Name: Christine Bellesis
Occupation & School: PMOIU#2 — Currently I’m a reading specialist, K-5, and an ELD teacher, 9-12.
Years In Education: 30 years
Years At Current Position/School: 9 years
My past assignments with the IU include reading specialist, 9-12, ELD teacher K-12, and I had begun my career at the IU as a math teacher, 1-8, many years ago when our classrooms were in 30-foot vans.
Previously, I … worked in the field of adult literacy in Worcester, MA at a nonprofit organization for six years; my students ranged from 18-82. I also was an ELD teacher in the Worcester Public Schools, K-6 for two years.
PFT: What compelled you to become a teacher and/or to work in education?
Christine: When I was 11 years old, I took the neighborhood kids off their mothers’ hands for a few afternoons each week throughout the summer by enrolling them in my little backyard school for 50¢. I enjoyed reading aloud to the kids and making them write down everything I said!
Especially important, though, was a high school teacher who truly inspired me. She made history come alive for me in her History of Africa course. We had to make an oral presentation on an African country, and after I had given mine, she spoke with me after class to encourage me to consider the field of education.
PFT: What do you like best about your career choice and job?
Christine: My hope is to inspire curiosity in all of my students and to instill the desire to become lifelong learners.
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?
Christine: I earned an M.Ed. from Duquesne University in Reading and Language Arts.
I also hold certification in English Language Development, and my undergraduate course of study was in Elementary from IUP.
PFT: In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges faced by educators today? Students? School districts? Any challenges specific to your subject matter expertise?
Christine: I think it is very challenging to teach students how to think critically in this era of social media .
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?
Christine: The PMOIU2 organized in 1991, and I became a member at that time. I serve on the Executive Board as the IU2 Group Representative and I am a building rep. as well as a PAC contributor.
I have participated in several exciting annual state and national conventions as a delegate. My favorite event with the PFT is marching in the Labor Day Parade, as there is such a spirit of camaraderie among my fellow teachers. I think the PFT gets the loudest cheers from the sidelines, and that makes me feel so proud to be a teacher!
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?
Christine: There are numerous laws that protect the hiring and treatment of workers, including teachers. Without unions, these protections would not be enforced.
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.
Christine: My maternal grandmother was the one who taught me how important unions are.
My grandfather was an Italian immigrant working in construction in Pittsburgh under harsh conditions. Once they formed a union, his quality of life changed so much more for the better. She always used to say, “It’s because of the union.”
FINAL NOTES and Lightning Round:
People are surprised to learn...that I am a British crime series fanatic..
Christine’s FAVORITE…
Movies: Hitchcock’s Rear Window
Books: Impossible to answer, but The Book Thief by Markus Zusak has made a great impact on me.
Author: Willa Cather
Singer: Al Greene
Song: “Let’s Stay Together”
Color: Green
Food: Any kind of soup
Time of year: All the seasons
FAVORITE QUOTE:
“Wherever you go, there you are.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn
