Spotlight: John Melandro (NY '24)

New York Milken Educator John Melandro (NY ‘24) is a fifth grade general elementary teacher at Tangier Smith Elementary School. Melandro is passionate about building relationships with students and ensuring they feel valued and seen. Melandro keeps the wonder of learning alive in his classroom through engaging experiences ranging from magic tricks to hosting guest speakers from fields like culinary arts and cosmetology. Melandro received a 2024-25 New York Milken Educator Award in Mastic Beach on October 23, 2024.

Milken Family Foundation: How have students responded since your Milken Educator Award surprise? 

It’s been an incredible journey with my students. The memory and meaning of that special day in October remain just as profound. The excitement has been both lasting and meaningful. The Award, and everything that has come with it, created a moment in time that will live on in our hearts and minds forever.

MFF: Who are your role models as an educator?

Truly, too many to count. My parents have been in education for over 30 years, and their impact on me has been tremendous. Their unwavering dedication to their students was always inspiring, and their support has meant everything.

In college, I had professors who opened my eyes and filled me with a powerful optimism that I still carry today. Now, my fiancée, a high school business teacher, continues to motivate me. Every big idea I have, she helps bring to life for my students. She prepares her students for life beyond high school, which is the ultimate goal.

I’m influenced by anyone who gives their whole heart to this profession and puts students first. By some miracle of timing, I’ve always found myself surrounded by the right people at the right moments, people whose words and presence pushed me forward. I feel a deep responsibility to live up to the investment others have made in me.

MFF: Tell us about your first year of teaching. What memories stand out? Who or what helped you through it?

My first year of teaching was 2019–2020, the year everything changed in March. There was no playbook, no oversight; you simply had to do what felt right.

I held virtual meetings with students daily, visited their homes for birthdays and wellness check-ins, and did everything I could to stay connected. Instructionally, it wasn’t a full year, but I gained an education in leadership and adaptability that no textbook could have provided. You have to stand by the promises you make on day 1.

We missed a lot together, but I focused on maintaining relationships and supporting families however I could. I quickly realized that trusting your instincts matters, and that the only thing certain in life is now.

MFF: How have you grown as an educator since your first year of teaching?

Without question, I’ve grown immensely. Like many new teachers, I entered the classroom thinking I had most of the answers. But growth doesn’t come from certainty; it comes from experience, failure, and the ability to reflect and adapt.

Self-reflection is vital. To truly be effective, you must honestly assess what’s working and what isn’t. You can’t fear mistakes; I still make them. But how you respond to those missteps is what shapes you as an educator.

MFF: What do you hope students remember from their time with you?

I hope they remember a time when they faced their challenges with courage, took ownership of their actions, and began to believe in their future. I hope they recall that someone stood beside them, not behind them, as they ran toward their obstacles instead of away from them.

More than anything, I hope I inspired them to embrace risk, chase their potential, and keep becoming, no matter what life throws in their path.

MFF: You’re known as the “Magic Man” for using magician skills and tricks to keep students engaged. How have you seen student growth by using project-based and real-life learning experiences in your teaching?

I’ve always prioritized connecting lessons to real-world experiences, whether through practical skills or broader traits like resilience and perseverance. With magic, my goal is to spark a sense of wonder and curiosity. If I can “hook” students with a love for illusion, I can guide them to the real magic: the power of learning, exploration, and discovery.

MFF: What advice would you share with people who are interested in becoming teachers?

Make sure you’re in this for the right reasons, and don’t let go of those reasons. That inner drive is essential. It’s easy to get discouraged by red tape and distractions, but you have a choice: let that wear you down, or rise above it and keep teaching.

At my first job interview, I said, “You have to be better than your circumstances every day.” I don’t know where that came from, but it’s become a personal truth. We expect that mindset from our students, so we must live by it ourselves. It’s easy to lead on the good days. What matters most is how you show up when the world is spinning, and it will spin. That’s when you define who you really are.

These are the days of decision, so don’t miss your chance.

MFF: Are you working on any interesting initiatives or new projects these days? Is there anything else you want to share about your school?

I’ve said it before, but I truly feel fortunate. Landing in the William Floyd School District, especially at Tangier Smith Elementary, has been a blessing. The support I’ve received has allowed me to take creative risks and turn my classroom into something meaningful and dynamic.

Every opportunity I’ve had has come from someone believing in me, encouraging me, or giving me space to grow. I don’t think that’s a coincidence. I feel more than ever that this is exactly where I’m meant to be. I’m excited for what comes next and know the best is yet to come.