Week of 10-23-2023

Inside this issue

• Donate to PACE so we have fewer lawmakers who pass terrible bills like these
• Find the champions for public education on your ballot
• PSEA Treasurer Rachael West promotes literacy instruction at the Capitol
• PEARL and upcoming Center for Professional Learning events
• Member Benefits spotlight: Aetna Dental Access discount dental program

On Tuesday, the state Senate passed two terrible bills related to school curriculum and books. Senate Bill 7 would require public schools to create cumbersome, time-consuming processes to list any “sexually explicit” books or materials in every school library and classroom and force parents to opt in to allow their kids to see them. Senate Bill 340 would direct schools to list every textbook and course syllabus or course summary online.

These mandates are meant to distract educators and school librarians from instructing students and developing their critical thinking and research skills. And they will make our jobs even harder.

That’s why we need to contribute to PSEA-PACE and elect pro-public education legislators who will stand up for us and our students – legislators who will oppose ridiculous bills like these.

Click the button below to learn more and donate to PACE.

Elections for our courts can have just as big an impact on your job, your school, and your community as any other election. Add to that the urgency of electing pro-public education school board candidates and this upcoming municipal election is as critical as any.

Be sure to check out ALL the champions of public education who are on your ballot this Nov. 7 at the link below.

In testimony before the Senate Education Committee on Monday, PSEA Treasurer Rachael West made recommendations to improve Senate Bill 801, legislation that would implement new approaches to literacy instruction based on the “science of reading” and provide support to struggling readers.

“Reading is the fundamental skill that young learners must master to be successful throughout their educational career,” Rachael testified. “While students must learn to read in grades K-3, we know that beginning in grade 4, or earlier, students are reading to learn. If a child doesn’t learn to read, a domino effect of challenges likely follows them throughout their education, and likely their life, until they master the skill. Every educator wants every student to achieve and be prepared to engage civically in an informed and thoughtful way. Literacy is foundational to that goal.”

PEARL

Visit the new, improved PEARL today and choose from more than 95 asynchronous courses available for Act 48 credit and Chapter 14 verification.

You can find multiple courses that interest you in any of these tracks: 

• Book Studies
• Educational Equity
• Pedagogy
• Policy
• Pupil Services
• Special Populations
• Technology in Education
• SEL & Wellness

Webinars

• What to Expect/Anticipate When You Are Involved With the Office for Dispute Resolution
  • Nov. 1, 7-8 p.m.
• Early Career Educator: Behavior
  • Nov. 7, 7-8 p.m.
• Early Career Educator: IEPs
  • Nov. 14, 7-8 p.m.

Book Discussions

• The New Classroom Instruction That Works: The Best Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement, Part 1, Chapters 1-4
  
  • Nov. 8, 7-8 p.m.
• Premeditated Myrtle
  • Nov. 16, 7-8 p.m. 
• The New Classroom Instruction That Works: The Best Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement, PART 2, Chapters 5-7
  • Dec. 5, 7-8 p.m.

Postgraduate Credits

Earn postgraduate credits from PennWest University for $70 each!

More than 150 postgraduate credits are available across a wide range of teaching and learning topics.

These postgraduate credits (microcredentials) can count toward the 24 credits required for a Level II certificate and also may count toward salary advancement.*

For support professionals, these courses may meet Chapter 14 requirements.**

*Check your contract to determine if you can apply standalone postgraduate credits for column movement.
**Seek approval from your employer prior to completing hours to apply toward Chapter 14 requirements.

Smile brighter with savings at over 262,000* available dental practice locations nationwide.  Use your card over and over again to keep your teeth sparkling clean!

For one flat household rate of just $8 per month, PSEA members and their legal dependents up to age 26 can access dental savings through Aetna Dental Access.

• In most instances, save 15% to 50% per visit.**
• Save on dental services such as cleanings, X-rays, crowns, root canals, and fillings.

Learn more about this new program below:

*As of April 2020.

**Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service, and geographical area. The discount program provides access to the Aetna Dental Access® network. This network is administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company (ALIC). Neither ALIC nor any of its affiliates offers or administers the discount program. Neither ALIC nor any of its affiliates is an affiliate, agent, representative, or employee of the discount program. Dental providers are independent contractors and not employees or agents of ALIC or its affiliates. ALIC does not provide dental care or treatment and is not responsible for outcomes.

(Not available to VT residents.)