PSEA is a community of education professionals who make a difference in the lives of students every day.
Fifteen years ago, Susan Lynam was looking for a job when she saw an email from the North Penn School District testing a new email alert system.
“I wrote back and said, ‘You passed the test. You got any job openings?’” she said. “The next week I had an interview.’’
Lynam is PSEA’s 2017 ESP of the Year. The announcement came on ESP Day during American Education Week when communities show their appreciation for education support professionals.
For most of her 15 years at North Penn, Lynam has been the Guidance Office secretary at Penndale Middle School. She is also active with the North Penn Education Support Professionals Association, having served as president, PACE chair, and treasurer.
As Penndale’s Guidance Office secretary, Lynam interacts with students a lot. She recalled a group of eighth-grade swimmers who would stop by every morning last year to see her after swim practice.
“I was what I call the ‘Mom counselor,’” she said. “I would give them a little advice about what they needed to do, stop being petty, those kinds of things … We have a lot of kids who like to come in. This is their safe haven.’’
PSEA Mideastern Region President Alan Malachowski, who nominated Lynam for ESP of the Year, said she has strived to make the Guidance Office a warm and welcoming place for all.
“Not only is it a safe place for kids, it’s a safe place for staff, as well,’’ he said.
