Below please find additional links providing helpful information you can bookmark and count on as the COVID-19 situation changes and evolves. It will do so daily.
The AFT’s 86th biennial convention is underway, bringing together 4,000 delegates from around the country across our K-12, paraprofessional, higher education, healthcare and public employee divisions.
JULY 28: The AFT’s biennial convention is starting today, and we’re doing it virtually! This year is all about how we are fighting for a better life for our members—and for everyone. Today’s highlights include AFT President Randi Weingarten’s State of the Union speech and the presentation of AFT Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson’s Bayard Rustin Award. Other highlights include a Black Lives Matter panel and discussion of economic inequity on Wednesday, and remarks from former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday. Additional sessions will feature professor and education historian Diane Ravitch, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and award-winning composer, lyricist and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda. Tune in live at 11 a.m. ET on the AFT’s Facebook page or at www.aft.org and use the hashtag #AFT20.
Paul is a second-generation union member whose wife is also a PFT member (2nd grade, Banksville).
Name: Paul DeLeone Occupation & School: Teaches Production Technology Stagecraft as a CTE Teacher at CAPA Years In Education: 16 years Years At Current Position/School: 1st year at CAPA Previously, I … ran my own custom carpentry business for 10 years as well as worked in teaching. I’ve worked at the Westinghouse Carpentry Program, Neshannock Township School District (woodshop), Allegheny Middle School (woodshop), Seneca Valley School District (metal shop), Washington Polytechnic Academy (woodshop)
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
PAUL:I had two teachers in high school that I connected with. They both made learning fun and challenging. One was my biology teacher and the other was my metal shop teacher. I like to think I’ve patterned myself a little after both of those teachers.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
PAUL:My passion is building. I like my career and job best when I remember what and how I was once taught, and when I can share my own passion with students. I strive to do what my own influential teachers did with me–connecting with my students, challenging them, instilling in them the true meaning of “work ethic.”
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
PAUL: I hold a BS in Industrial Arts/Technology Education from California University of PA. I also have my CTE Carpentry Certification.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
PAUL:Everything seems to be directed by a sense of instant gratification now. It’s getting harder to motivate students to work through problems systematically and patiently. I worry there’s not enough tenacity or “stick-to-itiveness”. I love when that light bulb eventually comes on, but instilling a strong work ethic in students in classes such as mine is one of my greatest challenges
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?
PAUL: I have been a union member since I first began teaching. I have completed the PFT Teacher Leader program, and have taken ER&D classes as well, and am a PFT PAC Contributor.
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?
PAUL: I believe that it is necessary to have a second line of defense to advocate for what is right. Certainly we all stand up for ourselves first–but it’s good to know we have union strength behind us if we ever need it. I think the best thing about being in a union is the sense of unity you have with your brothers and sisters.
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.
PAUL: I’ve been union wherever I’ve worked that gave me the opportunity to be in one. Both of my grandfathers were union–a machinist and a steelworker–so a lot of my mentorship happened at the dinner table. Simply working with them, and seeing how they worked, instilled in me that work ethic I talked about.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round: People are surprised to learn... that I absolutely love to cook and bake.
PAUL’s FAVORITE… Movie: Godfather 1 & 2 Book: The Bible Author: See Above Singer: I have a very eclectic taste in music, it’s impossible to pick one Song: See Above Color: Black Food: Italian Time of year: Fall
FAVORITE “SHARE-ABLE” QUOTE: “There is no substitute for hard work.”
Do you like a reading a good book and discussing it with family, friends & colleagues? Do you have a phone? If you answered yes to all of the above, you are uniquely qualified to take advantage of another awesome literary opportunity currently on offer in PPS!
PFT MEMBERS are welcome to join us in reading & discussing (in person or on the phone) the book…
“Culturally and Linguistically Responsive Teaching and Learning, Classroom Practices for Student Success” — Second Edition by Sharroky Hollie
Want to check your PA voter registration status or register to vote for the first time? Want to know what’s involved with the new mail-in ballot option? Do you know that “straight ticket” voting will no longer be an option at the ballot box?
Here are the links you need to stay informed and take action.
Mail In And Absentee Balloting In PA.
Now you can sign up for a new mail-in balloting option, or vote “absentee” without many of the restrictions required before to do so – and if you like, you can exclusively become a mail-in voter.
But there are certain steps you need to take. The link above is where to start—and remember if you choose mail-in balloting for the primary, you’ll have to repeat the process for the general election in November.
Check Your Registration Status & Register To Vote In PA.
Checking your registration status is simply good housekeeping to see that you remain active in the record system, and stay apprised of any district or polling place changes.
The link below takes you to an interface that allows you
to search by name, or by PA driver’s license number.
If you’re registering to vote for the first time, congratulations! The next most important thing to know is that your registration is not complete until processed and accepted by your county voter registration office.
To vote in the next election (starting with the primary on April 28), you must complete your application by 04/13/2020.
We’ll update this article throughout the 2020 election
season and keep it active on the homepage—if you have any suggestions or questions—simply reach out to the PFT!
Name: Clemustine Sinack Occupation: 7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher at South Hills Middle School Years In Education: 23 years Years At Current Position/School: 3 years Previously, I … taught in North Carolina and I’ve taught elementary and secondary science. I taught in NC from 1997 until 2016. Moved to Pittsburgh in 2016 and started teaching in February of 2016 .
Pittsburgh South Hills 6-8 is a state finalist in the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow innovation competition! View PPS News Release here.
PFT: What is the idea for the project? Is there an application you submitted with answers that you could share with us?
CLEM: The idea for the project is to create an Automated Hydroponic Greenhouse that can be used in teaching not only the students, but also serve as a way to involve the community by exposing the parents to STEM in a meaningful way. The hope is to create a school farmers market that would happen yearly. Information on the project, including specific images, is an embargo on images until finalists have been announced.
One of the requirements of the application was to propose a sustainable, meaningful project that would benefit the students and the community. We believe we can be a shining example for other schools across the country, and hope for local investment to sustain the project as well
Concept Example
PFT:How did you, your school, and your students choose this as the project to enter into the contest?
CLEM: The thought process was to have something that would benefit and be something of value, to all the students. Food is a universal connector; it brings families together, brings happiness, and it’s something that could be relatable to everyone.
PFT: What will be the result of the project if you win the contest? Is your school considering funding or supporting the hydroponic greenhouse project no matter what happens with the contest?
South Hills Middle School
CLEM: If we were to win the entire contest it would mean $100,000 dollars in school technology and classroom resources! Each win still gives us technology and recourses after the state level, however.
Currently there is no plan for funding the greenhouse no matter what, due to funds. While this is a wonderful endeavor, we have more pressing matters that would take precedent in our building.
If we don’t win, we hope to get business sponsors to help the startup of the project anyway while making and keeping connections so that we may enter the contest again with other ideas.
PFT: Why is this idea important—to the students, the school and the community?
CLEM: Simply put, it’s important because anything that can connect, help and build a sense of community is always important.
PFT: How proud are you of your students? Your school? Elaborate—please tell us why?
CLEM: I’m proud of our students because they have a lot to offer. We are a school of students who have talent and gifts. This is a good way to show them. South Hills is a great place to work.
The teachers, the staff, the administration all have a vested interest in our students, and I hope to let everyone in on our little family here at South Hills.
