Mike seems to have a supernatural ability to connect with people at a deep level. I watched him lead with compassion and build strong relationships with laser like focus. Each person that gets to know Mike is inherently more seen and loved because of their time spent with him.
-Chad Runkle, Principal
Where do I even begin with Mike? In my short time as a teacher, I have had four principals, each change coming with fear and anxiety. But I’ve never felt as good about myself as a teacher as I did knowing Mr. A. was in my corner, helping and supporting at every turn. He made every day fun and exciting. He always gave his all, and it made every teacher want to be the best version of themselves. He treated all staff in the building the same - with trust, love, empathy, and kindness. No matter your job, no one was more important that another; all of our jobs were important in their own ways.
Beside the motivation, he instilled in every staff member, he also enriched the lives of every child, parent, and guest in the building. Every student that walked into his building knew that they were loved, and they were taught that being kind is the easiest thing to do. He brought parent engagement back, especially in a time when it was so difficult. Anyone who gets to be in Mike’s presence can consider themselves lucky because he is going to change the world!
Brie Greenholt, 4th Grade Teacher
I had the honor of working with Mike, where he served as my Elementary Principal. Mike is an exceptional leader who truly leads with his heart. He is amazing at building relationships and connecting with students, staff, and families. Mike finds the good in everyone and is genuinely one of the best people I’ve ever met. Mike was always available for support and advice. He often went above and beyond to make everyone’s day better. He was always 100% all-in and our staff felt his positive impact every day.
My son was lucky enough to have “Mr. A.” as his principal too. Mike was extremely engaged with the students in his building. He made school fun and memorable for all. He would visit each classroom every morning, so all of the students knew and loved him. Mike inspired our students to choose kindness, but most importantly the students knew that they were loved each and every day they walked through the doors.
-Chance Condran, PE Teacher and Parent
Being led by Mike is empowering. He cared for all of us as individuals. He inspired us to lead where we had passion. He gave us opportunities to grow and master our craft. Being led by Mike meant support. He was present when you needed him. He connected you with people who were skilled in what you needed. He would fight for what you were working toward. Being led by Mike gave us joy. He made us smile and want to be there. He helped us see on the hard days that we still enjoyed what we did. He brought the passion alive in us all to, as he would say, “do what we do best.”
-Courtney Shallenberger, 3rd Grade Teacher
After Mike and I got to know each other a little during the time he was the interim principal, he convinced me early we had found our replacement. I could tell then he was what Shaull needed. After getting hired, and not too long after beginning his dream of being a principal, he proved to our staff what we could be as individual educators, teams of educators and one large team.. one large family to be exact. Mike put everything into his job; he is selfless, personable, authentic, and genuine. He reminded the students every day that they were important and loved. He excited them every day when he would walk into their classes to say good morning. Mike was loved, and Mike mattered. It’ll be very hard to find another principal like him. Those who work along side him next can consider themselves extremely lucky!— Meagan Stoner, School Counselor
“To work for Mike is to grow and see the best version of yourself everyday. Someone is there holding the figurative mirror, showing you exactly who you can be. Mike has the ability to connect even with something as simple as a passing conversation. That’s never enough for him though. If you are lucky enough to be led by Mike, you immediately feel like part of his family. He pours into every single person he meets. And no matter where life takes you, he is always just a call away.”
— Devin Stanford, Kindergarten Teacher
“I cannot overstate Mike Azzalina’s impact on my career. I have taught for 18 years for 12+ administrators and I’ve never worked with a principal who cared for his students and staff as sincerely as Mike. He has a gift for meeting people where they are and guiding them to develop their own individual strengths. I felt like I mattered and I saw my role in the team effort of loving the kids that came through the doors everyday. Mike’s love for people was evident in his approach to issues in and out of the classroom. In his short time at our school, he united a diverse group of adults and children in a mission of kindness and self-worth. I know his mission can help others in any setting!”
— Amy Schade, Music Teacher
“I have worked in five different schools as a professional and have had at least eight different principals during that time. And by far the best one I had was Mike Azzalina. As a motivator. As a leader. He has set the bar for what a great principal can and should be. I loved coming to work every day because of the environment that he created. We went from a group of individuals to a family in less than a year. And that is because of Mr. A. And even though he has moved on to new adventures, his presence and message still live on through our staff. Be kind, it is the easiest thing you can do. You are loved in every room you walk into. We took this to heart and live it daily. His time was short with us, but he made a lasting impression. And I know that his message and everything he stands for should be shared with others.
- Mike Ferguson, Autism Support Teacher
As a parent of two Shaull students, I can safely say Mike made a big - and lasting - impact on my kids and their entire elementary school community, from staff to students to families. He is a one-in-a-million leader who goes above and beyond every day, with genuine love, enthusiasm, and kindness.
Mike was a force and spark of positivity in our building from day one. He created a warm environment that gave every single person he came in contact with the gift of a sense of belonging and value. The energy Mike brought to our large school never wavered, and continued to grow as he took the time to know every individual and make them feel welcome, supported, and important. “Dedicated” does not begin to describe the type of person that is Mike Azzalina. He leads, he engages, and he inspires, charismatically and effectively.
-Erin McCombie, Parent and PTO President