Taking a National Role
Chestnut Ridge Principal Jim Barnes Named Vice Chair of Association of Middle Level’s National Board of Trustees
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – The Association of Middle Level (AMLE) Board of Trustees has named Chestnut Ridge Middle School Principal Mr. Jim Barnes as its vice chair. Barnes’ honor was announced at the organization’s July board meeting, when it also named Illinois math teacher Christine Thielen as chair. These appointments are firsts for the AMLE Board.
Barnes has served as principal at CRMS since July of 2000. He was previously a classroom teacher and assistant principal at both the high school and middle school levels. Barnes has presented at middle school conferences in New Jersey, and he has served for many years on the New Jersey Association for Middle Level Education Executive Board.
“I am so excited to be named vice chair for the AMLE Board of Trustees,” Barnes said. “I will continue to work with AMLE to bring high-quality resources and professional development to all members to help them grow professionally and create great schools.”
“Mr. Barnes brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this new position,” Washington Twp. Director of Secondary Education Dr. Steve Gregor said. “He will surely be a change agent as he continues his long history of innovation and invention for his chosen field of middle level education.”
Thielen is a math teacher at Lincoln Middle School, Park Ridge, Illinois, and serves as an adjunct professor of middle level education classes. She has presented at the AMLE annual conference and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics conference.
AMLE is a global non-profit association and leading provider of quality resources, programs and services for those who work with young adolescents – youth aged 10 to 15. Founded in 1973, AMLE has more than 54,000 members in 45 countries. Members of the AMLE Board of Trustees serve a critical role in setting the strategic plan of the association and advocating for policies and practices that guarantee a quality education for all young adolescents.
“We are pleased to have Christie and Jim leading the AMLE Board as we engage in the important work of making a difference in the lives of students,” said Executive Director William Waidelich.
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