MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

I am a Head Teacher at the University Child Development Center (UCDC), which is part of the University of Pittsburgh's Human Resources department. My role involves creating a safe, nurturing, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that supports children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.

My responsibilities include planning and implementing developmentally appropriate learning experiences, conducting child assessments, documenting developmental progress, and writing individual developmental profiles that highlight each child's strengths, growth, and areas where additional support may be needed. These assessments help me plan meaningful learning experiences that meet each child's individual needs.

As a Head Teacher, I also supervise and support my teaching team, mentor student workers, and help maintain a positive and collaborative classroom environment.

In addition, I facilitate classroom observations for University students, answer their questions, and help them connect what they are learning in their coursework to real-life experiences in early childhood education.

I also build strong relationships with families through ongoing communication and collaboration to support their children's development.

My work goes beyond teaching. I am an educator, supervisor, mentor, and advocate for young children and their families. I take pride in knowing that my work supports children's development while also helping future educators grow professionally.

My work is important to me because I know I am making a difference in children's lives during some of their most important developmental years. Early childhood education builds the foundation for lifelong learning, confidence, and success.

My work also allows me to support my own family while doing something meaningful. I take pride in knowing that my dedication and hard work positively impact not only the children I teach but also their families and the larger Pitt community.

What I enjoy most is watching children learn, grow, and discover new things every day. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child's excitement when they accomplish something for the first time.

I also enjoy building meaningful relationships with children, families, and coworkers. Every day brings new experiences, challenges, and opportunities to make a positive difference.

Early childhood education is  physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Balancing classroom responsibilities, supervising staff, and meeting each child's individual needs can be challenging.

In addition to my full-time position at Pitt, I work as a part-time professor at Chatham University and teach French on Saturdays. While education is my passion, working three jobs requires sacrifices, especially when it comes to personal time and family life. I take pride in my work.

I strongly believe that educators should be fairly compensated based on their education, degrees, years of experience, professional expertise, and the quality of work they provide. Our dedication, knowledge, and contributions deserve to be recognized, respected, and reflected in our wages.

Drive my car back and forth 

I make Pitt work by providing quality early childhood education and care for the children of families within the Pitt community. When parents know their children are in a safe, loving, and educational environment, they can focus on their responsibilities with greater peace of mind.

My coworkers and I help create the foundation that allows other members of the University community to succeed. Although our work may happen behind the scenes, it plays an important role in keeping Pitt running.

(I make Pitt work by educating young children, supporting families, developing future professionals, and helping my team succeed.)

Our union matters to me because every worker deserves to have a voice, be treated with dignity and respect, and receive fair wages and benefits.

As early childhood educators, we dedicate so much of ourselves to caring for and educating others. Having a union means we can advocate for our needs, address workplace concerns, and work toward better conditions for ourselves and our families.

Our union makes us strong because it brings workers together. When we stand united, our voices become more powerful, and we can advocate collectively for fairness, respect, and positive changes in our workplace.

It reminds us that we are not alone and that every employee, regardless of their job title or department, plays an important role in the success of the University.

As a Head Teacher at UCDC, I contribute to Pitt's success by helping provide a high-quality early childhood education program that supports children and their families.

The work we do allows parents and caregivers to pursue their careers, education, and professional responsibilities knowing their children are being cared for in a supportive learning environment.

By helping children develop confidence, independence, social skills, and a love for learning, I am contributing to the future while supporting the University community today.

I would like my fellow union members to know that the work we do matters. Whether we work directly with students, children, faculty, staff, or behind the scenes, we all contribute to making Pitt successful.

We should never underestimate our value or the difference we make every day. We deserve to be seen, heard, appreciated, and respected.

When we support one another and stand together, we build a stronger workplace and a stronger future for everyone.