Mr. Morello Teacher Feature 2014
A few years ago Jonathan Morello was teaching elementary school in Chile. Now he is one of the HILLTOP teachers helping students to reach new learning levels.
"I had taught for a year and a half at Feaster Elementary School prior to the chance to teach in Chile. At the time, my wife and I thought that if we didn't take the opportunity to go overseas, then we might not ever do it. It was a great experience but I'm happy to be back in Chula Vista," said Morello who is now in his seventh year of teaching and his fourth as a HILLTOP sixth grade teacher.
Prior to getting hired as a classroom teacher, he worked a summer job as a camp counselor for the YMCA. This experience led him to take a job working with small groups of children. The job turned into an instructional aide position working with a child with Asperger's syndrome.
"I watched credentialed teachers for three years in that position and decided that full on classroom teaching was for me," said Morello.
As a classroom teacher he sees his roll as being an instructor, counselor, event organizer, accountant, secretary, and a planner of activities that will expose children to lots of different topics.
"I love watching my students grow academically throughout the school year and seeing the look on their faces when their hard work starts to pay off. I also like hearing that students are having fun and enjoying being in my classroom."
His basic philosophy is to provide each of his students with a year of the best instruction possible. He finds that meeting the needs of each of his students every day to be his biggest challenge. During a typical day of instruction his students are reading interesting texts and having high level discussions. He believes reading is extremely important and the students devote a lot of time to it. Additionally, they are being asked to solve real life challenges with math concepts that they are learning.
"I think one of my strengths is teaching the writing curriculum so that students are enjoying learning and becoming better writers," said Morello who enjoys laughing and having fun with some of the ideas his students come up with.
Morello feels that parents play a huge role in their child's eduction and believes they need to be actively involved.
"By involved, I mean talking to their children about what is going on in class and making sure that they read. We are all busy these days, but a 5-10 minute conversation each day at the dinner table or wherever, shows their children that they are interested in their success. Also, high expectations, I think, are crucial. My parents told me every day that I was going to college by the time I got to high school, I didn’t even know that there was another option available. I also like to send home short emails to let parents know about the effort that the students are putting in and the success that their children are having. Everyone, no matter the age or job, likes to be acknowledged for their hard work."
Seeing the sixth grade team reach the levels of other top performing schools in the district has been very gratifying for Morello. He also enjoys knowing that he is having a positive effect on students during their sixth grade year and beyond.
"When you receive an unprompted letter from a former student or family telling you that you made a difference, it makes all the early mornings and late nights worth it."
He believes that students can help themselves be more successful at school by reading more.
"If you don’t like reading, there is something out there that you will find interesting. Keep looking and don’t give up. Reading level directly impacts success in school."
Right now Morello is really enjoying working at HILLTOP as part of the sixth grade team and his long-term goal is to someday work in an administrative position. He is a graduate of San Diego State University with special training in education and holds a Masters degree in Educational Technology.
In his sparetime, Morello enjoys spending time and doing fun activities with his wife Megan and his young son, Elijah.
A few years ago Jonathan Morello was teaching elementary school in Chile. Now he is one of the HILLTOP teachers helping students to reach new learning levels.
"I had taught for a year and a half at Feaster Elementary School prior to the chance to teach in Chile. At the time, my wife and I thought that if we didn't take the opportunity to go overseas, then we might not ever do it. It was a great experience but I'm happy to be back in Chula Vista," said Morello who is now in his seventh year of teaching and his fourth as a HILLTOP sixth grade teacher.
Prior to getting hired as a classroom teacher, he worked a summer job as a camp counselor for the YMCA. This experience led him to take a job working with small groups of children. The job turned into an instructional aide position working with a child with Asperger's syndrome.
"I watched credentialed teachers for three years in that position and decided that full on classroom teaching was for me," said Morello.
As a classroom teacher he sees his roll as being an instructor, counselor, event organizer, accountant, secretary, and a planner of activities that will expose children to lots of different topics.
"I love watching my students grow academically throughout the school year and seeing the look on their faces when their hard work starts to pay off. I also like hearing that students are having fun and enjoying being in my classroom."
His basic philosophy is to provide each of his students with a year of the best instruction possible. He finds that meeting the needs of each of his students every day to be his biggest challenge. During a typical day of instruction his students are reading interesting texts and having high level discussions. He believes reading is extremely important and the students devote a lot of time to it. Additionally, they are being asked to solve real life challenges with math concepts that they are learning.
"I think one of my strengths is teaching the writing curriculum so that students are enjoying learning and becoming better writers," said Morello who enjoys laughing and having fun with some of the ideas his students come up with.
Morello feels that parents play a huge role in their child's eduction and believes they need to be actively involved.
"By involved, I mean talking to their children about what is going on in class and making sure that they read. We are all busy these days, but a 5-10 minute conversation each day at the dinner table or wherever, shows their children that they are interested in their success. Also, high expectations, I think, are crucial. My parents told me every day that I was going to college by the time I got to high school, I didn’t even know that there was another option available. I also like to send home short emails to let parents know about the effort that the students are putting in and the success that their children are having. Everyone, no matter the age or job, likes to be acknowledged for their hard work."
Seeing the sixth grade team reach the levels of other top performing schools in the district has been very gratifying for Morello. He also enjoys knowing that he is having a positive effect on students during their sixth grade year and beyond.
"When you receive an unprompted letter from a former student or family telling you that you made a difference, it makes all the early mornings and late nights worth it."
He believes that students can help themselves be more successful at school by reading more.
"If you don’t like reading, there is something out there that you will find interesting. Keep looking and don’t give up. Reading level directly impacts success in school."
Right now Morello is really enjoying working at HILLTOP as part of the sixth grade team and his long-term goal is to someday work in an administrative position. He is a graduate of San Diego State University with special training in education and holds a Masters degree in Educational Technology.
In his sparetime, Morello enjoys spending time and doing fun activities with his wife Megan and his young son, Elijah.