If you visit McCaskey on any given day, it will not take long to see Pam Terry in action. She might be welcoming a group of new freshmen and helping them find their classrooms. A few moments later, she could be sitting with a student who needs guidance, supporting a peer mediation, or assisting a senior who is finalizing a college application. She moves quickly, but always with purpose. Pam has a calm presence that makes students feel seen and heard, even on the busiest of days. She often jokes that she has already “qualified for states in hallway speed walking,” which perfectly captures her energy and the constant motion of her work.
Pam has dedicated 20 years to the School District of Lancaster and 35 years to the field of education. Her path to becoming a counselor has been shaped by a lifetime of learning and service. She has lived all over the country, including California, Kentucky, southeastern Pennsylvania, western and upstate New York, and southern Maryland. Her journey through different regions gave her a unique understanding of people, cultures, and communities, all of which she brings into her work with students.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Allegheny College and a Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling from Bowie State University. Her academic foundation in science nurtured her curiosity and love for problem-solving, but it was her connection with her high school science teachers that first sparked her passion for education. “I loved my science teachers growing up,” she said. “They inspired me to pursue a career in education and later, in counseling. I wanted to be that kind of influence for others.”
Pam’s days are never predictable, which is part of what she enjoys about her work. Each day brings a mix of challenges and meaningful moments. On any given day, she may meet new students, communicate with families, write college recommendations, review academic progress, or help students navigate emotional and social challenges. “No two days are ever the same,” she shared. “That’s what makes this work rewarding.”
Her favorite part of the job is seeing how much students grow from their freshman year to graduation. “I love watching students become more confident, more independent, and more hopeful about their future,” she said. “You can literally see the change in them, and it is one of the most fulfilling parts of this work.”
Pam’s love for her students is matched only by her appreciation for the district itself. “What I love about working at SDoL is how accepting everyone is,” she said. “There is a place for everyone here. Our students and staff reflect so many different experiences and perspectives, and that makes our schools stronger.”
Her commitment to helping students succeed comes from a deeply personal place. Pam credits her grandfather as one of her greatest inspirations. “He always told us that education is our best investment,” she said. “That lesson shaped my entire career. Every day, I try to help students make that same investment in themselves.”
Her colleagues describe her as a tireless advocate for students. One of her peers shared, “Pam truly believes that each student has value, even when they do not recognize it yet. She sees their potential and helps them find ways to turn their interests into a future. She never stops encouraging them to strive for their best. As a department, we rely on her constantly, and she has never let us down.” Another added that Pam embodies the idea of never leaving a single student behind. “She challenges the starfish model of leaving any on the beach. She throws each one toward the ocean with ideas, encouragement, and skill, hoping they will thrive.”
Outside of her role, Pam finds balance in simple, grounding routines. “Weeding the lawn is my therapy,” she said with a smile. “It gives me space to think, reflect, and relax.” That sense of calm and care mirrors the way she approaches her students, with steady patience and understanding.
One of her favorite memories during her time at SDoL was the post-COVID McCaskey graduation on the football field. “It poured down rain, and we had to wait in the hot gym,” she recalled. “When we finally got to start, a rainbow appeared in the sky. It was a moment of hope and peace after such a difficult time for everyone. I will never forget it.”
For two decades, Pam Terry has been a pillar of support and encouragement at McCaskey. She is known for her humor, compassion, and unwavering belief in the power of education. Her influence reaches far beyond the counseling office and into the hearts of the students and staff who have had the privilege of working with her.
Thank you, Pam, for your 20 years of service to the School District of Lancaster. Your dedication and passion for helping students succeed make a lasting difference every single day.
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Interested in joining the SDoL team? For more information on current job openings and to apply, click here.