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.”
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.
General Membership Meeting Saturday, February 22, 2020 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM! Breakfast served. Childcare available. At the PFT! 10 South 19 Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203 BE HERE to get INSIDE SCOOP you won’t get ANYWHERE else! (Not in the Notes or PFT News)
PFT Contract Negotiations Update
Grievance Proceedings Update
Member Pledge to Vote & Mobilize
2020 Primary Election Survey
PFT ELECTION YEAR! NATIONAL ELECTION YEAR! CENSUS YEAR!
FEATURING: PFT Attorney Noah Jordan “Weingarten Rights: What you REALLY need to know!”
ALL THIS includes a tasty catered breakfast! 50/50 Raffle! RSVP Raffle! Childcare available! Plus an optional “Painting with a Twist” member social event nearby shortly after our meeting adjourns!
You can always count on PFT
members to be generous and to reach out to others who need help!
As
another successful PFT/ACLC Stuff the Bus comes to an end—just look how great
the PFT lobby looks before PFT staff loads up to take all of these beautiful
toys over to the Allegheny County Labor Council meeting tonight to STUFF THAT BUS and help
the families of union members in need!
On behalf of Darrin Kelly, the
Executive Board of the ACLC and all our union brothers and sisters—thank you
for your generosity, kindness and endless giving PFT spirit. I always expect
nothing less!
