Name: Matt Patrick Occupation & School: Emergency Response Technology at Westinghouse Years In Education: 10 years Years At Current Position/School: 5 years Previously, I … taught for 5 years at the Greater Johnstown Career and Technology Center and I have been a certified Fire and EMT instructor since 2006.
We profiled Matt previously (on the old website) and have recreated that here–along with a fresh update at the top!
PFT: What are the greatest challenges for CTE in general, and for your program in particular, during the pandemic, and how have you creatively overcome them over the last year or so?
Matt: The biggest challenge for CTE is finding ways to keep students engaged in hands-on learning, that is why many students come to CTE –for hands-on learning.
For my program specifically the biggest problem was getting students certifications. Throughout the pandemic I have been trying to find online resources to use with my students so they can earn certifications. During the first semester my students collectively earned approximately 50 industry certificates. (Hazardous Materials Awareness, NIMS ICS 100, 200,700, 800, Blood borne pathogens, Traffic Incident Management, ICS 15.b Special Event Contingency Planning for Public Safety ICS 907 Active Shooter Response, and OSHA Healthcare!)
Anything that says ICS is a FEMA Course. Through funding CTE got from the state, we were able to get each one of my students a kit which contained a blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, and CPR mask which CTE delivered to each student through a contactless delivery. Through this my students are able to practice some hands-on skills.
PFT: What else have you been up to since last we touched base?
Matt: Over the summer, I was contacted by Jones and Bartlett publishing company to be part of a textbook review committee. I reviewed two chapters for the newest (12th) edition of AAOS Emergency Care of the Sick and Injured.
I reviewed a chapter about Head, Neck, and Spine Injuries and Geriatric Patients. The book was just released to the public on February 12, 2021, fitting for CTE month! My name appears in the book as a contributing reviewer.
PFT: Why is CTE so vital and essential to PPS students in particular? To the District? To the job/work force in general?
Matt: With the way the job market is going in today’s society, having 4-year degrees and not being able to get a job in what you went to school for is becoming a real challenge. CTE is vital for a student looking to get a good job and earn a living.
Especially in the public safety sector, the population of the workforce is aging and getting ready to retire. These are going to be those high-demand positions for years to come, and that includes the important admin roles as well. They need to fill those entry-level positions.
My CTE students (and CTE students in general) can finish high school and be able to go to work almost right away, no waiting. Students can graduate my program with their EMT certification. Plus we do HAZMAT awareness… and all kinds of preparation for the National Incident Management System (NIMS) Certifications that many of them will need to advance to the next level—which is a job.
NIMS is no joke—those are FEMA standards.
PFT: In your opinion, how has the PFT’s involvement made a difference for CTE? Has it been through partnerships we’ve helped facilitate? The AFT grant? How has our Union helped to make CTE stronger?
Matt: I am here because of the Innovation Grant. It enabled me to help recruit for the program, to secure some of the resources for the room itself, and gave me the breathing room necessary to write the curriculum for the program.
I was also able to have a one-on-one person (Darcy Tyhonas) as a fund manager to work directly with me to get this program up and running. You’re talking about me getting a lot of support as a teacher to be successful.
A lot of the assets we have on hand were donated, and to secure donations you need advocates like the PFT in your corner. We currently have an ambulance, a fire engine, and a police car.
Our fire team also has a very realistic forcible entry door simulator–it’s a great simulation of real-life door resistance—plus just over a dozen fully functional SCBA packs (breathing apparatus), a thermal imaging camera, multiple sets of turnout gear, and a fully functioning 4-gas meter.
On the law enforcement side of things, we prepare our students to take certification tests (a huge written text plus skill stations) – by the time they leave our CTE program they know how to conduct a traffic stop, issue a citation, investigate a crime scene, deliver a field sobriety test, lift fingerprints, handcuff a suspect… really valuable things.
PFT: What’s your favorite thing about teaching CTE in general, and your own subject matter in particular??
Matt: I think what’s nice is, with my program and with CTE in general, you get to really build good longer-term relationships with the students. It’s a little different for us; we see them for 2.5 hours a day, every day, AND we get to see them grow throughout the program, year after year.
So we enjoy them for three years rather than just maybe seeing them in the halls after they move on from grade to grade.
I have to tell you, the group of teachers that teach my program, throughout state and in this region… we are a close knit group. We help each other, we share ideas, and we have a Cohort that tries to meet annually to develop additional best practices.
It’s a great group of teachers for a great group of kids.
Name: Ellen Keeney Occupation & School: Piano teacher at Pittsburgh CAPA — Co-chair of the Piano Department Years In Education: 35 years Years At Current Position/School: 11 years Previously, I … worked as the Department Head of Piano @ Rogers CAPA for 24 years (“before the merge with CAPA High)
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Ellen: I began as an accompanist for some ballet classes when I was a sophomore in college. As my hours per week increased, I was offered the opportunity to teach in the piano department. It was all rather organic. And both my mom and father-in-law were educators,
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Ellen: I have one of the best jobs ever since I am paid to teach and play the piano! And I am surrounded by both talented colleagues and students.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Ellen: I attended Carnegie Mellon University; earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts with University Honors in Music (Piano Performance)
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Ellen:Currently, we are all facing the challenge of remaining healthy, both mentally and physically, during this world-wide pandemic..
