Building a perfect world

Pedro Romanelli left a successful career as a business owner 19 years ago to work in what he describes as the perfect world—kindergarten. 

Romanelli views the classroom as a “perfect world,” where children are unfiltered, honest, and eager to learn. They give 100% of themselves, which fuels his passion for teaching.

“Children tell you what they think,” Romanelli said. 

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Romanelli has been helping his students at Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School achieve. He started in first grade but soon found that kindergarten students had the same energy and excitement for learning to read, he said. He has been teaching that grade level since. 

His role in shaping children’s behaviors—teaching them kindness, patience, and appropriate social norms—gives him immense satisfaction. 

“When I was around 16 years old, I remember being in a grocery store with my aunt, and a family approached her, all the kids started hugging her,” Romanelli said. “My aunt told me that she taught them how to read. That’s when I realized I wanted to be a teacher.”

Romanelli has found success as a teacher by being authentic. He believes that being genuine with the children is key because they can sense when an adult is not being honest or true to themselves. His calm demeanor and consistency in showing kindness help break down any barriers, making his classroom a welcoming and happy place for students.

“I may not be rich in money. But when a kid tells me, ‘Thank you Mr. Romanelli’ and gives me a hug, that’s when I feel rich,” he said. 

Romanelli’s Latino background plays a significant role in shaping how he connects with his students. In his culture, there is a strong focus on nurturing, which reflects in his teaching style. For example, if a child comes to class hungry, Romanelli makes sure they eat before anything else, recalling how difficult it was for him as a child when he wasn’t listened to, or his needs weren’t met.

His cultural identity is also reflected in his teaching by fostering bilingualism and biliteracy. He teaches his students the value of mastering both English and Spanish, emphasizing the importance of being able to read and write in both languages. This approach not only honors their cultural heritage but also prepares them for a successful future. His empathy and understanding, rooted in his cultural experiences, help him connect deeply with his students, especially those who come from similar backgrounds.

One of the most profound impacts Romanelli has in the classroom is being a male role model for young boys. Romanelli uses these opportunities to broaden their perspective, encouraging both boys and girls to participate in activities traditionally seen as gendered.

As a male teacher, his presence provides young boys with an attainable role model, someone they can relate to on a personal level. He recalls his own experiences of seeing male figures in his schooling much later in life, and he wants to offer his students a relatable example of success early on. Romanelli’s students ask about his life outside of school, from the car he drives to the boat he owns, and he uses these questions to teach them about hard work, saving money, and achieving dreams.

Romanelli believes that any challenges that he might face in teaching are outweighed by the positive impact he can have, particularly on young boys who may not see many male role models in their lives.

Romanelli’s calm, caring nature and his cultural understanding make him a powerful force in the classroom, and he takes his role seriously. He emphasizes that teaching isn’t just about getting a paycheck; it’s about being there for the children, offering them the support and guidance they need to grow and succeed.

He shares a moment from his teaching career that was particularly impactful and demonstrates the significant role a male figure can have in the lives of his students. He described an instance with two brothers whose father had been deported. Romanelli stepped up to provide the guidance and support the boys needed during a challenging time. The boys are currently enrolled in college, and continue to visit him and express their gratitude for his influence, which has had an impact on their lives.

“When a kid comes and thanks me, I forget about everything and I get my battery recharged and I understand why I do this,” Romanelli said. “Teachers get better with time, and I want to give my best. I want to continue being here for them.”