AMLE Selects Chestnut Ridge Middle School Principal Jim Barnes as Representative on National Teacher of the Year Committee

WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP – For years, Chestnut Ridge Middle School Principal Jim Barnes has been an active and important member of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). Currently the vice chair of the AMLE Board of Trustees, Barnes recently was lauded with yet another high-level honor – he was asked to be AMLE’s representative on the National Teacher of the Year selection committee.

Serving on the committee is a nearly yearlong commitment, starting with webinar training in October. From there, Barnes will be sent candidate applications – all 50 state teachers of the year, plus representatives from Washington, D.C., the Department of Defense Education Activity, and four U.S. territories – to review online. That process requires between 30 to 50 hours of consideration. On December 6th, Barnes will travel to Washington, D.C., to discuss the applications with the full committee. They will narrow it down to four finalists for National Teacher of the Year. Then, the committee returns to Washington on February 24-25, 2020, to interview the finalists and pick the overall winner.

“I’m so excited. Obviously, we dedicate ourselves to the educational profession, and to be able to read applications and select a National Teacher of the Year among all of these wonderful teachers is an outstanding honor,” Barnes said. “I was really shocked and surprised, but I’m excited to do it. I look forward to representing AMLE on the committee.”

The National Teacher of the Year Program is facilitated by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). Barnes and the selection committee will be invited to take part in CCSSO’s Washington Week Gala that recognizes the 2020 National and State Teachers of the Year. Pending White House approval, the committee also may get to attend an official White House Recognition Ceremony.

AMLE is a global, non-profit association and leading provider of quality resources, programs and services for those who work with young adolescents — youth ages 10 to 15.  Founded in 1973, AMLE has more than 52,000 members in 45 countries.

- WTPS -