Dr. Carey Pammer kicked off the start of the 2023-24 academic year on a new foot as the principal of Catasauqua Middle School.

Born and raised in the Lehigh Valley, Pammer graduated from Parkland High School. She went on the earn her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 2011 from Penn State University, master’s degree in teaching in 2018 from Wilkes University and doctoral degree in educational leadership in 2022 from Delaware Valley University.

She started her career in education as an elementary teacher in the Blue Mountain Area and Parkland school districts. She also worked as a reading specialist in the Nazareth Area School District.

“I have been lucky to be a part of several outstanding school districts prior to my arrival inCatasauqua,” Pammer said. “My learning in previous roles and the outstanding educators I worked with prepared me for the transition to administration.”

She joined CASD as the assistant principal of Sheckler Elementary School during the 2022-23 academic year. She officially started her role as Sheckler Elementary’s assistant principal July 1, 2022.

She was approved to fill the role of CMS principal at the April 11 CASD Board of Education meeting.

“Having such a supportive, community-based atmosphere here in Catty made for a positive transition,” Pammer noted.

She said joining the Sheckler team last year “was like joining a family,” adding that everyone worked together to “provide the best outcome for the students.” She noted CMS has the same collaborative and supportive environment.

She spoke about how much she learned working alongside Sheckler Principal Dr. Robert Kucharczuk and the whole Sheckler team last year, adding it was difficult for her to leave the school after only one year.

“Having an understanding of the academic programs, social emotional learning and student support at Sheckler has been helpful in transitioning to CMS,” Pammer said. “While I miss seeing the smiling faces of our Sheckler students, I look forward to seeing each grade level from Sheckler again as they move into their middle school years.”

She noted she made connections during her time at Sheckler, which will “serve our district well in creating new opportunities to collaborate and grow together.”

She said her goal as an educator is to leave a positive impact on as many people as she can, expanding beyond the students to include other educators, families and the community.

“Taking on the role of building principal here at CMS aligned with that goal while allowing me to expand my experiences with CASD,” Pammer noted. “I love taking on new challenges, and this is an exciting opportunity.”

She reported on the importance of having a supportive administrative team working together to help guide through any transition. She credited the collaboration and support of former CMS Principal Melissa Inselmann, who currently serves the district as the director of curriculum and assessment.

Pammer said she hopes to continue building upon the successes at CMS.

“I’m already really proud of the way our staff reflects and problem solves together,” Pammer reported.

She credited CASD’s commitment to working together and making sure everyone has a voice.

“Our district’s commitment to community partnerships, educational excellence and lifelong learning allows administration in the district to lead together and alongside our community,” Pammer said. “It has been wonderful to be welcomed into the Catasauqua family this year. It is a very special place, and I am grateful for the opportunities here.

“I am looking forward to the new adventure ahead as principal of CMS,” Pammer remarked.