Mr. Andrew Adanto - SPMS

Mr. Adanto, my eighth grade U.S. History teacher, is someone whose passion for teaching is immediately clear the moment you step into his classroom. Teaching runs in his family, and it most definitely shows in his class too. His father worked as an administrator and instructor at Pasadena City College, his siblings are currently educators across different schools, and now his wife is an elementary school teacher. From an early age, Mr. Adanto was surrounded by people dedicated to working with students, and he knew that it could be a passion for him too.

His journey into teaching wasn’t perfectly mapped out. After high school, he attended Pasadena City College while working and trying to figure out his path. At just nineteen years old, he applied for a position at a middle school in the Arcadia Unified School District. Although he worried he might be too close in age to the students, he was hired, which was an opportunity that changed everything for him. While working in Arcadia, many of his mentors recognized his potential and encouraged him to return to school full-time to earn his teaching credential. One of his teachers even personally supported him by helping pay for books and tuition, asking that he stay committed to his education and that he show his grades.

Mr. Adanto continued his education at East Los Angeles College and later at Cal State Dominguez Hills, majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in American history. He loved the idea of connecting subjects rather than teaching them separately, and history quickly became his passion. Eventually, he earned his master’s degree and administrative credential through a district program, but despite exploring leadership roles, he realized that his heart belonged in the classroom as a teacher.

Although he once considered elementary or even high school teaching, Mr. Adanto ultimately found his place in a middle school classroom. He believes it’s a unique time when students are still open to growth, curiosity, and change. Middle schoolers, he says, “can still be reached and it’s still cool to be smart.” That belief is reflected in his teaching, which focuses on accountability, respect, and genuine connection with his students.

One of his most meaningful classroom traditions happens at the very start of the year, which is learning every student’s name. He has an annual tradition, playing the name game on the first day of class. I remember walking into my fourth period U.S. History class for the first time, with no idea of what to expect. I had heard many amazing things about Mr. Adanto, and many other students had told me that I was lucky to have him as a teacher. I quickly understood why the other students had told me this, as Mr. Adanto made the first day of his class so memorable, lively, and engaging for my classmates and I. Right off the bat with the name game, I knew that I would have the time of my life in his classroom, and truly enjoy learning history for the first time. For the first several days of class Mr. Adanto prioritizes building relationships rather than diving straight into the textbook. The relationships that he builds with students from day one, are incredibly strong, still lasting till this day. He believes students work harder and feel more confident when they know they are truly seen. Many of his activities, from writing regularly to speaking in front of the class, are intentionally designed to build confidence, even if students don’t realize it at the moment.

For Mr. Adanto, the most rewarding part of teaching happens long after students leave his classroom. Former students often come back, send emails, or share updates about college, careers, and life. Seeing them grow into thoughtful, successful adults is what keeps him motivated year after year.

One detail that shaped his character began long before he became a teacher. At eight years old, he began working alongside his mom and siblings cleaning offices. Although his parents had medical insurance, they did not have coverage for dental and vision care. So he and his family cleaned both a dental office and an optometrist office, and their “pay” was receiving care for those services. He continued doing this until he was thirteen, when his father finished school and began working at Pasadena City College, which provided full health benefits. That experience deeply shaped his work ethic and empathy. It taught him responsibility at a young age and influenced how he approaches teaching today. He is now always striving to give his students more than he had, not just academically, but also in support and care.

When I asked what advice he would give students beyond school, his answer was simple but powerful. He said, “be good people, make wise choices, and find happiness in what you do.” To him, success is not about money alone, but about fulfillment, character, and happiness.

Mr. Adanto is much more than just a U.S. history teacher. He is a mentor, a motivator, and someone who genuinely believes in his students, even for years after they have left his class. That belief is exactly why so many students remember him, return to visit, and carry his lessons with them long after eighth grade ends.