Name: Robert Mitchell Where You Teach/Work/Educate: Westinghouse Academy 6- 12 Subject(s) / Grade You Teach or Once Taught: Spanish — Currently teach 9th, previously grades 6-8 # of Years In Education: 28 Years At Current Position/School: First year at Westinghouse Have You Taught Previously Elsewhere? (y/n): YES If so….where, what did you teach/do…and for how long?: 21 years at PCA (2001-2022), 6 years at West Liberty Classical Academy (1995-2001)
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Robert: I actually have two answers to this question–the first answer happened in young adulthood, and the second happened when I was an impressionable teen.
When I was a kid, I never thought I would be a teacher and now I can hardly imagine doing anything else. I wanted to be a successful businessman, and for a while after college I was unhappily working for a bank. Back then, one of my best friends, Tammy, had begun working in education. We were writing letters to stay in touch and she knew I was unhappy at work. She kept telling me she thought I should try teaching and I hadn’t really considered it until she made me think about it. I got more serious about it when I started thinking how I might make a difference.
Because growing up, I had a really rough 8th grade year; I just stopped trying, started getting into trouble and did the bare minimum to get by. I realized then how much power I had over my life: I knew I could decide to work really hard in school or let go and just continue to flounder like I did most of that year. It was my choice..
When I got to high school, I decided to do my best. Since then, my education has opened so many doors and afforded me so many opportunities…In the end, my decision to change careers was clearly the right choice for me: I want to give to my students some measure of what my education has given to me.
I especially hope that when I come across a kid who is on the fence like I once was, I’ll have the words to help him or her make the right choice like I know I did. Like my friend Tammy helped me see.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Robert: One of the things I love best about my job is witnessing the “aha” moment when the lightbulb comes on!
I can’t get enough of that smile that washes over a kid’s face when they learn something. I also love how much I learn from my students. Whether we’re sharing common perspectives or learning to appreciate our differences there’s never a dull moment as we develop relationships, learn and grow together.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Robert: I graduated from Swarthmore College with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a Master of Arts in Teaching Foreign Language as an African-American fellow.
I am a former Fulbright teacher in Peru (2005-2006) and I currently the leader of the PPS Equity Leadership Institute team, a group working to recruit and retain teachers of color in Pittsburgh Public Schools.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Robert: I’ve got to start with the COVID-19 pandemic–because it laid bare the many hurdles faced by educators today.
Whatever the challenges were before … from trauma to poverty to learning gaps to race …. COVID has magnified and exacerbated them. With so much being thrown at us as educators, we have to work hard to keep moving forward, and to keep leveraging limited resources for maximum gains.
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?
Robert: I joined the union when I started with the district in 1995 and became the building rep for my school right from the start. I worked on the Middle School Grassroots Committee, Labor Day Committee, Burdensome Paperwork Committee, PEP, …
Currently I am co-chair of the African-American Teacher Mentorship Program and a member of the PFT Political Action Committee. I was elected to the PFT Executive Board as a member at large in 2005. While on the executive board, I have been a member at large, middle schools representative, trustee, and this past year I was elected Vice President of Middle Schools.
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?
Robert: The best thing about being in a union is all the things we can accomplish together.
We have a strong contract so we have a voice. We have the right to bargain collectively, to fight for what’s right for our students, a living wage, better working conditions, healthcare and pension benefits, and for protection against unfair labor practices,.
We have so many ways to get involved from political action committees, to grassroots committees, ER & D , Teacher Leaders, social events like Final Friday, movies, outings, …I’ve said so much and I’m only scratching the surface. There’s a place for everyone in the union, and a committee, program or activity for every member to be an actively engaged participant.
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.
Robert: The late Sherm Shrager and Pat Colangelo were most instrumental in laying the groundwork for changing my union focus from duty to service.
Because of them, I started moving beyond just being a building rep who focused only on my school … to becoming a true unionist, joining committees and focusing on work that supported all our members. I worked with Sherm on the Middle School Grassroots Committee.
