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
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!”
Name: Carlton Heywood Occupation & School: School Librarian, Brashear Years In Education: 30.5 years Years At Current Position/School: 10th year Previously, I … worked for Westinghouse HS, Peabody HS, Lemington Elementary, and Connelly Skill Learning Center
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Carlton:During the early 90’s there was a nationwide problem of a significant and growing achievement gap among African American Students. I had just come out of the Army and I wanted to do something about the situation. I was a librarian at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh when I received a telephone call requesting that I attend an interview.
I attended the interview and did not get the job as an elementary school librarian, however I was offered a part-time position as the Librarian at Connelly. A few years later, I became the librarian and language arts teacher at Lemington Elementary School. Growing up I had several great teachers who believed in me and I hope that the work that I do carries a torch in their honor.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Carlton:I love working with students more than anything else. I have always been able to build a positive relationship with them and I conscientiously think about how to bring my best self every day.
It’s not as much as a job as it is a section of my lifestyle dedicated to serving others. In this case–serving youth.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Carlton: Here’s the history: — Clarion State College of Pennsylvania 1979-1983 BS-Communications — U.S. Army 1983-1987 Most of my military career was in Germany — Clarion University- 1988-1989- MLS
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Carlton:The greatest challenge in my opinion is closing the equity gap and keeping students engaged and motivated after 3rd grade. If we are serious about closing the equity gap then we will surely build bridges towards erasing the achievement gap. Closing the equity gap means that we are making sure that the entire district employs and maintains the best teachers, resources and administration.
Building better alliances with families and holding each party accountable will eradicate our collective deficiencies in time. There should be no disparities between the resources of one school and another in our district when both schools are only minutes away from each other and the tax base is the same.
This speaks towards the access to the related arts, (music, arts) programs as well. As a Librarian, I believe that each school from K-12 should have a full- time librarian and fully resourced library. Studies and statistics demonstrate that students exposed to a full-time librarian and library score better on standardized tests and receive a well-balanced education.
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?
Carlton:I joined the union in 1992. I have participated in a few Union sponsored activities.
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?
Carlton: The best part of being in the union is the solidarity. Knowing that there is a collective force of people dedicated that all workers are treated fairly in accordance to what was agreed upon and willing to stand up when things are unfair. U.S. history has changed for the betterment of the worker because of strong union representation.
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.
Carlton: I would consider Mr. Harold Grant Jr. as my union champion. Along with the current president, Nina EV. They both are overworked and not appreciated for the commitment towards maintaining the betterment of our profession. I believe that they think that if they take care of the workers in their charge, that we will bring the best to our children.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round: People are surprised to learn... I play harmonica! I was also a Communications Platoon Leader and parachutist for a field artillery unit in the army.
Carlton’s FAVORITE… Movie: A Soldier’s Story Book: Too many to name! Author: Walter Mosely Singer: James Brown Song: Beautiful Life Color: Purple Food: Red beans and rice Time of year: Fall
UPDATE: THIS MEETING HAS TRANSPIRED: LOOK for information regarding the full release of subcommittee recommendations soon!
The All In to Reopen Our Schools plan has been developed by 14 subcommittees composed of a cross-section of over 300 education stakeholders within five categories:
Academic Programming and Instructional Support
Academic Personnel and Developing Capacity
Family Support & Wellbeing
School Operations for a Safe and Healthy Environment
Communications, Outreach and Community Coordination
These subcommittees have shared their recommendations for the best course of action to keep PPS students and staff safe during the reopening process with the Superintendent and Executive Cabinet.
On Tuesday, July 14, the Executive Cabinet will report to the full All In to Reopen Our Schools Committee on those recommendations that will move forward for 2020-2021.
Click here to learn more about the All In To Reopen Schools Plan – and view district video updates on progress to date. https://www.pghschools.org/Page/5469
Name: Michelle Vislay Occupation & School: PreK and Kindergarten, Montessori Years In Education: 15 years Years At Current Position/School: 6th year Previously, I … started my career in teaching at Carnegie Mellon University’s Cyert Center for Early Education– a PreK teacher for 4 years. I then became a certified Montessori teacher and taught mixed age, PreK and Kindergarten at various private Montessori schools before teaching at Pittsburgh Public Montessori.
