Key Sessions

Currently, Pam Mesta is the Supervisor of ESOL at Carroll County Public Schools, professor of English Language Learner Strategies at Towson University, a Nationally Board-Certified Teacher, and a LEA Multilingual Learner Coordinator. She has won numerous awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maryland Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and Bonita Allen Advocate Award.

During her nearly 25 years in education, she has touched innumerable parents and caregivers through her positivity, leadership, advocacy, and strength of conviction when working with and for families (especially ESOL families [English for Speakers of Other Languages]. Pam promotes family-school-community partnerships daily through programs she has spearheaded. During COVID, she got grants and funding to purchase, pack, and deliver resource bags of school supplies, computers, calculators, hotspots, food and tutoring for students and families to the over 400 English learners in grades Pre-K to Grade 12. She and the ESOL team made over 1,000 home visits to help students and families understand how and when to use the technology they provided. Food Bank drops were made at various establishments in Carroll County so parents could walk there and be able to collect other supplies and get free items from the merchants (usually ice cream cones or shaved ice). During the summer, to make sure children had food, educational opportunities, and a chance to socialize, Pam created and implemented summer programs for students and families that included breakfast and lunch (Summer STEM Camp, Summer Outdoor School Experience). Some of the family/staff educational workshops she presented consisted of relevant topics such as "Helping International Families", "Creating a Safe and Welcoming School", and "Promoting Positive School Climate for Students and Families".

Pam Mesta has authored a book which answers your key questions about educating English Language Learners (ELLs) and offers detailed guidance and concrete applications for your classroom.

Topics addressed include:

• Getting to know your ELLs
• Considering how culture, language and academic background impact learning
• Bridging the home/school connection
• Pairing content and language objectives
• Gauging learner progress
• Collaborating with ELL staff

Dr. Floyd D. Beachum
Bennett Professor of Urban School Leadership
Educational Leadership Program
College of Education
Lehigh University

Academic Training:

Professional Experience: