This week’s “Be a Bean” spotlight shines on Karla Worley, a teacher at Valley Institute Elementary School. Ms. Worley has shown us what it truly means to Be a Bean -- transforming challenges into powerful opportunities for growth, kindness, and learning.
After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of a loved one, Karla chose to honor his memory in a way that would impact both her students and her community. She launched a project-based learning tradition at Valley Institute called the Bulldog Bakery. This schoolwide project blends reading, vocabulary, and math skills with hands-on learning and service. Students make homemade dog treats, collect supplies for the Washington County Animal Shelter, and deliver the donations themselves -- connecting classroom lessons to real-world kindness.
Karla’s compassion doesn’t stop there. Last school year, she was able to offer empathy, encouragement, and a steady source of support to a family going through an incredibly difficult time.
Karla Worley is a shining example of how Coffee Bean employees turn challenges into opportunities. She has transformed personal grief into something beautiful and lasting for her students, her school, and her community.
