Andrew Miller takes the helm at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts
A Wisconsin native and 14-year educator has become the new leader at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts.
“I always knew I wanted to go into it,” said Principal Andrew Miller who has family members in education. “It’s very rewarding. It’s still the best job on earth. It’s not easy all the time, (but it’s about) really helping all the kids of the future. If you are really dedicated to the kids, it really does make it all worthwhile.”
Education also runs in his immediate family with his wife being an intervention specialist at another school.
The inspiration to pursue a career in education has been something he never questioned. Miller attended the University of Wisconsin and moved to Southwest Florida after graduating to begin working for the school district.
“My cousin is the principal at Bayshore Elementary School,” he said.
He just finished his 14th year in the School District of Lee County where he has held multiple roles. Miller’s career began as a teacher where he spent seven years in both elementary and middle schools. Next, he was placed in the assistant principal roles, again both at the elementary and middle school levels. Prior to taking the helm at the academy, he was the assistant principal of curriculum at Cypress Lake Middle School.
Miller said it’s about taking a lot of time thinking creatively and communicating a great deal with kids, teachers, staff and parents, as they are all one big family.
“I am excited to be a part of it in North Fort Myers. I want to make sure we are always including everybody in all we do,” he said.
When he got the call about his first principal position he was ecstatic.
A thorough process began in the spring, which took place over several weeks. Miller said part of the process included a profile for each of the schools that were in need of a new principal.
“I met with Superintendent Dr. (Christopher) Bernier and cabinet and got a call the next week,” Miller said.
With working at both the elementary and middle school level, as well as being the curriculum assistant principal over the arts at Cypress Lake Middle School, he believes it was a perfect fit to arrive at the North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts.
“It is unbelievable. I have met a lot of the teachers so far. They have given me a warm welcome,” Miller said prior to the first day of school, adding that he asked them what makes them proud to work at the school, as well as feedback on some improvements that should be made at the school.
Miller has two goals moving forward with the first focusing on helping students get on grade level, or beyond in reading. He has a 4-year-old daughter, who he does not expect to be an all star reader, but at the same time does not want to see her struggle either.
If a student is in second grade, Miller would like them to read on at least a second-grade level.
For that to happen, it starts with rigorous instruction in the classroom. He said teachers need to understand the benchmarks, as there are new benchmarks, new curriculum and new tests as of last year.
“We have lots of experienced and talented staff members to support creating that engaging lesson that is creative, fun and memorable,” Miller said, adding that they do not need to be all “sit-and-get type” of lessons even though there is a place for that kind of instruction. “If they (students) want to go to class and want to come to school, that is a big part of once they get here.”
If a student is enjoying learning and is engaged, teachers can do amazing things.
“I am blown away with their own passion and willingness to do whatever it takes to get the kids here,” Miller said of the teachers.
A big draw to the school, of course, is it being an arts center with a great deal of talented students.
“If they want to come because of their arts program that is a huge draw because they are excited to come to school,” Miller said. “There are talented students we want to celebrate. There are a lot of traditions at the school. I am not looking to change those types of things.”
The school has high academic expectations with the specialness of the arts and traditions, he explained.
The second goal is to create an environment at the school where everyone wants to be, which includes staff, students and parents. He said if a positive environment is created, teachers want to be there, students want to learn and parents want to be involved.
The K-8 school has 1,150 students with four classes for each grade level. The school offers both before and after school care to help families who might need to drop their child off early, or stay later after school.
An open house will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8. Students and parents will have an opportunity meet their teacher
“I am very excited to jump in and hit the ground running. We have some new faces on campus, but we have a lot of familiar faces. I am excited to get into the classrooms. That is where the magic happens,” Miller said.
There have been some improvements made to the campus over the break with some interior paint, as well as some repairs from the hurricane.
“It’s exciting,” Miller said of the new school year beginning Aug. 10. “We will work on celebrating the things going well and improve the things that need a little TLC.
North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts is at 1856 Arts Way.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com