The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District is proud to announce that Juan A. Rodríguez, Ed.M., has been appointed as the next Principal of Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS), beginning with the 2025-2026 school year. After joining the district in August 2024 as ARMS Assistant Principal and stepping into the interim principal role in February 2025, Rodríguez’s steady leadership, commitment to equity, and strong communication with students, families, and staff have earned him the permanent position.
File photo of Mr. Rodriguez.
Rodríguez, a graduate of Amherst College, brings over a decade of experience in teaching and school leadership to his role. He holds a Master of Education in School Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, as well as a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School Online. His background includes work in both classroom instruction and district-level administration, with a strong focus on restorative justice, social-emotional learning, culturally responsive teaching, and equity-centered leadership.
“I am honored and excited to continue serving the Amherst-Pelham community as the permanent Principal of ARMS,” said Rodríguez. “Our students are brilliant, creative, and full of promise. I look forward to working alongside families and staff to build on the strong foundation here, fostering a school culture where every learner feels seen, supported, and celebrated.”
“Mr. Rodríguez understands, at his core, that our students are the reason we show up every day. His ‘why’ is deeply personal—shaped by his own journey as an English learner—and it fuels his commitment to making sure every classroom is a welcoming space where all learners feel they belong,” said Dr. E. Xiomara Herman, Superintendent. “Over the past year, as interim principal, he’s brought steadiness, heart, and a clear vision to the middle school. His leadership reflects the values we hold as a district, and his appointment brings much-needed stability and continuity to our middle school community. I look forward to continuing to support him in this important work.”
As a leader at ARMS, Mr. Rodríguez embraced this year as a time of learning and growth in school leadership. He focused on strengthening systems, deepening his understanding of the school community, and supporting students and staff through a period of transition. His steady presence and commitment have helped guide the middle school toward a successful close to the 2024-2025 school year, with a continued focus on inclusive, student-centered learning.
“I am honored and excited to accept the position of principal at ARMS,” said Principal Rodríguez. “I am eager to contribute to the success of our students and staff, and I look forward to growing, healing, and the positive impact we’ll create together.”
The district celebrates this important leadership transition and looks forward to continuing its mission to ensure safe, inclusive, and academically rich environments for all students in the Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Districts.
He officially begins this role on Jul 1, 2025.