Ms. Bell has been teaching at Atherton for the past 14 years. In room 110, she teaches Algebra II and both years of IB SL Analysis and Approaches. In her class, she explores topics from introductory functions/quadratics to advanced calculus, covering the quintessential elements of math.
While she plays an integral role in the mathematics department, her life is not limited to the classroom. With New York roots, Ms. Bell has had a variety of hobbies and careers before teaching, ranging from boxing to Wall Street. Her transition into the school system is further proof of her versatility.
Prior to teaching at Atherton, Ms. Bell had a career as a stockbroker on Wall Street.
“It was a tough environment,” she recalls, “I was the only woman in the office… you have to come in every day and be ready for war.” While this experience built up her resilience in the workforce, she felt that she needed a change. When she was encouraged to be a teacher by her roommate, she knew that was her next step.
After obtaining her teacher certification, she was assigned to a seventh grade classroom in the South Bronx.
“They took me to school,” she recalls of her time teaching middle school. “I believe that [teaching middle school] takes a special human being, and I just didn’t have what it took.”
After a couple of years, she was transferred to the high school divisions. Ms. Bell would spend seven years teaching in New York before she moved to Louisville, Kentucky. She was able to fill an open spot in Atherton soon after her move.
As for her life outside of school, Ms. Bell loves travel and athletics. She was a member of the Peace Corps and lived in Cameroon for two years. With her friends from the Peace Corps, she has been able to travel the world with her daughter.
When she was younger, Ms. Bell had a passion for boxing.
“I grew up competing in the late 90s,” she explains, even competing in the golden gloves. As of 2024, Ms. Bell enjoys teaching spin classes at the JCC.
“It’s a real community over there,” she says, “It’s really fun.”
Ms. Bell has overcome many challenges in her career and officially feels settled at Atherton. She has explored many passions, but she has found the most fulfillment in teaching.
