ESOL Teacher
Pine Grove Middle School
English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) is a state-funded instructional program for eligible English Learners (ELs) in grades K-12 (Georgia School Law Code 1981, § 20-2-156, enacted in 1985).
Mission: Working together to empower, challenge, and inspire - One Lowndes!
Vision: A learning community striving for excellence every day
Hi! I am Melanie Sainz, ESOL teacher at Pine Grove Middle School. The 2022-2023 school year is my 22nd year in Lowndes County Schools and my 28th year in public education. Prior to coming to LCS, I taught for five years in Brooks County and one year in Valdosta City Schools.
I grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and I am a big Orioles fan! I love pretty much anything to do with Major League Baseball. I attended college in Florida and Virginia; I have also lived in Missouri and New Jersey. I moved to Valdosta in 1990 and have been here ever since.
My professional credentials include a B.S. degree in Elementary Education from James Madison University, an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from Valdosta State University, and an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University. I also earned my NBCT (National Board Certification) in Early Adolescent English/Language Arts, as well as endorsements in ESOL, gifted education, and instructional coaching.