 | 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.”
