Janet Beck, who became part of Santa Fe High’s faculty in 2022 as an Algebra 2 teacher, has a diverse background. Originally from South Africa, she grew up in England and has lived in various parts of the world, including the Middle East and Australia. Having settled in Texas for over 25 years, she recently relocated to New Mexico for the appeal of mountains and skiing.

Ms. Beck pursued mechanical engineering at Brunel University London, driven by a desire to challenge gender stereotypes. Her engineering career included roles on offshore oil rigs, manufacturing precision metal components, and making Pampers diapers.

After moving to Qatar for her husband’s career, she couldn’t work due to visa restrictions. Upon relocating to the United States in 1997, she transitioned to a new career and started teaching in 2005, initially to facilitate family travel during summer breaks.

Her teaching experience encompasses middle school math, time at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, and, since 2012, primarily teaching Precalculus. Ms. Beck expresses enjoyment in working with juniors and seniors, finding them fun “most of the time.”

Ms. Beck enjoys outdoor activities like skiing and hiking. Formerly a thrill-seeker with a history of paragliding, she now values family time and appreciates the outdoors. Her decision to move to New Mexico in 2022 reflects a desire for a more pleasant living environment with mountains and skiing.