PFT: When did you join the union? Do you participate in any committees or hold any leadership positions? Ever taken any coursework or continuing education?
Ellen: I joined the PFT in the Late 80’s; I’ve been a PFT building rep since the early 90’s; Currently co-chair of the Piano Dept. @ CAPA
PFT: In your own words, why is having union representation important? What’s the best thing about being in a union, whether you are an active or more passive participant?
Ellen:You are never alone in any situation while on the job; There is definitely power in numbers—united we stand ….
PFT: Do you have a mentor that introduced you to the PFT/Union? Please share who—and what that person meant to you and to your member development.
Ellen: Pam Costanza was the Visual Art Dept. Head at Rogers CAPA and pursued me for several years until I agreed to become a building rep. Pam saw the importance of an adjunct teacher being a representative due to the uniqueness of the position.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn...that I live in a log home in the Allegheny Mountains. Recently, a student thought my background in a Teams meeting was a green screen!
Ellen’s FAVORITE… Movies: Books: Author: Singer: Song: Time of year: FALL
NOTE FROM ELLEN regarding “Favorites” (spoken like a true artist...):: Other than favorite time of year, I honestly don’t have favorites. I know it’s weird but it’s true. I never have and would not be true to myself if I completed these categories.
FAVORITE “SHARE-ABLE” QUOTE: “Life is full of choices.”
FAVORITE LESS than “SHARE-ABLE” QUOTE: “Your lack of planning is not my emergency.”
Name: Michael Boback Occupation & School: School Police Officer, Allderdice Years In Education/As an SPO: 20 years Years At Current Position/School: 7th year
Previously … In my 20 years with PPS, I have spent time working as dispatcher, patrol in a mobile unit and 7 years at Allderdice. Additionally, I’ve been and currently am a part of the bicycle unit for sporting and special events. I have spent some time in all areas of the district.
PFT: What compelled you to become a police officer, and specifically a PPS School Police officer?
Mike:I became a police officer because I wanted to help people. I became a police officer in the PPS district because this is the community where I grew up. I am a graduate of Allderdice High School and I wanted be a part of keeping my community safe.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Mike: My favorite part of my day is making connections with students and staff. I am happy with the district that I have chosen to work in because I get those positive interactions with students. Had I chosen to work for a city or municipality, I would not be a part of daily communication with students.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Mike:I am a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Police Academy, class of 1999. I have received commendations from the following events: – New York City- for my efforts in search and recovery following the 9/11 attacks – Kennywood Park-for my calm and appropriate responses to a weather-related emergency – Pittsburgh Public Schools- for helping keep schools safe after learning that an armed person was on school property – Pittsburgh Public Schools- for my involvement in coaching Unified Track at Allderdice High School
PFT:In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by PPS school police officers today, specific to your unique role within PPS?
Mike:I believe that the greatest challenges faced by PPS school police officers stem from community perception.
PFT: What is the greatest misconception you would like to clarify about what it means to be a school police officer in the Pittsburgh Public Schools?
Mike: We are not simply here to “police” our students. More people need to understand that we have chosen to work with students. Just as the teachers and the counselors have chosen to work with students in their own respective fields, we have done the same. We want to work with children, we want to make the schools safe places for our students and their teachers, and we want to be a part of the community that we serve.
PFT: When did you join the union? In your own words, why is having union representation important? What’s the best thing about being in a union, whether you are an active or more passive participant?
Mike:I joined the union when I was hired in 2000, Our unions help to fight for our rights and keep us protected.
PFT: Is there anything you’d like to add about your experience as a School Police Officer?
Mike: I’m grateful for the chance to have a job that I love, that allows me to work with amazing people for the last 20 years.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn… that I was once an amateur boxer.
Mike’s FAVORITE… Movie: Rocky IV Book: Harry Potter (all) Author: Stephen King Singer: Luke Combs Song: Take Me Home, Country Roads Color: Green Food: Steak Time of year: Fall
Recently, the PA Department of Education signed into law Act 18 of 2020 which provides additional time for school employees to renew their FBI fingerprint-based background checks due to the pandemic. Under Act 18, employees of public, private, and nonpublic schools, as well as independent contractors and their employees who work with schools, have until December 31, 2020 to renew their FBI fingerprint-based background checks at an approved IdentoGO location.
** Although Act 18 provides a renewal extension for the FBI fingerprint-based background check, the District urges you to NOT delay and obtain the renewal as soon as possible. **
Occupation & School: PPS CONROY Early Childhood Center
Years In Education: 28 years
Years At Current Position/School: 18 years
Previously, I … worked at Preschool Development Inc. Head Start, 8 Years
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Flo: I am passionate about educating and empowering the children in our urban communities. I have always been involved in my own children’s education as a parent advocate and community advocate. I see education as a way out of poverty and some of the injustices that plague our impoverished communities.