Then, Mary Van Horn helped me get involved with the Burdensome Paperwork Committee and my involvement grew from there. Harold, Nina, and Billy have always been there for me to answer my questions, provide support, and open doors of opportunity–some of which I never dreamed I’d walk through. I’m so grateful to all of them and all the staff members that make our union home one of the best anywhere.
We are all so lucky to have them.
PFT:We’ve seen you on TV interviewed as a door knocker, watched you give testimony to Harrisburg and in Public Hearings, you helm the AATMP (and book club!), you’re an E-board member, PAC member, phone banker, a TEACH and Convention participant, you’ve been a speaker at Jill Biden’s visit.
What is it about taking leadership initiative that means so much to you? What advice do you have for others who are considering becoming more active PFT members?
Robert: As James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, would say, “Get on up, get into it, get involved!”
As JFK might have said, “Ask not what your union can do for you, ask what you can do for your union!”
While I feel honored and humbled any time I have the opportunity to represent my union brothers and sisters–my union family; my colleagues and friends, I think of it more as participation than leadership.
I see first hand all the hard work that staff members and volunteers do everyday in the office, in the schools, in the Pittsburgh community and beyond. It makes me very proud to be a member of the PFT and happy to do my part. My advice to anybody considering getting more involved is to come on down and join in. What you have to offer individually? Nop one else can! When you join hands with your union brothers and sisters, together, we can do great things.
There is a place just for you and you’re always welcome in your union home.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn...
… …that I love to cook and travel. I like to access new places through local food traditions and my favorite celebrity chef is Jacques Pepin whom I once met at an event downtown.
Robert’s favorite … Movie: Knives Out (this year) Book: The Autobiography of Malcolm X Author: Zora Neale Hurston Singer: Aretha Franklin Song: Rock Steady -( for one) Color: Navy blue Food: Munchupa/Cachupa (Cape Verdean stew) Time of year: Summer/Autumn (tie)
Quote to live by: I have a lot of these, but one that’s been on my mind lately is from Maya Angelou:
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —- Maya Angelou
Name: Ronniece L Sirmons Where You Teach/Work/Educate: Pgh Carmalt Pre-K to 8 Subject(s) / Grade You Teach or Once Taught: 7th Grade Math (4thj, 6th, and 8th as well) # of Years In Education: 25 Years At Current Position/School: 4 Have You Taught Previously Elsewhere? (y/n): YES If so….where, what did you teach/do…and for how long?: Allegheny Middle School – 1997-1999- Columbus Middle School 1999-2006, and Manchester Pre-K to8 – 2006-2019
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Ronniece: I always wanted to be a teacher when I was younger. I can remember playing school and getting mad if I wasn’t the teacher. I also have an aunt that is an educator as well.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Ronniece: I love to build relationships with people. I enjoy seeing the” light bulb “explode when students grasp a concept or skill we have been working on.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Ronniece: Duquesne University – BS Elementary Education and Middle Level Math Certified.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Ronniece: The greatest challenge I have as a middle school math teacher is to capture their (my students’) desire to learn and stay on task. I have noticed this to be a challenge after coming back from COVID-19. Students want to be more social instead of focusing on their assignments.
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?
Ronniece: I want to say I joined the union when I started being a substitute for PPS in 1996. I am on the Executive Board of the PFT, I am in the Teacher Leadership Program (currently), qne I took ER&D classes when Mary Van Horn was the lead.
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?
Ronniece: My parents were blue collar workers and they were in a union and told me how important it is to be involved. I remember marching in the Labor Day Parade with my dad years ago.
We must have an advocate for teachers because we endure so much and it is great that we have a safe place to go to vent, for support, for guidance, and for help when needed.
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.
Ronniece: I know that when I first started my Aunt LaFay Pinchback and a close friend of my family that I consider an aunt Wanda McDavis were very informative with giving me information about the union and how important it is to join. The ITL’s I had also were wonderful: Mrs. Barbara James and Ms. Barbara Greer!
PFT:Please share your thoughts on balancing being a private “no-nonsense person … with also stepping to the plate to represent when asked. You introduced then-candidate Joe Biden at his first Pittsburgh rally, have assumed multiple union leadership roles and most recently was named a Pittsburgh Courier woman of Excellence. How do you do it?
