by Julie Lineback
University of West Georgia alumna Dr. Kathleen McCaffrey ’05 ‘11 has been elected as president of the Board of Trustees for the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE). She currently serves as middle years program coordinator at Ridgeview International Baccalaureate Charter School in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
“I do not think I can express my excitement and pride in being president-elect without linking it to my excitement and pride over middle level education in the state of Georgia,” Dr. McCaffrey says. “Throughout the country many middle level educators look to us for leadership in the continued middle level movement. Whether it be through Schools to Watch or amazing teacher education programs like those at UWG, we have got it going on here in Georgia.”
Dr. McCaffrey has been involved with AMLE since receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Ohio State University, when the organization was called National Middle School Association. She has served as a teacher trustee for the past six years, and while at a conference she was encouraged by her friend and mentor Dr. John Lounsbury to pursue a position on the board. Board members develop policies, procedures and regulations for the organization.
“AMLE is committed to helping middle grade educators reach every student, grow professionally and create great schools,” she explains. “All worthy goals for sure!”
Dr. McCaffrey, who received her education specialist and doctoral degrees at UWG, says her education at UWG taught her how research can impact change and understandings, something that has helped her prepare for this new stage of her career.
“UWG challenged me to think differently, view challenges differently and use a lens to impact change,” Dr. McCaffrey concludes. “Being an educator is one of the hardest jobs in the world, but I can’t think of one that is more rewarding. I love my profession and feel honored to be called a teacher.”
