Name: CORINA BONSALL
Where You Teach/Work/Educate: Perry Traditional Academy
Subject(s) / Grade You Teach or Once Taught: Grades 9-12
# of Years In Education: 10
Years At Current Position/School: 1.5 years
Have You Taught Previously Elsewhere? (y/n): Yes
If so….where, what did you teach/do…and for how long?: I previously taught Cosmetology at Steel Center for 7 years, and prior to that I worked as an instructional aide at Forbes Road CTC.
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Corina: My high school cosmetology teachers from Forbes Road CTC inspired me to become a teacher. My family tried to talk me out of becoming a teacher, because they thought it would be too hard to find a career in the area.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Corina: I love teaching and I love doing hair, nails, and makeup! As a cosmetology teacher, I get to do both! On top of that, I enjoy helping students to grow their passion and skills as they work towards their career goals. I stay connected with former students by visiting them at their salons to get my hair and nails done. I recently visited former students at Be Well Salon and Spa, La La’s Salon and Spa, and Elysian Salon.
The vibes are so great when I visit … that even my five-year-old daughter did not want to leave Elysian Salon after an almost five-hour visit!
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
Corina: I earned a Cosmetologist and Cosmetology Teacher license from Forbes Road CTC. Then, I completed a collaborative teaching program through CCAC and IUP to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education.
I am certified in Elementary Education and English 7-12. I earned my Vocational II certification from IUP, too. During my teaching career, I earned the 2018 Champions of Learning award in the teaching category.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Corina: This is my eighth year of teaching, and I feel that the greatest challenge was learning to teach virtually. I started teaching at PPS after the 20-21 school year had already started. I was new to Microsoft Teams and thankful for my school team, CTE team, and students helping me along the way.
I think that teaching and learning virtually is a challenge for all. Trying to teach or learn at home when other members of the family are also working and learning is hard. Schedule flexibility is a must.
Also, teaching a technical skill virtually was uncharted territory, but the State Board of Cosmetology has allowed a Pilot Program so students can complete the 1250-hour curriculum using a combination of distance education, in-person learning, and job shadow or internship experiences.
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?
Corina: I first joined the union during the 2013-14 school year while working at Steel Center. A couple years later, I served as vice-president of our union until I started working at PPS.
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?
Corina: The best thing about being in a union is the support and strength in numbers to advocate for better schools and school environments.
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.
Corina: Former teachers and colleagues I worked with introduced me to the union along with Walt Michalski. I would consider each of them mentors, and they taught me all that I know about the union.
PFT: Why is Career and Technical Education (CTE) so vital and essential to PPS students in particular? To the District? To the job/work force in general?
Corina: Career and Technical Education is so vital and essential, because it gives students the opportunity to pursue skills in trades that lead to high paying careers. They can earn numerous certifications during high school and either begin working in the industry before or upon graduation or continue their education with post-secondary schools of their choice.
This helps to fill the skills gap in the workforce while helping students to get a head start on their career
PFT: In your opinion, how has the PFT’s involvement made a difference for CTE? Has it been through partnerships we’ve helped facilitate? The AFT grant? How has our Union helped to make CTE stronger?
Corina: Again, there is strength in numbers and the PFT’s support is important.
The partnerships and grants have had a positive impact on CTE. At Perry Traditional Academy, we just had the grand opening of the new Salon Perry. The students deserve the best, and the new salon came to fruition through the hard work of our CTE director, Ms. Angela Mike, working with a team of people including PPS board members and the support of our union.
This is just one example of an opportunity that has been made available to the students through the school, students, their families, and the community working together.
PFT: What’s your favorite thing about teaching CTE in general, and your own subject matter in particular?
Corina: I love seeing the students’ creativity and passion! Each student has a niche whether that is braiding, nails, hair color, makeup, or one of the many other cosmetology skills. The students light up and enjoy helping others learn their skill.
Cosmetology has a lot of math and science incorporated into the curriculum. My favorite thing about teaching cosmetology is that the students enjoy learning practical skills without realizing the difficulty and rigor of the material. While they are having fun practicing the skills, they don’t realize that they are learning geometry while haircutting, chemistry while haircoloring, or anatomy when performing a facial.
PFT: Please take a moment to share specifics about your program and school—this is your chance to tell a unique and program-specific story (or advertisement) for what you and your students have “going on.” What would you like members to know?
Corina: Perry Traditional Academy has a lot of exciting things happening! Perry has three school in one including:
1. Liberal Arts – Steam Magnet
2. Career and Technical Education – Health Assistants and Cosmetology
3. Service and Military Science (JROTC)
Also, the teachers at Perry care so much for the students and are working with alumni, community members, partners, Promise Coaches, and non-profit organizations to support the students on their path to success.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
Please finish the following sentence: When it comes to me personally, people are surprised to learn that ….
Corina: …before having my daughters, I used to whitewater kayak. Now, I am taking things a little slower, and I enjoy stand-up paddle-boarding.
PFT: Do you have a favorite quote, saying or personal “catchphrase” you often share that sums up your philosophy? (ex: ““Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde)
Corina: I think mindset is so important, and I like Henry Ford’s quote,
“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t … you’re right.”
Corina’s Favorite….
| Movie: With young daughters, all I can think of are Disney movies and Encanto is the family favorite. Book: “The Universe Has Your Back-Transform Fear to Faith” — Gabrielle Bersteins Author: Gabrielle Bernstein Singer: She is not a singer but a dancing violinist. I choose Lindsey Stirling. Song: Too many favorites to pick just one. Color: Purple Food: Nachos Time of year: All seasons! I love that our seasons change in Pittsburgh, and I get excited for each season. |