Ronniece: Contrary to what most people may think, I am shy by nature, so it does take a lot for me to stand in the limelight or often say things that no one else will say.
I know that I have been called to do this work and I am doing my best to accept the call and do the work.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn...
… …that I am an ordained Pastor at my church Living Way Christian Fellowship-(I am an Associate Pastor)
Ronneice’s favorite… Movie: Love & Basketball; Purple Rain; All Rocky Movies Book: The Good Book Author: 🙂 Singer: CeCe Winans – many other Gospel Artists Song: Too many to name! Color: Red & Purple Food: Tacos Time of year: Fall
Quote to live by: You are the best or worse thing that can happen to you be the best!!! Life and Death is in the power of your tongue!! — Bible
Where You Teach/Work/Educate: Pittsburgh Colfax K-8 Subject(s) / Grade You Teach or Once Taught: Library Class
# of Years In Education: 15 Years At Current Position/School: 4 Have You Taught Previously Elsewhere? (y/n): YES Early Intervention If so….where, what did you teach/do…and for how long?: 7 years
English Department at Carnegie Mellon University (2 years), English Department at the University of Pittsburgh (10 years), English Department at Duquesne University (6 years), English Department at CCAC (1 year), ELA at PPS Carrick (1 year)
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Josh: When I was growing up, my Mom had her own business — a daycare and pre-school — so even at a young age I was teaching kids, mostly helping with crafts, outside play, and lunch.
When I got older, during college and before graduate school, I ran the pre-school for a few years. In a way, I was kind of raised into the profession. I also feel like kids always gravitated towards me. I’ve always been able to connect with kids.
I remember kids coming up to me at the grocery store like I was some kind of colorful sugary box of cereal — like, I don’t know, maybe somehow I’ve always had a trusting, playful kind of energy that kids felt comfortable around. Teaching found me, I would say.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Josh: I like that I’m teaching for a public school with a diverse population of kids. I like exploring and choosing books to read where the characters represent this diverse population of kids.
I think too many times in the history of this country (and it’s still being done today), kids don’t see themselves represented in the stories (the curriculum) that is being taught to them — and this has been a great injustice.
So, being culturally responsive in the classroom is important and a social justice issue, I think. Kids for example often know who Amelia Earhart is — and there is nothing wrong with learning about her — but what about Betsy Coleman, Hazel Ying Lee, and other groundbreaking pilots of that era?
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Josh: West Chester University – Degrees in Finance and English Literature University of Pittsburgh – Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing/Poetry University of Pittsburgh – 7-12 ELA Teaching Certification Developing Leader’s Academy for Library Science partnered with Univ. of Pittsburgh
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Josh:
Some challenges:
1) Teacher autonomy over their classroom environments.
2) Way too much emphasis on Data and Testing (especially PSSAs and Keystones)
3) Always a systematic move by corporations toward cutting labor costs, so moves toward itinerant work (short-term contracts or hourly work with low pay and no benefits).
4) State failure of vision for public schools in the country to educate kids in more fun, effective, and creative ways. Look at the Waldorf model, for example (like we need more outside time!); get rid of the testing; more support for teachers in the classroom; more training for teachers to learn effective SEL strategies; Less Administrator oversight and more trust for teachers.
5) Because of lack of vision, charter schools (that really aren’t better) siphon funds away from public schools and parents who can afford to, send their kids to private schools.
6) There should be at least one certified Librarian (Master’s in Library Science preferred) in every school, dedicated to that one school (not half time between two schools).
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?
Josh: As soon as I joined the district, I sought out my building reps, and joined the union (first day). Currently, I am a one of three building reps my school, Colfax K-8.
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?
Josh: Being in a union means you have a seat at the table to negotiate, rather than taking whatever the company is willing to give you. A union is only as strong as its members, and we all have to get involved if we want things to change.
I’ve been more passive than active because I have small children I have to care for (this has been my excuse), but really, I need to become more active. I have this year, stepping up to positions where they (Librarians) either have to go between schools or teach two or more different subjects. They are also not given seniority rights, so they have been getting displaced from their buildings.
