Anna Maria Elementary principal Michael Masiello is set to retire after a 27-year career as an educator in Manatee County.
“I would like the entire Anna Maria school community to know that it has been my pleasure serving as principal of Anna Maria Elementary,” Masiello told The Islander May 16.
He said becoming an educator was a natural choice, given that his father, aunt, four sisters and two brothers-in-law worked as educators in Manatee County.
Masiello also was a student in the Manatee school system, attending Jessie P. Miller Elementary, Sugg Middle and Manatee High, as well as Manatee Junior College. He went on to earn degrees at the University of South Florida and Saint Leo University.
He began his career in education in 1996 as a special education teacher at Stewart Elementary. After 10 years, he became an exceptional student education specialist and later supported students with behavioral challenges. From 2012-16, he was assistant principal at Bayshore Elementary, then principal at Ballard Elementary 2016-20.
Masiello became AME’s principal in 2020.
He recalls how welcome he felt from the first day.
“It was a great feeling to become part of the AME family,” Masiello said.
At AME, he played a key role in establishing the Guy Harvey Academy of Arts and Sciences, a first-ever partnership between the Guy Harvey Foundation and the school district that offers hands-on learning in marine conservation, fisheries management and marine biology to prepare students for careers in the field.
“As I reflect on my first year at AME to today, we have had many changes to our campus and accomplished a lot in a short period,” Masiello said. “We have remodeled the media center, upgraded the auditorium, added the Guy Harvey Room, installed a new covered area, began construction on the outdoor learning classroom and have plans for adding a boat dock in the coming year.”
Masiello said he enjoyed working with the Guy Harvey Foundation to establish the Manatee program, which is expanding from AME to King Middle and Manatee High schools.
“I hope that as many students as possible have exposure to the curriculum and learn the importance of conservation of our delicate marine environment,” Masiello said.
Masiello said that deciding to retire was difficult and he will miss the school community.
“I love my job and the people I interact with daily. So making the decision to retire is not always as easy as it may seem,” Masiello said. “You know when it is time to make that decision. I need to focus on my health and I also want to dedicate more time to my family.”
He called AME a special place with special people.
“I’m confident that all of the great experiences past and present students have had will continue for future generations of students with your continued support,” Masiello said.
The last day of school for students will be May 24.
Masiello’s last day on campus will be May 28.