Meet John Inglis

Public School Teacher, Counselor, Union Member, Community Leader, and State Representative-elect for the 38th Legislative District

The son of a Navy veteran father who was also a vo-tech teacher and a loving mother who worked in Duquesne University’s Administration Offices, John Inglis is a lifetime resident of the borough of West Mifflin. He graduated from West Mifflin Area High School before moving on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at Duquesne University, as well as a master’s degree in School Counseling from Westminster College. 

For years, John taught civics classes and psychology classes to high school students before transitioning to the school counselor position at West Mifflin Area High School. His years in the classroom have shown him that education is the foundation on which all other opportunities are built. It was the honor and privilege of a lifetime for John to be entrusted with the opportunity to educate, guide and prepare students for the future. He has also gained the experience of knowing how school districts operate, what their greatest needs are, and the importance they play in our communities and lives of children.

“There is no greater responsibility that we have as a society than to ensure the next generations have the opportunities to live successful, healthy and happy lives.”

In addition to his work with students, John is a member of the American Federation of Teachers. John has seen close up just how important union advocacy is, not only in his own life, but for our whole community. In Harrisburg, John will protect and expand the union way of life. 

John also understands the importance of volunteering and giving back to one’s community and has been active in many local initiatives, school clubs and nonprofits. Over the past decade, he was or is a member of the West Mifflin Community Foundation, the West Mifflin Lions and the West Mifflin Borough Recreation Board. In addition, he sponsored multiple student clubs at West Mifflin Area High School, including the Titan Leaders in the Community, Key Club, and the GSA. His time was focused on service-oriented, student-led organizations that routinely contributed to community service projects. John is passionate about donating his time to charitable causes and helping others get involved. He always took the time to teach his students inside and outside the classroom about the crucial qualities of hard work, altruism, empathy and citizenship. 

Before taking state office, John was twice elected as a member of West Mifflin’s Borough Council. In that role, he worked to stimulate economic development, expand free recreation programs and events, maintain high-quality public services and keep taxes low. John has been most proud of his advocacy for our first responders. The police, fire departments and EMS services that keep our community safe are indispensable. He aims to continue this work by supporting legislation to ensure all first responders have the resources they need to do their job effectively and safely on a daily basis.

Before his time in government, John mentored many local youths through 17 years with the human resources team at Kennywood Park -- providing them with a solid foundation as they began their own professional journeys. 

John believes the best part of the 38th Legislative District is its people. Driven by a passion for helping others, John is ready to make sure his district, his county, and our commonwealth have opportunities worthy of the great people who call them home. His focus, energy and heart will be dedicated to improving the lives of families, workers, students and children across the commonwealth. 

John is a proud son, brother of two sisters, uncle of six nieces and nephews, and a committed boyfriend to a fellow professional educator.