Tim Depue joined the staff of Pacific Beach Middle School in August of 2023 as the new associate pagsrincipal. Born and raised in Grand Island, Neb., Depue attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in middle school education. Three years later he earned his master’s degree in educational administration.
“I come from a long line of educators. My grandfather was a middle school principal in Orange County for over 30 years,” said Depue. “My mother was a first-grade teacher, and my older brother is a college math instructor. There was never really any doubt I would enter education as a career.”
This school year marks Depue’s 14th year as a middle school educator, with the last five years as an assistant principal in Seattle. Prior to being an administrator, he enjoyed teaching in middle school science programs.
What areas of the middle school experience resonate most deeply with Depue? “I especially enjoy working with students who are learning to navigate difficult situations like peer conflicts, communication, and everything else that comes along with being in middle school,” Depue answered. “I also enjoy learning about instructional practices that prepare our students for future careers, and how to design instructional systems that best meet the needs of our diverse learners.”
When asked about early impressions of Pacific Beach, Depue said: “I am absolutely blown away by the community support in Pacific Beach. It is clear that this community has high expectations for its students and their schools. Although San Diego is a big city, the Pacific Beach community has a definite small-town feel where people know and care about each other.”
The dedication of the PBMS staff to their students, their school, and the PB community was evident to Depue from day one. “It’s amazing to see staff step up to support each other and use their personal time in service to student success. Principal Meng, the families, and the staff have created a wonderful and nurturing environment for our students. I am lucky to be here.”
Depue is equally impressed with the students at PBMS. “They are so self-directed,” comments Depue. “ASB students recently organized a day we call ‘Club Rush.’ Our students were excited to check out various school club offerings and sign up that day. Pokemon Club, Gender Alliance Club, a Newspaper Club, the Gardening Club, Latina Girls Club, an Anime Club were just a few of the many offerings at PBMS,” DePue said.
“Another example of PBMS students taking a lead and making things happen is in our Yearbook/Media Class. Under the direction of teacher Don Wood, students write, film, and produce a weekly newscast in the school’s amazing TV studio. This weekly show is then broadcast school-wide to all classes during the first period. Such talented kids,” Dupue said.
Ashley Hensen, PBMS International Baccalaureate Coordinator, is excited to have Dupue as the new associate pagsrincipal. “His quick response to support our students in maintaining a positive learning environment at PBMS has been greatly appreciated by all the teachers.”
Fun facts about Depue: 1.) Depue’s wife, Katherine, is a physician and just finished a five-year residency in the Seattle area before their move to San Diego this summer. 2.) Depue’s great-great-grandfather worked at the Hotel Del Coronado shortly after it opened in 1888. Depue’s great-grandfather was born on Coronado Island in Tent City. 3.) Dupue and his wife hiked various parts of Europe’s Mt. Blanc basin during their 2023 summer vacation. 4.) Staff and students look forward to Depue’s weekly “dad jokes” as part of the school’s weekly in-house news broadcast.
