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October 27, 2022

Get to Know Yonas Michael

The Ames Community School District is highlighting our amazing Principals and Associate Principals during National Principals Month. Get to know Yonas Michael, Principal at Ames Middle School. Michael has been with the Ames Community School District since August 2007.

His education background includes a Bachelor of Arts from both University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Salisbury University. Michael obtained his Masters of Education from Iowa State University. He is currently working on his dissertation for a Doctorate Degree from ISU. He got into the field of education because he enjoys helping, working, and spending time with students. Being a principal wasn’t always on his radar.

“I was encouraged by a former supervisor and mentor to consider school administration,” he said.  “After completing my coursework I ended up taking my first administrative position at the district office. I missed my daily interactions with students and teachers so I returned to the building after spending five years at the district office. It has been a rewarding experience to be part of a team of committed educators shaping the lives of the next generation.”

Michael is inspired by the teachers at the middle school.

“They come to work everyday ready to give their all for their students,” he said. “Teachers do more than teach content – they care, inspire, and provide hope for our students.” 

If Michael has an hour of free time, he would like to spend it with his loved one. His favorite school lunch item is grilled cheese and tomato soup. He would rather watch a movie than read a book. When he was the age of students at AMS, his favorite activity was hanging out with his friends. Something students might not know about Michael is that he likes shows like Big Brother and Survivor.

“I’ve even auditioned to be on Big Brother twice,” he added.

Michael’s advice to students and families is to be kind. His favorite way to build connections came about by students finding his TikTok account.

“I’m not actually big on social media,” he said. “One day a few students found my Tik Tok account and as a joke I created a video poking fun of what a student in trouble would sound like in my office. I didn’t expect for students to connect with the video but they did. Every several weeks I post a Tik Tok video as a way to have fun and connect with students.”

Thank you, Principal Michael!