The Best Part of Finley Principal John Amato’s Job
He’s been the principal of J. Taylor Finley Middle School for a decade and John Amato never tires of interacting with the more than 700 seventh and eighth graders that come through the building’s doors each day and fill its classrooms and hallways.
Mr. Amato came to Finley in July 2006 after having served as assistant principal at Sayville Middle School for six years. He earlier worked as a seventh and eighth grade special education teacher in the Sachem school district, where he began his administrative career as a remedial summer school assistant principal.
A 1986 graduate of St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue with a Bachelor of Arts degree in human relations and a concentration in leadership and human resources development and management, Mr. Amato obtained a Master of Science degree in special education at Adelphi University in 1989. He earned his administrative certification through The College of New Rochelle in 1999.
“The best thing about being a principal is definitely watching students each day all year,” Mr. Amato said. “I love going to the sporting events, the plays and the cafeteria to talk to students. I also love going to visit classrooms to watch teachers work with students. I enjoy meeting and talking to parents.”
Mr. Amato maintains membership in various professional organizations and serves as president of Huntington’s District School Principals Association. He is also one of the most highly regarded basketball referees on Long Island.
An energetic leader who sets high standards for himself, Mr. Amato is dogged in his pursuit of excellence for every Finley student. He looks to build upon the strong academic and co-curricular traditions of the school, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.
“I love the challenge of making our school the best possible place it can be so students can flourish and enjoy it each day,” Mr. Amato said. “I love the relationships I have built with teachers, other administrators and community members.”
In their free time, Mr. Amato and his wife enjoy sailing on Long Island’s South Shore and visiting with family and friends. He can frequently be seen attending events across the school district.
(Emma DeGennaro, a Huntington High School senior who is interning in the district’s office of public information this year, contributed to this story.)