Name: CORINA BONSALL Where You Teach/Work/Educate: Perry Traditional Academy Subject(s) / Grade You Teach or Once Taught: Grades 9-12 # of Years In Education: 10 Years At Current Position/School: 1.5 years Have You Taught Previously Elsewhere? (y/n): Yes If so….where, what did you teach/do…and for how long?: I previously taught Cosmetology at Steel Center for 7 years, and prior to that I worked as an instructional aide at Forbes Road CTC.
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Corina: My high school cosmetology teachers from Forbes Road CTC inspired me to become a teacher. My family tried to talk me out of becoming a teacher, because they thought it would be too hard to find a career in the area.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Corina: I love teaching and I love doing hair, nails, and makeup! As a cosmetology teacher, I get to do both! On top of that, I enjoy helping students to grow their passion and skills as they work towards their career goals. I stay connected with former students by visiting them at their salons to get my hair and nails done. I recently visited former students at Be Well Salon and Spa, La La’s Salon and Spa, and Elysian Salon.
The vibes are so great when I visit … that even my five-year-old daughter did not want to leave Elysian Salon after an almost five-hour visit!
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Corina: I earned a Cosmetologist and Cosmetology Teacher license from Forbes Road CTC. Then, I completed a collaborative teaching program through CCAC and IUP to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education.
I am certified in Elementary Education and English 7-12. I earned my Vocational II certification from IUP, too. During my teaching career, I earned the 2018 Champions of Learning award in the teaching category.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Corina: This is my eighth year of teaching, and I feel that the greatest challenge was learning to teach virtually. I started teaching at PPS after the 20-21 school year had already started. I was new to Microsoft Teams and thankful for my school team, CTE team, and students helping me along the way.
I think that teaching and learning virtually is a challenge for all. Trying to teach or learn at home when other members of the family are also working and learning is hard. Schedule flexibility is a must.
Also, teaching a technical skill virtually was uncharted territory, but the State Board of Cosmetology has allowed a Pilot Program so students can complete the 1250-hour curriculum using a combination of distance education, in-person learning, and job shadow or internship experiences.
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?
Corina: I first joined the union during the 2013-14 school year while working at Steel Center. A couple years later, I served as vice-president of our union until I started working at PPS.
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?
Corina: The best thing about being in a union is the support and strength in numbers to advocate for better schools and school environments.
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.
Corina: Former teachers and colleagues I worked with introduced me to the union along with Walt Michalski. I would consider each of them mentors, and they taught me all that I know about the union.
PFT: Why is Career and Technical Education (CTE) so vital and essential to PPS students in particular? To the District? To the job/work force in general?
Corina: Career and Technical Education is so vital and essential, because it gives students the opportunity to pursue skills in trades that lead to high paying careers. They can earn numerous certifications during high school and either begin working in the industry before or upon graduation or continue their education with post-secondary schools of their choice.
This helps to fill the skills gap in the workforce while helping students to get a head start on their career
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?
Corina: Again, there is strength in numbers and the PFT’s support is important.
The partnerships and grants have had a positive impact on CTE. At Perry Traditional Academy, we just had the grand opening of the new Salon Perry. The students deserve the best, and the new salon came to fruition through the hard work of our CTE director, Ms. Angela Mike, working with a team of people including PPS board members and the support of our union.
This is just one example of an opportunity that has been made available to the students through the school, students, their families, and the community working together.
PFT: What’s your favorite thing about teaching CTE in general, and your own subject matter in particular?
Corina: I love seeing the students’ creativity and passion! Each student has a niche whether that is braiding, nails, hair color, makeup, or one of the many other cosmetology skills. The students light up and enjoy helping others learn their skill.
Cosmetology has a lot of math and science incorporated into the curriculum. My favorite thing about teaching cosmetology is that the students enjoy learning practical skills without realizing the difficulty and rigor of the material. While they are having fun practicing the skills, they don’t realize that they are learning geometry while haircutting, chemistry while haircoloring, or anatomy when performing a facial.
PFT: Please take a moment to share specifics about your program and school—this is your chance to tell a unique and program-specific story (or advertisement) for what you and your students have “going on.” What would you like members to know?
Corina: Perry Traditional Academy has a lot of exciting things happening! Perry has three school in one including:
1. Liberal Arts – Steam Magnet 2. Career and Technical Education – Health Assistants and Cosmetology 3. Service and Military Science (JROTC)
Also, the teachers at Perry care so much for the students and are working with alumni, community members, partners, Promise Coaches, and non-profit organizations to support the students on their path to success.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round: Please finish the following sentence:When it comes to me personally, people are surprised to learn that ….
Corina: …before having my daughters, I used to whitewater kayak. Now, I am taking things a little slower, and I enjoy stand-up paddle-boarding.
PFT: Do you have a favorite quote, saying or personal “catchphrase” you often share that sums up your philosophy? (ex: ““Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde)
Corina: I think mindset is so important, and I like Henry Ford’s quote, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t … you’re right.”
Corina’s Favorite….
