“If you want something done, ask a busy person,” — a quote that perfectly encompasses West Essex’s well-loved Andrea Mondadori.
As Andrea Mondadaori Llauget, also known as Mondo, juggles various responsibilities around the school, she is always looking to add more to her plate. She has become the go-to woman for organizing spirit-related activities and inspiring her students to achieve success in whatever their future endeavors might be.
“Whatever you’re gonna do in life…just go all in,” Mondo said. “Don’t half-ass anything.”
After graduating from Western Connecticut State University and playing softball during her college years, she earned a business degree and entered the corporate world. As she went on job interviews around New York City for business-related roles, she quickly discovered that the constant commuting and strict work environment were not ideal for her.
Soon after, her high school softball coach offered her a career-altering opportunity to teach business through the “alternate route” program at West Essex, where she could later go back to receive her teaching certification. While initially unsure if teaching was the right path for her, she took a leap of faith and accepted the role.
In her first year, she taught business classes and coached JV softball, and by her second year, she was coaching JV volleyball as well. Currently, Mondo takes on the role of head coach for Varsity softball in the spring and teaches classes like Accounting, Sports Management (SUPA) and Sports Marketing year-round.
During her first few years in the district, she would go on to implement more school spirit by bringing in a collection of new ideas. She channeled her past experience as class president of her high school class and founded West Essex’s student council. Through this effort, she fundraised for a homecoming, class vs. class color day, class shirts and fan shirts. She even addressed small details that she felt would lift the enthusiasm of the student body.
“How can you build school spirit if the doors of our building are blue, when we’re red and white, and black as the alternative color?” Mondo said.
While many of these initiatives are still a big part of West Essex’s culture today, Mondo felt the class of 2026 needed an extra push to form a special bond. In the summer, Mondo had the idea to create a mini “Lip Dub” that would showcase school spirit across the four grades.
Along with the newly implemented “Lip Dub,” Mondo is the director of the comedic talent show performed by seniors, “Mr. West Essex.” She finds a place for all different types of students to participate in the highly engaging and exciting production, including athletes, non-athletes, musicians and dancers.
“One of the best things I think about Mr. West Essex and a reason why I continue to do it is because I am able to get a group of kids that have maybe never hung out one day in their life to put something together at the end of the year,” Mondo said.
Mondo, a resident of Fairfield, N.J., wants her son, Colt, to attend West Essex because of the positive academic environment, wide variety of elective programs, strong discipline, phenomenal AP teachers and celebrated athletic program..
Working at the same school as her husband, physical education teacher Michael Llauget, Mondo makes sure to keep their work lives quite separate, even avoiding carpooling by parking in different spots. Still, Mondo stays connected to her husband throughout the day by planting funny stories and rumors about Llauget and seeing how fast it takes for her students to pass it along to him.
Although Mondo has her master’s in administration, she is content in her teaching position and enjoys building close relationships with all of her students and athletes. She has no regrets about leaving her business career behind, as she now has the pleasure of educating the youth about a variety of topics that can help them in the long run.
“I’ve had teachers over time be like ‘Oh, I can’t wait to retire,’ but I don’t want to wish my life away,” Mondo said. “So, I want to, while I’m alive, regardless of how much I’m making, enjoy it. If I’m here, I’m going to do it.”
