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 PFTs 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: Whats 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

AFT/PFT Blitz Coming to Your School & Home–Week of August 19!

AFT/PFT Blitz Coming to Your School & Home–Week of August 19!

What a great opportunity for us to partner with our national membership! AFT will be here to welcome our new members and to make sure that our new teachers and paraprofessionals know what membership means during their first days in the District!

Our entire PFT staff will participate (along with AFT) in visiting our schools during clerical days in August to deliver PFT materials and offer them encouragement, information and support about their early days in our District and in our union!

What’s more?  They’ll be here to help us with our ongoing recommitment efforts—remember, we’ve set a goal for 100% commitment to our union—every person who signs becomes part of a stronger, larger whole!

Click here to visit our Recommit page!  Be sure to watch the inspiring video there!