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Michelle:I originally went to school for theater and dance in performing arts. During my freshman year in college, I realized I wanted to become a teacher. The love and desire that I had to be around, and teach, children … became my motivation towards fulfilling a career in Early Childhood Education.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Michelle:There are several things I love about my job, but the best part of working with young children is knowing that every day I will smile, laugh and make someone feel better.
I also love teaching the children life lessons. It always amazes me how much they desire to learn.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Michelle: I graduated from Clarion University with a bachelors in Early Childhood Education. I hold a Montessori Early Childhood teaching certificate. I also have my Masters in Education with a focus in Montessori from William Howard Taft University.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Michelle:I feel the greatest challenges educators face is not being heard and voicing what is needed most for the students.
Teachers know their students the best. In order to provide them what they need to succeed, educators should have more say in the structure of the student’s day that is developmentally appropriate for the child and their learning environment.
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?
Michelle:I became a member of the PFT when I first started at PPS in 2014. Since then, I have participated in ER&D classes, Teacher Leader Program, and Labor Day Parade–in addition to being a Union Representative at my school.
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?
Michelle: It’s important to have union representation because it affords you a real chance to be heard. I appreciate the support we provide to each other and how we are all fighting for fairness and equality.
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.
Michelle: A former colleague at Montessori, Karen Gelston, who has since retired, encouraged me to get involved with and be an active member with the union. I am thankful for her advice with several aspects of teaching!
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round: People are surprised to learn... I have been teaching Zumba at Carnegie Mellon University since 2008!
Michelle’s FAVORITE… Movie: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Book: The Compassionate Classroom Author: Max Lucado Singer: Andrea Bocelli Song: Several….I love music and I love to dance Color: Pastel Pink Food: Chocolate/Any Sweets Time of year: Spring
FAVORITE “SHARE-ABLE” QUOTES:
Personal catchphrase: “Stay strong and don’t give up!”
“To the world you may be one person; but to one person you may be the world.” -Dr. Seuss
“Now, what really makes a teacher is love for the human child; for it is love that transforms the social duty of the educator into the higher consciousness of a mission.” -Marie Montessori
Sarah Ford with mentee Kaniah Little, a Senior at Brashear.
Name: Sarah Ford Occupation & School: Career Counselor for CTE Program Students, Pittsburgh Career and Tech Ed Years In Education: 16.5 years Years At Current Position/School: 6th Previously, I … taught at … Reizenstein Middle School: 1.5 Years Perry High School: 8 Years Manchester K-8: 1 year
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
SARAH:As long as I can remember, I wanted to be a teacher. School was my favorite place. I loved to learn, play, and try new things. Not only did I love school, but I was fortunate to have many amazing teachers, professors, and coaches that made me want to work in education.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
SARAH:I have been fortunate to work with thousands of students over the years and the favorite part of my job is when students “get it.” Whether it’s getting a concept or figuring out what they want to do after high school or when I run in to them at Target and they have a family, career, and become wonderful citizens.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
SARAH: The higher ed institutions that I attended are Robert Morris College and California University of PA for undergrad, Capella University for my Masters, and currently attending Geneva’s Center for Urban Biblical Ministry.
My undergrad work was in Secondary Communications Education, Masters in School Counseling pre-k to 12th grade, and a certification in Urban Ministry.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
SARAH:The biggest challenge of teachers today is the competition for attention. Students are pulled in so many different ways, sports, social, and peers; those things often supersede the need for time spent studying and becoming an excellent student of life.
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?
SARAH: I have been a union member since I started in the district. I have participated in ER&D classes; both taking and teaching. This year, I am a part of the Teacher Leadership Program.
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?
SARAH: The best thing about being a union member is knowing that you have advocates fighting for you.
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.
SARAH: I do not have an official mentor, but Kellie Skweres and Julie Stewart were teachers in one of my first ER&D classes. They made me want to continue taking classes and staying active, even if passively, in the union.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round: People are surprised to learn... that my dream job was to be an anchor on ESPN.
SARAH’s FAVORITE… Movie: Hackers Book: This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti Author: Jessica Fletcher Singer: Too many to choose just one Song: Maverick City “A Man of Your Word” Color: Black Food: Meat (ask anyone who knows me, I love all the meats … except seafood.) Time of year: Spring
FAVORITE “SHARE-ABLE” QUOTE: “You are the villain in someone’s story.”
Sarah Ford with mentee Kaniah Little, a Senior at Brashear.
