Jim Taubenheim: Forty Years of Student-Centered Teamwork

This post is part of the Lynden Schools Staff Spotlight series

Jim Taubenheim has spent the last 40 years focused on students. Lynden’s students. 

As a sixth-grade teacher within Lynden Schools, he’s taught generations of families in the Lynden community, always focused on the safety, academic growth and social-emotional well-being of each one. And that isn’t just when he’s in his Lynden Middle School classroom, but throughout his time coaching and staying connected in the community. 

The Role

Teaching at LMS is about teamwork. The backing Taubenheim receives from both the community and the staff at the school really serves to benefit the students. 

“I really, really, really appreciate the incredible support that I have received from the wonderful families of our great community,” he says, “as it has been an honor to teach and coach so many incredible kids over a 40-year span. I also appreciate the overall support our community has given to our entire school system as I truly believe public education is one of the main cornerstones of a democracy.” 

He says LMS boasts an excellent student-centered staff. From skilled and patient bus drivers to a top-notch custodial crew and from office staff, grounds and maintenance staff, the tech crew, paraeducators, specialists, nurses, librarians, Be the One volunteers, counselors, administrators, teachers, tutors from LHS and cooks and lunch workers, Taubenheim says every person is focused on students and their best interest. 

Getting to Know Jim

Taubenheim’s family has grown over time. His wife Barbara and him now adore a family of 15, which includes eight grandchildren. “We enjoy cheering them on at games, attending their concerts, school activities and spending as much time with our entire family as possible,” he says. 

Jim and Barbara also relish collecting and selling antiques and collectibles, fishing at Silver Lake, traveling and watching a quality movie. 

“I try to stay connected within our community,” Jim says, “by volunteering to coach youth sports, frequenting and supporting our local businesses and treating each person I cross paths with with kindness and respect.”