This is something I want to help change as a more active member in the 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.
Josh: Yes, Brittany Shoup has been my mentor this year. She has boundless energy, is patient, and is calming for all of us at Colfax. We are so lucky to have her. (PFT NOTE: See Brittany’s dynamic duo profile with Sarah Mueller here.)
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn...
… That I’m a poet and play ice hockey.
I published a chapbook of poems called Cherub Poems a few years ago. My full book, Insert Coin, has been a finalist for a number of prizes. I ‘m working hard to get it published right now.
I played hockey up through college, and even played professional inline hockey for a couple of years. Now I play in adult leagues in my older age.
Josh’s favorite… Movie: Too hard, but okay, The Princess Bride Book: Also too hard, but for now, The Trial by Franz Kafka Author: Too hard, but I’ll name two living poets I love: Lisa Robertson and Ben Lerner Singer: Pearl Jam (ever since I was a teenager), Neil Young, Sharon Jones! Song: Too Many, but I’ll give one I love from Pearl Jam: “In My Tree” Color: Green Food: Tom Ka Soup Time of year: Fall
Quote to live by: World-historical facts and personages occur, as it were, twice. He has forgotten to add: the first time as a tragedy, the second as farce.” Karl Marx, The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte
Name: Christine Bellesis Occupation & School: PMOIU#2 — Currently I’m a reading specialist, K-5, and an ELD teacher, 9-12. Years In Education: 30 years Years At Current Position/School: 9 years My past assignments with the IU include reading specialist, 9-12, ELD teacher K-12, and I had begun my career at the IU as a math teacher, 1-8, many years ago when our classrooms were in 30-foot vans. Previously, I … worked in the field of adult literacy in Worcester, MA at a nonprofit organization for six years; my students ranged from 18-82. I also was an ELD teacher in the Worcester Public Schools, K-6 for two years.
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Christine:When I was 11 years old, I took the neighborhood kids off their mothers’ hands for a few afternoons each week throughout the summer by enrolling them in my little backyard school for 50¢. I enjoyed reading aloud to the kids and making them write down everything I said!
Especially important, though, was a high school teacher who truly inspired me. She made history come alive for me in her History of Africa course. We had to make an oral presentation on an African country, and after I had given mine, she spoke with me after class to encourage me to consider the field of education.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Christine: My hope is to inspire curiosity in all of my students and to instill the desire to become lifelong learners.
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?
Christine:I earned an M.Ed. from Duquesne University in Reading and Language Arts.
I also hold certification in English Language Development, and my undergraduate course of study was in Elementary from IUP.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Christine: I think it is very challenging to teach students how to think critically in this era of social media .
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?
Christine:The PMOIU2 organized in 1991, and I became a member at that time. I serve on the Executive Board as the IU2 Group Representative and I am a building rep. as well as a PAC contributor.
I have participated in several exciting annual state and national conventions as a delegate. My favorite event with the PFT is marching in the Labor Day Parade, as there is such a spirit of camaraderie among my fellow teachers. I think the PFT gets the loudest cheers from the sidelines, and that makes me feel so proud to be a teacher!
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?
Christine: There are numerous laws that protect the hiring and treatment of workers, including teachers. Without unions, these protections would not be enforced.
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.
Christine: My maternal grandmother was the one who taught me how important unions are.
My grandfather was an Italian immigrant working in construction in Pittsburgh under harsh conditions. Once they formed a union, his quality of life changed so much more for the better. She always used to say, “It’s because of the union.”
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn...that I am a British crime series fanatic..
Christine’s FAVORITE… Movies: Hitchcock’s Rear Window Books: Impossible to answer, but The Book Thief by Markus Zusak has made a great impact on me. Author: Willa Cather Singer: Al Greene Song: “Let’s Stay Together” Color: Green Food: Any kind of soup Time of year: All the seasons
FAVORITE QUOTE: “Wherever you go, there you are.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn
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: LT 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?
LT: 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?
LT: 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?
LT: 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?
LT: 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?
LT: 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?
LT: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.
LT: 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.
LT’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. LT Voytko
