Mission Statement

The Association of Illinois Middle-Grade Schools (AIMS) is committed to exemplary programs, practices, and policies that support professionals, families and communities who educate adolescent students, typically ages 10-15, and their transitions.

AIMS takes the leadership role in building, promoting and preserving excellence and equity in professional preparation and practices for the middle-level learner.

AIMS Board of Directors 2018-19

  • John Viano, Executive Director
  • Steve Diveley, President – Principal. Hadley Junior High, Glen Ellyn, IL
  • Bryan Zwemke, Vice President – Principal. Rotolo Middle School. Batavia, IL
  • Vicki Mogil, Treasurer
  • Rae Hughart, Secretary – Teacher. Evans Junior High. Normal, IL

Board Members

  • Josie Bensko, Teacher.  Evans Junior High School.  Normal, IL
  • Marc Campbell, Superintendent. New Holland-Middletown Elementary School District #88. Middletown, IL
  • Julia Colombo, Teacher. Mattoon Middle School, Mattoon, IL
  • Kristina Falbe,  At Large Board Representative.  Illinois State University
  • Tami Geurts,  Teacher.  Olympia Middle School.  Stanford, IL
  • Mark Heller,  Principal.  Plano Middle School.  Plano, IL
  • Nikita Horn, Teacher. Mason Elementary School. Chicago, IL
  • Dana Isackson, Principal. Macomb Junior High
  • Barbara Kalina, Retired Teacher. Program Facilitator. Batavia
  • Mike Raczak, Friend of the Executive Director
  • Gary Weilbacher, College and University Rep. Illinois State University
  • Steve Mertens, Research Committee. Illinois State University
  • Jessica Weibler, Teacher. Kaneland-Harter Middle School. Sugar Grove, IL
  • Jennifer Wikoff, Assistant Principal. Gregory Middle School. Naperville, IL