Her Story
About Paulette
Paulette Bartolacci is an accomplished ESOL Specialist and Teacher with 27 years of experience in education, specializing in helping bilingual and multilingual students develop English proficiency and succeed academically. She has extensive experience working with students in grades 6 through 8 and has also provided individualized tutoring to children, young adults, and bilingual professionals. Her expertise includes English as a Second Language instruction, educational assessment, curriculum development, instructional design, classroom management, professional development, and inclusive education. In addition to her work in the classroom, Bartolacci teaches a graduate capstone course for ESOL certification at Moravian University, where she shares her knowledge and experience with educators preparing to serve English language learners.
Bartolacci earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and Teaching with a Spanish minor from St. Joseph’s University and an M.Ed. in Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education from Lehigh University. She also holds Pennsylvania ESL Specialist certification from DeSales University. Her career has been distinguished by a commitment to innovative and inclusive educational practices. In 1996, she helped establish the first inclusion class in the Lehigh Valley and later presented the initiative at the National Inclusion Conference. Her professional accomplishments also include recognition in Who’s Who in Education and designation as a National Writing Project Fellow. Throughout her career, she has remained engaged with professional organizations, including the Keystone National Teachers Association and ESOL/TESOL Teachers Association, while continuing to advocate for effective language instruction and opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
Outside of education, Bartolacci values maintaining a well-rounded life centered on family, community, and personal interests. She enjoys golf, tennis, and bike riding, activities that allow her to stay active while spending time with others and enjoying the outdoors. Family remains an important part of her life, and she places a strong emphasis on giving back to those around her. She also maintains an interest in politics and civic affairs, reflecting her broader engagement with her community and the issues that shape society. Bartolacci attributes her success to finding balance in life, giving generously to her family and community, and continuing to learn and grow both personally and professionally.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Paulette
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to maintaining a healthy balance between giving back, my professional responsibilities, and my family life. I believe that what you give to others often comes back to you in meaningful ways, so I have always tried to contribute generously to my students, community, and those around me. At the same time, I have learned the importance of setting healthy boundaries and managing my commitments thoughtfully so that I can give my best without stretching myself too thin. Balancing the demands of raising my family and building a rewarding career in education has taught me the value of purpose, perspective, and generosity.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to always verify important information with a qualified expert before making decisions. My family instilled in me the importance of doing my due diligence, seeking knowledgeable perspectives, and having important matters reviewed by someone with expertise in the field rather than acting on assumptions or making decisions impulsively. This approach has helped me make thoughtful, informed choices throughout my career and reinforced the value of seeking guidance when circumstances require specialized knowledge.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the education field is to be intentional and practical about their educational and career choices. I encourage them to consider a field of study that offers meaningful career opportunities and allows them to build financial independence without taking on excessive student debt. It is important to think carefully about the long-term value of your education, understand your options, and make decisions that position you to support yourself independently. Building a fulfilling career while maintaining financial stability can provide greater confidence, flexibility, and freedom throughout your professional and personal life.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is helping Level 1 bilingual students reach English proficiency within the expected seven- to 10-year timeframe, particularly as academic vocabulary and technology demands continue to increase. Students are expected to master increasingly complex language while simultaneously navigating rigorous academic content and digital learning environments. Another challenge is ensuring that standardized assessments accurately reflect the abilities of bilingual learners. Tests such as the PSSA can place students who are still developing English proficiency at a disadvantage because they are designed primarily around monolingual English language expectations. This can affect their scores and make it more difficult for bilingual students to recognize and feel successful about the progress they are making.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my professional and personal life are balance, faith, family, respect, and self-sufficiency. I believe in treating others with kindness and respect while remaining committed to giving back generously to my community and the people around me. At the same time, I value maintaining healthy boundaries and not stretching myself too thin, recognizing that balance is essential to being effective and present in every area of life. Raising my daughters while building my career in education taught me the importance of independence, perseverance, responsibility, and creating a strong foundation for my family. These values continue to guide how I approach my work, relationships, and service to others.
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