While she has been a faculty member with the Education Department at South Texas College from 2006-present (20 years), she previously taught for the Geography Department at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville - and at Texas State University – San Marcos. In addition to Geography courses, she has taught traditional, hybrid, and fully online Education courses as well as special, enhanced Education classes including Jump Start courses, Ascender courses, Open Educational Resource courses, Dual Enrollment courses, and Student Leadership Academy courses.

In addition to 24 years of teaching experience, at STC, she has served as the Faculty Development Coordinator for the Office of Professional Development  for three years, facilitating the Teaching and Learning Academy and the Teaching Circles Academy.  She has also presented workshops for the Center for Learning Excellence and the Office of Student Life.  Moreover, Dr. Bean has also led specialized workshops such as Building Your Own Success Stories, Technology for Teachers, Developing a Growth Mindset, among others.  

Lastly, she has been integral to the Education Department's success -- by co-creating (with Mrs. Andrea Clark) online and in-person orientations and pinning ceremonies.  For the Learning Frameworks courses, she has worked tirelessly, developing the curriculum as well as creating and implementing the College & Community Connections Project. 

Dr. Bean has been awarded the STC Jaguar Excellence Award (2008), the STC Spirit Award (2009), the STC Distinguished Teaching and Learning Award (2010), the NISOD Excellence Award (2014), the STC Distinguished Teaching and Learning Award (2019), and the STC Excellence in Accessibility Award (2019).  She has most recently received STC's E-Teacher of the Year Award (2022) and the Faculty Spotlight Award (2023).