A method of preparing a poly(arylene ether) includes oxidatively coupling a monohydric phenol in a reaction solution at a reaction temperature that exceeds the cloud point temperature of the reaction solution. The oxidative coupling occurs in the presence of a metal complex catalyst, and when the catalyst includes an amine ligand, the method facilitates incorporation of the amine ligand into the poly(arylene ether) resin. The amine-incorporated poly(arylene ether) resins prepared by the method are useful in the preparation of higher molecular weight poly(arylene ether) resins and compatibilized blends of poly(arylene ether) resins with other thermoplastics.