We e k ly B R E E Z E R e c ap Miller takes helm at North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts

By MEGHAN BRADBURY news@breezenewspapers com

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

Miller 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 said 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

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 continues for missing man Five new city traffic

The Academy for the Arts is at 1856 Arts Way.