The Bethpage Union Free School District recently appointed Charlotte Hirsch-Beckman the new Assistant Principal of Bethpage High School. On August 1, 2023, she replaced Assistant Principal Kevin Healy who retired. Now that the school year is almost over, The Eagles’ Cry wanted to get to know this new addition to BHS’ staff.
The Eagle’s Cry: Tell us about yourself.
Mrs. Hirsch Beckman: Fun fact…I grew up in France! So I spent my childhood there and then I moved to the US when I was in middle school and went through two different education systems….so it was very strange, but my mom was American, and now I am here and I love it! I have two beautiful girls, a senior in high school and a nine-year-old in fourth grade.
The Eagle’s Cry: So…you’re bilingual?
Mrs. Hirsch Beckman: Yes, I am bilingual! I speak French fluently, it’s a secret gem. So when students speak French, I understand.
The Eagle’s Cry: Did you work anywhere before Bethpage?
Mrs. Hirsch Beckman: I did. My first job in education was in New York City. It was in Far Rockaway, and that was my first social studies job. Then, I transferred to Francis Lewis High School in Fresh Meadows where I was a special education teacher for six years. Then I came out to Long Island to work in South Huntington as a special education teacher, and I was promoted in South Huntington as an administrator. Now I’m here at Bethpage…where I am very, very happy!
The Eagle’s Cry: When did you decide you wanted to pursue a career in education?
Mrs. Hirsch Beckman: Good question! My high school experiences weren’t the best. High school wasn’t the best time in my life, I would say. I wasn’t a good student, but I had a really great teacher who really made a big impact on me. So, I had two choices: I wanted to be either a lawyer or teacher–I know two very strange choices–and because of him, along with my education classes at school, I decided I wanted to make the same impact he had on me for other kids. I wanted to make it like a safe haven for students. Without him, I don’t think I would’ve gone into education!
The Eagle’s Cry: Where did you go to college?
Mrs. Hirsch Beckman: I went to Queens college.
The Eagle’s Cry: How do you like Bethpage so far?
Mrs. Hirsch Beckman: I love Bethpage! I think the kids are great; you guys are awesome; I think you guys have a lot to offer here. The community is amazing and the parents are supportive. The administration is great too, I work with excellent people. Mr, Jantz is awesome, Mr. Tocco is awesome. So far it’s been a really great experience, and I’m looking forward to 25 more years working here!
The Eagle’s Cry: How is it like working in a new district?
Mrs. Hirsch Beckman: Anything new tends to be difficult, and I don’t know how you guys feel about it, but change is hard! You know how to go to a new class and how you feel about that…but change is very for me difficult and I’ve stayed at my jobs for VERY long periods of time. So it’s apprehensive at first, but change is also good and it’s been very good to me and I’m happy I did it because it was a risk.
The Eagle’s Cry: What is a hobby you like doing outside of work?
Mrs. Hirsch Beckman: It’s hard because I’m a mom. I spend a lot of time with my kids. My oldest daughter graduated early in January, and she will play collegiate soccer, so I’ve spent a lot of time watching her play soccer. For the little one, she’s a cheerleader, so she does a lot of professional cheer clubs. My hobby though…well, I LOVE reading, it’s definitely my favorite thing to do.
The Eagle’s Cry: What’s your favorite book?
Mrs. Hirsch Beckman: For a childhood book, it’s probably Harry Potter. I’m very big in the Harry Potter scene. I was obsessed with it as a kid…I read it in French first. In high school, my favorite was The Catcher in the Rye, but now I don’t think I have a favorite book. Probably The Catcher in the Rye, let’s stick with that.