Movie: With young daughters, all I can think of are Disney movies and Encanto is the family favorite. Book: “The Universe Has Your Back-Transform Fear to Faith” — Gabrielle Bersteins Author: Gabrielle Bernstein Singer: She is not a singer but a dancing violinist. I choose Lindsey Stirling. Song: Too many favorites to pick just one. Color: Purple Food: Nachos Time of year: All seasons! I love that our seasons change in Pittsburgh, and I get excited for each season.
The PFT’s own “dynamic duo” make a memorable team across several PFT initiatives!
Name: BRITTANY SHOUP (left smiling face!)
Where You Teach/Work/Educate: Pittsburgh Colfax K-8 Subject(s) / Grade You Teach or Once Taught: Learning Support K-3
# of Years In Education: 14 Years At Current Position/School: 7 Have You Taught Previously Elsewhere? (y/n): Early Intervention If so….where, what did you teach/do…and for how long?: 7 years
Name: SARAH MUELLER (right smiling face!)
Where You Teach/Work/Educate: Allderdice Subject(s) / Grade You Teach or Once Taught: Chemistry now, but taught Physics my first year.
# of Years In Education: 10 in PPS, about 7 before that in graduate school and as a long term sub in private schools. Years At Current Position/School: 10 Have You Taught Previously Elsewhere? (y/n): at Ellis & Oakland Catholic …and for how long?: At Ellis, I was a long term sub for calculus and algebra. At Oakland Catholic, I taught chemistry.
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Brittany: I was a student in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. When I was at Pittsburgh Mifflin I had Mrs. Kelly in third grade and ever since then I wanted to be a teacher just like her.
Sarah: I realized that I really liked helping people understand chemistry- Initially, I was going to be a chemical engineer, but I liked chemistry better. Then, I figured out I wanted to teach. My mom is also a teacher.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Brittany: I love watching those “lightbulb” moments where I see my kids learning. I’m their biggest cheerleader and its so great to watch them gain confidence in themselves. Quite often I tell my students, “I’m at work right now – do you have any idea how cool it is to work with you every day?”
Sarah: I love that every day is different, and I love watching students figure out that they can do hard things and learn new things.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Brittany: I have my Bachelors in Elementary and Special Education (2008) and my Masters in Early Childhood Education (2012) from California University ofPennsylvania. In 2013 I became a National Board Certified Teacher as an Exceptional Needs Specialist.
Sarah: I went to Georgia Tech for my undergraduate degree, then earned a Master’s Degree in Chemistry at Duquesne. Finally, I earned my teaching certification at Pitt.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Brittany: The flexibility everyone has demonstrated has just been incredible – both educators and students alike. I think the biggest challenge is figuring out a good home/work balance and trying to handle all the new challenges being placed upon educators.
Sarah: There just isn’t enough time for us to do all of the things we are supposed to do each day. It’s really hard for me to leave work at work when there is so much to do all the time.
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?
Brittany: I joined the union when I was hired in 2008, but I was not involved actively until a few years later. I became a Building Rep for Early Intervention and I was a participant in the first cohort of the Teacher Leader Program. I believe I was the first person elected to the Executive Board from the Early Intervention Program.
A few years later, I became one of the Elementary Group Reps on the Executive Board and the Building Rep for Colfax. This is my third year as a chair for the Special Education Grassroots Committee and fifth year as co-facilitator for the Teacher Leader Program. This year, I have taken on the role as Director of ER&D Professional Learning for Educators.
Sarah: I joined the union as soon as I realized I could. In the next couple of years, I participated in the Teacher Leader Program. After participating, I began co- facilitating that program. I have been co-facilitating since then! I am also on Executive Board as a High School Rep, and I 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?
Brittany: It is so important to know the contract and all of the updates going on at the PFT. I only read the contract cover to cover a few years ago and I started sharing sections with my staff so they would also know what the contract covers. Reading Nina’s Notes each week are so important to be kept up to date with everything going on in the Union.
One of my personal pet peeves are people who think “The Union” is just Nina, Billy, and Harold. It is my mission to help people understand their role in the union – and a huge part of that is being informed.
Sarah: My mom teaches in a right to work for less state. I have seen first-hand what happens to teachers when they don’t have a strong union. I value the security that our CBA gives us, and that our compensation is well above what we would be paid without a union.
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.
Brittany: Regina Frey (Retired SLP – Early Intervention) and Emily Lovelady (Greenfield) really took me under their wing and taught me how to be a Building Rep when we were all in Early Intervention together.
Sarah: I can’t remember how I ended up getting involved, but I do remember that Tony and Kip were instrumental in helping me see how the union was critical to doing our best work for our students.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn...
Brittany: … that I wear a wig! I have very thin hair and some wonderful people have been put in my life to help me look the way I do. I have three to choose from – haha I finally donated the one with bangs, not exactly sure what I was thinking with that one!
People are surprised to learn... Sarah: … that I have run 10 marathons and have been to Brazil!
