The Principal, the head honcho, the boss. This profession can go by many names, but at Galway High School there’s only one name… Mr. Miller. In the two years he has been at our school, he has brought many positive changes. He is there when students need him the most and is willing to help them. But only one question remains, who was he before coming to our school? 

What’s your name?

Michael Robert (my father’s name) Miller

How long have you been doing your profession (social studies and principal)?

I have been in education for 18 years, I was a social studies teacher at Saratoga Springs High School for 17 years before coming to Galway.  I mostly taught US History and Global 10 classes.  

What interested you in wanting to be a teacher and principal?

I was positively impacted by my teachers and wanted to give students the same experiences and opportunities that I was fortunate enough to have.  I always enjoyed school and wanted to motivate future generations and make school a positive experience for all students.  

Has there been anyone that inspired you to do either job?

I have had inspiration from many different people, professionally.

Any other subjects you were thinking about teaching besides what you already did?

No, I have always loved history and could not wait to teach it, especially American History.  I developed my love of history in high school and it continued to grow in college.  As a senior in high school, I also started to think that I would like to be a principal as well. I guess I knew what I wanted to do since 10th grade.

Favorite lesson to teach?

I really enjoyed teaching about the Civil War and President Lincoln.  It fascinates me that out of all of the chaos of war and division, he was able to lead the country and bring it back together.   

On a scale of 1-10, what would you give Galway Central High as a school overall?  

We are an 8, we are great, but we can always strive to do better.  My favorite thing about the school is how we also come together as a family to support each other. We are truly fortunate to be a part of the Galway School Community.

What made you want to be a principal at our school?  

This school is very similar to the one that I went to when I was in high school.  I wanted to make sure that if I became a principal, that I would still be able to be active in the classrooms and throughout the school community.  Galway gives me that opportunity and I am grateful for it.

How often have you had to give write-ups (past and present)?  

It is part of my job, but something that I do not think we should focus on.  As a teacher I rarely had to send anyone out of my class.  

Do you have any regrets becoming a teacher/principal?

Not at all, this is not a job for me, it is my career and calling, something that I have wanted to do since I was 15 years old.

Favorite movie to watch?

My favorite movie is ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ and anything ‘Star Wars.’

Favorite board game?

Risk. I always had my War and Diplomacy class play that at the being of the school year to understand military strategies.  We would sometimes have games that went on the entire year.