Name: Carlton Heywood
Occupation & School: School Librarian, Brashear
Years In Education: 30.5 years
Years At Current Position/School: 10th year
Previously, I … worked for Westinghouse HS, Peabody HS, Lemington Elementary, and Connelly Skill Learning Center
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Carlton: During the early 90’s there was a nationwide problem of a significant and growing achievement gap among African American Students. I had just come out of the Army and I wanted to do something about the situation. I was a librarian at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh when I received a telephone call requesting that I attend an interview.
I attended the interview and did not get the job as an elementary school librarian, however I was offered a part-time position as the Librarian at Connelly. A few years later, I became the librarian and language arts teacher at Lemington Elementary School. Growing up I had several great teachers who believed in me and I hope that the work that I do carries a torch in their honor.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Carlton: I love working with students more than anything else. I have always been able to build a positive relationship with them and I conscientiously think about how to bring my best self every day.
It’s not as much as a job as it is a section of my lifestyle dedicated to serving others. In this case–serving youth.
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Carlton: Here’s the history:
— Clarion State College of Pennsylvania 1979-1983 BS-Communications
— U.S. Army 1983-1987 Most of my military career was in Germany
— Clarion University- 1988-1989- MLS
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Carlton: The greatest challenge in my opinion is closing the equity gap and keeping students engaged and motivated after 3rd grade. If we are serious about closing the equity gap then we will surely build bridges towards erasing the achievement gap. Closing the equity gap means that we are making sure that the entire district employs and maintains the best teachers, resources and administration.
Building better alliances with families and holding each party accountable will eradicate our collective deficiencies in time. There should be no disparities between the resources of one school and another in our district when both schools are only minutes away from each other and the tax base is the same.
This speaks towards the access to the related arts, (music, arts) programs as well. As a Librarian, I believe that each school from K-12 should have a full- time librarian and fully resourced library. Studies and statistics demonstrate that students exposed to a full-time librarian and library score better on standardized tests and receive a well-balanced education.
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?
Carlton: I joined the union in 1992. I have participated in a few Union sponsored activities.
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?
Carlton: The best part of being in the union is the solidarity. Knowing that there is a collective force of people dedicated that all workers are treated fairly in accordance to what was agreed upon and willing to stand up when things are unfair. U.S. history has changed for the betterment of the worker because of strong union representation.
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.
Carlton: I would consider Mr. Harold Grant Jr. as my union champion. Along with the current president, Nina EV. They both are overworked and not appreciated for the commitment towards maintaining the betterment of our profession. I believe that they think that if they take care of the workers in their charge, that we will bring the best to our children.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn... I play harmonica! I was also a Communications Platoon Leader and parachutist for a field artillery unit in the army.
Carlton’s FAVORITE…
Movie: A Soldier’s Story
Book: Too many to name!
Author: Walter Mosely
Singer: James Brown
Song: Beautiful Life
Color: Purple
Food: Red beans and rice
Time of year: Fall
FAVORITE “SHARE-ABLE” QUOTE: 
