Tilden Middle School

Irina LaGrange, Principal - Mrs. LaGrange started her career fourteen years ago with Teach for America in New York City, and has never looked back.  She had the pleasure of being a middle school English, social studies, and math teacher and high school English teacher.  She served as an administrator at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School for five years and most recently as an assistant principal at A. Mario Loiederman Middle School for the Arts.  She believes that strong partnerships created through collaboration and communication set the foundation for a positive and welcoming school environment that not only promotes rigorous and engaging instruction, but also nurtures the development of a healthy and balanced child.  Most importantly, she will continue the tradition of excellence in teaching and learning for all students to ensure that they can continue their journey as curious, confident, and eager life-long learners both inside and outside the classroom. 

Jeffrey Leaman, Assistant Principal  - Mr. Leaman has been at Tilden Middle School for five years as an assistant principal.  Prior to Tilden Mr. Leaman served as an assistant school administrator for three years at Julius West Middle School.  Mr. Leaman also taught Algebra and Algebra-Prep at Julius West Middle School for four years.  He believes student engagement and positive student relationships is the key to helping students access their full potential.  He is passionate about working with parents and students as they navigate the sometimes awkward adolescent years.  

Maniya Jules-Desroches, Assistant Principal - Ms. Jules earned her B.S. in Journalism and Administrative Certification from Bowie State University.  This former Teach for America Alumnae also earned a Master’s degree in special Education from East Carolina University, while teaching in North Carolina.  She was born in Haiti and raised in Maryland.  She has three sons and is a member of a large, diverse, extended family.  She is very proud that she found a career that allows her to channel her hyperactivity and comedic sensibilities.  When Ms. Jules grows up, she aspires to be a woman of leisure so she can travel extensively and enjoy fine dining and daily spa services.