Flo in her element…
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Flo:Being involved in the lives of my students and their families. Hoping to impact their lives in a positive way and being a catalyst for a positive first educational experience that will result in a love for learning, one that I hope will promote parent involvement in the education of children in our schools.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Flo: I attended CCAC, IUP and then Point Park University, where I earned my B.S. Elementary Education, B.S. Early Childhood Education Currently pursuing Continuing Courses and Credits to work towards Masters in Education Equivalency.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Flo:I think the current challenges facing educators today are the inadequate funding to our schools to help develop and deliver quality educational programs, and the availability of and access to the resources needed to bridge the gap between urban schools and more affluent districts with better resources.
In addition, there is a large gap in the pay that Early Childhood Educators receive from that of mainstream educators, despite the fact that their education requirements are the same and the workload is the same. This is a great disparity that needs to be remedied at once.
PFT: When did you join the union? Do you participate in any committees or hold any leadership positions? Ever taken any coursework or continuing education?
Flo: I joined the PFT the beginning of my employment with PPS, and I have served as a PFT Rep for Early Childhood at Conroy and I have Co-Chaired the Early Childhood Committee. I am a member of PFT PAC (Political Action Committee) and will step up when needed.
PFT: In your own words, why is having union representation important? What’s the best thing about being in a union, whether you are an active or more passive participant?
Flo:Being a member of the union provides me with a voice to affect positive change in the work environment. It also provides me with adequate representation in the work place; which ensures fair treatment, safe work conditions and equitable access to resources needed to ensure that I am able to conduct my job in a professional manner. This ultimately assures delivery of quality education to the students that I serve to the best of my ability.
PFT: Do you have a mentor that introduced you to the PFT/Union? Please share who—and what that person meant to you and to your member development.
Flo: No. I’ve just always been a part of it.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn... that I am passionate about advocating for the rights of children and social justice. Come to think of it, I do not think that this is a surprise… since I have always been passionate about these two causes!
Flo’s FAVORITE… Movies: One Flew over a Cuckoo’s Nest, Schindler’s List, Close Encounters of the Third Kind Books: I have many, but one of my favorites is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini Author: Don’t have a particular “favorite” Singer: Don’t have a particular “favorite” Song: Don’t have a particular “favorite”…to music, however I like various Genres of Music like: Jazz, NeoSoul, Classic Music, World Music, Reggae… Time of year: Spring and Fall
FAVORITE “SHARE-ABLE” QUOTE: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world .” – Nelson Mandela
Name: Rudy Nesbitt Occupation & School: Paraprofessional @ Pittsburgh Conroy in the Recycling Program Years In Education: 25 years Years At Current Position/School: 1st year Previously, I … worked at Pace School, Middle School Autistic Support and as an Assistant Teacher for 7 years.
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Rudy:I was always intrigued by special needs students due to growing up with a special needs brother. I also have a autistic son, so I feel it was meant for my journey in life to help special need students.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Rudy:I love all kids, but I have a special place in my heart for special need students due to my brother and son. I love challenges and love to see the students progress as they grow into adulthood,
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Rudy: I attended CCAC and then Edinboro University where I earned a degree in Personal Training and Nutrition.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Rudy:I feel the greatest challenges in education today are our lack of technology across the board; unhealthy buildings for some students.; and lack of parental support due to inner city poverty and other community issues in the city.
PFT: When did you join the union? Do you participate in any committees or hold any leadership positions? Ever taken any coursework or continuing education?
Rudy:I joined the union in 2002. I was the Para building rep at several schools, and I help organize and participate in The Labor Day Parade.
PFT: In your own words, why is having union representation important? What’s the best thing about being in a union, whether you are an active or more passive participant?
Rudy: I think from a personal perspective having union representation gives me and others a fair shot with positions that open up, and getting a fair shake when administrators do not treat you with respect and (make you feel like) they’re targeting you throughout your career.
PFT: Do you have a mentor that introduced you to the PFT/Union? Please share who—and what that person meant to you and to your member development.
Rudy: The late great Nate Smith was my mentor.
He taught me the importance and meaning of having a great union. He showed me videos of marches, and the strength the union provided for those who did not get treated fairly in the workforce. Nate was like the father figure I never had, and had such a strong presence in his speeches and kindness he shared with everyone during his time on Earth.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn... that I played the saxophone long ago — Ha!😊 Also? I was a 2x state and 2x national Drug-Free powerlifting champion along with placing 2nd in The Drug-Free World Championships.
Rudy‘s FAVORITE… Movie: Brian’s Song Book: The Holy Bible Author: Maya Angelou Singer: Luther Vandross Song: Always and Forever Color: Red Food: Lasagna Time of year: Summer
FAVORITE “SHARE-ABLE” QUOTE: “The Road To Your Greatness Is Already Determined. Never Give Up!”
