Faculty Unscripted: John Morelos

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John “JMO” Morelos teaches history and coaches soccer at MSA.

John Morelos joined the MSA faculty in 2020. He teaches history and coaches soccer and conditioning.

What are your primary roles at MSA?

At MSA, I am a history teacher, teaching Ancient Human Civilizations, Student Leadership, AP Human Geography, and AP World Modern History. I have also been the Head Varsity Soccer Coach and currently one of the Strength & Conditioning coaches. 

What made you decide to live and work on the Hill? 

The Miller website drew my attention, especially because of the nature that surrounds the school. When I arrived on campus, everything was more beautiful than the images I saw online. 

Most memorable teaching, coaching, or student-life experience? 

One of the most memorable moments while being at MSA has been hearing my advisees give their Senior Speeches. I have taught these students as freshman students and to see them give their speech their senior year is touching to hear and exciting to see their growth in front of the whole Miller community. 

If you were not an educator, what would you be?

I have absolutely no idea! I have never thought about any other profession.

Favorite aspect of living on campus?

I love the fact that my commute is an eight-minute walk from my classroom to my apartment. 

Most memorable lesson learned from students at MSA?

I have learned a lot from Miller students, but the biggest one is that there are more ways to show mastery and understanding of content and skills than just traditional assessments. Students at Miller are very creative and tapping into their talents has made learning and assessing their learning more enjoyable. 

Favorite place to go or thing to do on MSA’s 1,600-acre campus?

I love going down to the lake at night and star gaze while on a kayak. It is absolutely breathtaking!

Movie you have watched the most times in your life?

Lion King is my all time favorite movie, and I have definitely watched it the most!

Dream trip? 

My wife has not met most of my extended family, and it would be a lot of fun to do a Southeast Asia tour and visit family and friends back in the Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan.

Pets? 

I love traveling internationally too much to have pets. I would hate to travel overseas and leave pets behind. 

What did you want to do when you grew up (when you were in high school)? 

When I was younger, I have always wanted to be a history high school teacher. So in essence, I am living the dream as we speak!