An Interview with Ms. Bean, by Robby C.

What college did you go to? What did you major in?

I went to college at University of Maryland, and my primary major was mathematics, and my second major was in secondary mathematics education. I went to graduate school at Columbia University.

Where did you work before coming to JW? 

I used to work in the MCPS central office as a supervisor for secondary mathematics, and before that, I worked at 4 other schools, all in MCPS. 3 middle schools and 1 high school.

What made you want to become an educator? 

I was always helping and tutoring my friends as part of the National Honor Society. We were able to volunteer at different elementary and middle schools and I found that I really liked teaching.

Why did you come to JW? What do you think of the school? 

I came because I wanted to return to school and I really enjoyed my previous job as an assistant principal at Gaithersburg Middle School and Kingsview Middle School. When I was looking for what jobs were available, Julius West was one of them, and many people who worked here or had children who attend school here spoke very highly of the community and the staff members. I think the school is amazing: being the largest middle school in the county, it takes a lot of teamwork and organization and positive relationships to make sure everything runs smoothly at the school to make sure students have the best opportunities while they are here. Everybody works together really well, and  I’m really impressed. 

What are your goals for JW?

I want to ensure that the school environment is a positive place so that we can work toward not just toward our school improvement goals, but also to make sure that each student and staff member have the resources and the support they need to reach their highest potential.

What is your favorite thing about being an educator? 

The thing I enjoy about being an educator is seeing how much individuals can grow and learn and change over the course of whether it's one school year or the entire time they are at the school.

What do you like doing outside of school?

I like being outdoors. I have 3 dogs; I have 2 stepdaughters. I’m usually out at different events. My hobbies are listening to different audiobooks on my commute and reading at home if I can and when I’m able to. I also really enjoy watching football, and my favorite team is the Washington Commanders.

Do you have any advice to share with Julius West students?

I would say to remember to put forth your best effort but even when things don’t necessarily go the way that you like or if there is a mistake, there is always a new opportunity that awaits and people here to support you.

How much screen time have you had this past week? 

22 hours and 37 minutes on the phone and 28 hours combined for other electronics.

Is cereal a soup? 

Cereal is not a soup. The process of making it is not like soup. There is no cooking, you don’t let it sit, and there is no soup that you would do that to, that I know of.