Meet Krystal Roberts

PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education? 

Krystal: I always wanted to be a teacher or nurse. Since I hate blood and needles, teaching was it. Even as child, I would bring home books and schoolwork to play school. Of course, I was always the teacher.

I didn’t have a teacher that looked like me so this definitely played a major part in my decision as well.

PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job? 

Krystal: I truly love what I do. One of the best feelings is when a parent thanks me for helping their child. I always feel like I am just doing my job, but for the parents to take the time to simply say thanks does mean a lot to me.

One of the biggest challenges I think we face today is getting people outside of education to realize how important it is.

PFT: Where/what school(s) did you pursue higher education? What degrees and certifications do you hold?  Do you have any professional awards or recognition you’d like to share?

Krystal: I hold a Bachelor’s in Elementary and Special Education from Slippery Rock University and a Masters in School Counseling from Duquesne University. Also?
— 2019 PITTSBURGH PIRATES ALL-STAR TEACHER
— 2018 PITTSBURGH LOCAL TASK FORCE CHAMPION AWARD

PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students?  School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?

Krystal: Right now, I would say the pandemic. Every time I turn on the local or national news, it seems like the teachers are being blamed for the schools not being reopened.

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?

Krystal: I joined the PFT the first year I started teaching, and I’ve been a building representative for 7 years

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?

Krystal: Having the support [of the union] is really important, especially in our current situation with the pandemic.

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.

Krystal: Ronniece Sirmons. When she was one of the people that really helped my first year in teaching. Ronniece also made sure I joined the union and later I started assisting her as the building rep. I still go to her for advice–not just about teaching, but about life.

FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:

People are surprised to learn...that II am a skilled Candy Crush player. I don’t want people to know what level I’m on lol ….

Krystal’s FAVORITE…
Movies:  Love & Basketball
Books: The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah
Author: None in particular, however I am really into self-help/growth books and I am about to start The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Singer: Beyoncé
Song: Renegade-Jay-Z
Color:  Purple
Food:  Lasagna
Time of year: Summer

FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Hakuna Matata.”