Paul is a second-generation union member whose wife is also a PFT member (2nd grade, Banksville).
Name: Paul DeLeone
Occupation & School: Teaches Production Technology Stagecraft as a CTE Teacher at CAPA
Years In Education: 16 years
Years At Current Position/School: 1st year at CAPA
Previously, I … ran my own custom carpentry business for 10 years as well as worked in teaching. I’ve worked at the Westinghouse Carpentry Program, Neshannock Township School District (woodshop), Allegheny Middle School (woodshop), Seneca Valley School District (metal shop), Washington Polytechnic Academy (woodshop)
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
PAUL: I had two teachers in high school that I connected with. They both made learning fun and challenging. One was my biology teacher and the other was my metal shop teacher. I like to think I’ve patterned myself a little after both of those teachers.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
PAUL: My passion is building. I like my career and job best when I remember what and how I was once taught, and when I can share my own passion with students. I strive to do what my own influential teachers did with me–connecting with my students, challenging them, instilling in them the true meaning of “work ethic.”
PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education?
PAUL: I hold a BS in Industrial Arts/Technology Education from California University of PA. I also have my CTE Carpentry Certification.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
PAUL: Everything seems to be directed by a sense of instant gratification now. It’s getting harder to motivate students to work through problems systematically and patiently. I worry there’s not enough tenacity or “stick-to-itiveness”. I love when that light bulb eventually comes on, but instilling a strong work ethic in students in classes such as mine is one of my greatest challenges
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?
PAUL: I have been a union member since I first began teaching. I have completed the PFT Teacher Leader program, and have taken ER&D classes as well, and am a PFT PAC Contributor.
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?
PAUL: I believe that it is necessary to have a second line of defense to advocate for what is right. Certainly we all stand up for ourselves first–but it’s good to know we have union strength behind us if we ever need it. I think the best thing about being in a union is the sense of unity you have with your brothers and sisters.
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.
PAUL: I’ve been union wherever I’ve worked that gave me the opportunity to be in one. Both of my grandfathers were union–a machinist and a steelworker–so a lot of my mentorship happened at the dinner table. Simply working with them, and seeing how they worked, instilled in me that work ethic I talked about.
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn... that I absolutely love to cook and bake.
PAUL’s FAVORITE…
Movie: Godfather 1 & 2
Book: The Bible
Author: See Above
Singer: I have a very eclectic taste in music, it’s impossible to pick one
Song: See Above
Color: Black
Food: Italian
Time of year: Fall
FAVORITE “SHARE-ABLE” QUOTE:
“There is no substitute for hard work.”