Brittany’s favorite… Movie: The Breakfast Club Book: Dreamseller by Brandon Novak Author: Dr. Rich Milner Singer: Reign of Z (my husband is the guitarist) Song: “Don’t You Forget About Me” – The Simple Minds Color: blood red Food: mom’s lasagna Time of year: spring
MANTRA: My personal mantra this year has been “I’m doing my best. My best is enough.”
Sarah’s Favorite … Movie: Book: Permission to Feel Author: Singer: Butch Walker Song: Synthesizers Color: Leopard Print (I don’t care that it’s “not actually a color”) Food: ALL THE FOODS Time of year: Fall
Name: Linda Voytko Occupation & School: Social Worker, Sunnyside Elementary Years In Education: 25 years Years At Current Position/School: 11 years Previously, I … worked at McNaugher, Milliones, Faison Intermediate
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
LINDA: I never really had an interest in kids or education. I was/am a clinical social worker and was working at Glade Run Lutheran Services as the Director of outpatient services on the north side in the early 90’s.
I took a part time job as an independent contractor with PPS at McNaugher running small groups, doing individual therapy, and assisting with the evaluations for approved private school placement of students. That lead to meeting Joe Altman and we began talking about replicating the McNaugher model within the general PPS buildings with the idea of preventing kids from going to McNaugher or APS schools, thus saving money for the district … and the therapeutic classroom model was born.
(I supervised all the middle school classrooms for the district under Glade Run.) I also was the program director of the Alternative Program at Milliones until Milliones closed.Once I became involved in a school (Milliones) on a daily basis, I was hooked in an environment I never thought I would be interested in and my vocation changed.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
LINDA: I really love knowing that I can motivate and inspire and plant and cultivate seeds and shape young minds every single day. Every school day is a new opportunity for me to speak to and show kids the vast possibilities in/of life and their futures.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education? What degrees and certifications do you hold? Do you have any professional awards or recognition you’d like to share?
LINDA: I have a BA in psychology from Cleveland State University(CSU) and an MSW and HSV from Pitt.
I am certified in Gerontology (CSU) and Addictions (Penn State). I also am a clinical social worker (LCSW) and hold a diplomat status in clinical social work.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
LINDA: I think the profession has lost the respect of the public.
I’m not sure how or when one of the most respected careers became so contested. It was a nice byproduct that when Covid forced us to go remote that the community and families were forced to realize and appreciate what we do on a daily basis but with 20-45 kids all day not just a parent’s experience of 1-5 kids at home who needed sustained educational attention for 7+ hours/day.
Unfortunately, it was short lived and soon became contentious again for various reasons (my kid needs to be in front of a teacher to learn, I need to get back to work, Covid isn’t real, educators are lazy and don’t want to work, parents need a break from their kids, etc) We will never get the resources needed to teach or the financial compensation we deserve without feeling guilty, nor will we secure true respect as a profession unless or until the community finds true value in the services we render to young people and their minds.
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?
LINDA: I joined the union on my first day of signing my PPS contract. At the time I didn’t know what that really meant but Mary Van Horn surely sold the idea to me. It sounded like a lot of fighting for basic rights and protections in the workplace and for things students need. That was all I needed to hear!
Well, over the years and after immersion in the union it has become so much more. I have proudly and honorably served as a building rep, served and chaired many committees, marched and picketed many events, served as a strike captain, spoke out at many public hearings, and currently sit on the Executive Board of the PFTv representing support services, as I have for several terms.
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?
LINDA:This is my third career, my first being in the military where you just took what they dished out without question or consideration.
My second career was in the private sector, where you were able to or had to negotiate terms for yourself.
So it’s a total relief that in my final formal career I have a union (union officers specifically) to do the contract negotiation for me, sto peak on my/our behalf, to provide support and comfort during challenging times with our school administration, and to provide opportunities for us to collectively fight for things important to not only us as educators but for our students and families.
All this and it’s a place for all of us to support to brother/sister unions who need our strength and numbers in their struggles.
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.
LINDA: Not really, but Mary Van Horne was always a unique voice for me to draw upon.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn…. I donated a kidney to a little 10-year-old girl, who is the daughter of a fellow educator, 11 years ago. We were a perfect match and share the same birthday.
I volunteered for the Red Cross Disaster Action Team as a disaster team leader and mental health support for almost 20 years and was the mental health support person at the 9/11 site in Shanksville in 2001.
And that I like Christian rock music.
Linda’s Favorite … Movies: Any Columbo movie … reminds me of my mom Books:Handyman magazine, various food/wine magazines Author: I read more newspaper articles than books these days Singer: Sarah McLachlan Song: Cheers(drink to that) by Rihanna … These got me through my cancer surgeries. Color: Anything but orange and yellow. Food: Snything weird to most people… chicken feet soup, cow tongue, fried gizzards, frog legs, gator on a stick, caviar, etc Time of Year: Fall because I love wearing sweaters and preparing for indoor cozy fires and spring because it symbolizes new growth and I soon get to start my vegetable gardens
FAVORITE QUOTE: “You don’t have to know everything. You just need to know where you can find the information. L. Voytko
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
