Meet School Police Officer Faith Stephens
Where You Teach/Work/Educate: My department is school safety.
# of Years In Education: I have been in Education for over 25 years and counting.
PFT: What compelled you to become a instructor /security aide/ police officer and/or to work specifically in education?
FAITH: I was privileged to have been offered employment by Ruth Simoleski through Chief Fazdon, in order to maintain my household as a single parent. At the time of hire back then, I made $6.46 per hour — six dollars and forty-five cents. Beginning at Westinghouse … then Brashear … then South Vocational. And after 6 years I earned my current position as Patrol Officer
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
FAITH: The long and short of it is that I enjoy problem solving.
PFT: What degrees and certifications do you hold? Do you have any professional awards or recognition you’d like to share?
FAITH: I obtained an Associate degree in elementary education at the Community College of Allegheny County and my Bachelor’s in Behavioral Science from Point Park University. I’ve completed my Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Point Park as well.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by instructors and/or school security aides and School Police today?
FAITH: The one challenge facing Law Enforcement is the amount of smaller departments separated merely by property lines. For example, Moon PD. Pitt PD. Housing PD, Port Authority PD — just to name a few.
The job is constant but the laborers are few. We could use more good officers and aides.
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?
FAITH: I was volunte — told by all of the veteran officers to join the union during the time of Mr. Al Fondy.
I’d like to hold a union position but because of time constraints I’ve shied away. I love my work schedule of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Lol
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?
FAITH: See above answer–while I am a more passive participant for personal reasons, let me tell you: Being in the union is like having an older sibling who has your best interests at heart.
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.
FAITH: Ms. Annette Parker have been encouraging me for years and I am grateful for that.
PFT: Why is having a robust security aide presence and available School Police Officers so important to PPS students in particular?
FAITH: Policing is the only tent that covers: being a child’s confidante, loco parentis, disciplinarian, law enforcer, and liaison between the administrators and the student.
PFT: In your opinion, how has the PFT’s involvement made a difference for School Security and Police?
FAITH: Unions aren’t a cure-all — there’s always going to be more we need–but as an apology, I like to say “They keep the light on.’ We need that light.
PFT: What’s your favorite thing about being a part of school security at PPS?
FAITH: My favorite thing to have happen is when students remember me after graduation! That’s special right there.
PFT: Please take a moment to share specifics about the challenges you face every day.
FAITH: My biggest challenge is conveying to parents that being fair … may not always swing their way for their child. That’s a tough truth to tell, but it’s our job to tell it.
PFT: When it comes to me personally, people are surprised to learn that I….
FAITH: People are surprised to learn that my outward demeanor comes from serving 6 years in the United States Army right out of Schenley High School.
I love a good joke, I have a childlike optimism I keep by looking at the glass as half full. I was born and raised until 5 years old in Charleroi, Pennsylvania and my parents and grandparents were from Clairton Pennsylvania, though I visited regularly.
Lightning Round:
FAITH’s favorite …
Movie: The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey
Book: Beloved (Toni Morrison)
Author: W.E.B Du Bois
Singer: My Mom
Song: “A Song For You” by Donny Hathaway
Color: Black & White
Food: Lamb chops, fried fish. Fried green tomatoes, and pickled beets
Time of year: Early Spring or Early Fall
