester studying in New York, combining academic training with international exposure. Through this program, students not only deepen their knowledge of STEM subjects, but also develop intercultural competencies that are increasingly essential in a globalized world.
Colleagues and administrators consistently highlight Professor D’Anna’s ability to combine rigorous academic standards with clarity in instruction and strong student engagement. His work reflects a balance between tradition and innovation, contributing to the evolution of STEM education while preserving the strengths of the Italian academic model.
With a career defined by sustained excellence, institutional responsibility, and international engagement, Professor Francesco D’Anna exemplifies the role of education as both an academic and cultural bridge. His work in New York demonstrates how experienced educators can contribute not only to student success, but also to the global exchange of knowledge and educational values.
