Beth F. Thomas

Beth F. Thomas comes from a long line of educators. From her mother to two aunts, the Long Island, N.Y. native grew up around highly regarded and esteemed teachers. 

Thomas planned to study dentistry when she arrived at Pennsylvania State University, but she quickly realized a commitment to children and education was in her blood. 

“I consider myself an instructional servant leader—one who is selfless, always putting the needs of others first,” she said.

Thomas began her teaching career as a special education teacher in Bay Shore, N.Y. In 1995, she joined MCPS as a teacher at Col. Zadok Magruder High School in a program for students with emotional disabilities. 

Thomas is known for her passion for all students. She exhibits high energy and commitment to ensure each student receives instructional and social-emotional support that elevates their strengths. She tirelessly works with students, families, staff and administrator colleagues to keep students in the forefront of her decision-making.

“To know Beth Thomas is to experience an exuberance that is unsurpassed,” said retired associate superintendent Carole Goodman. Her “teaching background is as a special educator, and those same skills are perpetually put to use to support all students.”

In 2016, Thomas accepted the challenge to help open Hallie Wells Middle School where her ability to recognize and identify potential in others shined during the hiring process. 

Thomas came into her roles as assistant principal at James Blake Hubert High School and now Hallie Wells following various positions working with special education students within MCPS. Some of her most impactful work at Hallie Wells has been with the school’s Social Emotional Special Education Services (SESES) program. Thomas’ work as the supervisor for the program is beyond commendable. Hallie Wells was the only school in the top quartile with a SESES program for the fall semester MAP-R and MAP-M assessments. 

“She takes the time to listen to us, wipe our tears, give us high fives and ensure that we are safe and loved each day,” read a letter from an SESES student.

“To be seen and recognized by the Hallie Wells Middle School community and Montgomery County Association of Administrators and Principals because of my work, passion and love for education is beyond anything I could have ever fathomed,” Thomas says.