Week of 4-8-2024

Inside this issue

• Demand for student teacher stipend program crushes expectations
• PSEA leaders and members advocate for minimum wage increase
• Voice preview: Students’ art displayed in Philadelphia airport
• Correction in February Voice: Candidates in PSEA statewide elections
• PSEA job opportunity: Payroll Specialist
• Member Benefits spotlight: Aetna Dental Access discount dental program

On Wednesday, Student PSEA members joined PSEA leaders, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia), other policymakers, and advocates to mark the launch of Pennsylvania’s student teacher stipend program. When applications for the program opened the following morning, more than 2,000 student applications flooded in within one hour.  

State funding is available for 750 student teacher stipends.

“We knew that the Student Teacher Support Program would be an incredible success, but this shatters all expectations,” said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. “PHEAA literally ran out of stipends less than an hour after the application process opened. That is incredible.

“Unfortunately, this astonishing demand means that most students who applied for stipends won’t get them, because there is only $10 million available for the program this year. This is the best possible evidence that lawmakers and Gov. Shapiro need to increase funding for the program in the 2024-25 state budget.”

The program will provide student teachers with $10,000 stipends for their 12-week placements, beginning in the 2024-25 school year. Student teaching in high-need areas that attract few student teachers will qualify a student to receive an additional $5,000. Student teachers receiving stipends, in turn, agree to work as educators within Pennsylvania for at least three years.

The economic burden of student teaching is one of the most significant barriers to becoming an educator. By alleviating that burden, this stipend program has the potential to have a dramatic impact on Pennsylvania’s school staff shortage.

(left to right) PSEA Vice President Jeff Ney, PSEA-ESP member Christin Morris, PSEA Treasurer Rachael West, and PSEA President Aaron Chapin

On Tuesday, PSEA officers and members joined state lawmakers at the state Capitol to demand a long-overdue raise in Pennsylvania’s minimum wage. Sen. Tina Tartaglione’s proposed bill, which PSEA supports, aims to elevate the minimum wage to $20 per hour this year, which would impact thousands of our education support professionals across the state.

Highlighting the dire consequences of stagnant wages, PSEA President Aaron Chapin emphasized the toll it takes on educators and support staff, many of whom are essential to the state’s education system.

“Imagine being a parent, juggling multiple jobs, and trying to keep your kids on track with school and life,” said Christin Morris, an elementary classroom paraprofessional and PSEA member, “The talented men and women who work as school support staff taking care of our students throughout the school day deserve better. Paying them a living wage of at least $20 an hour will make a tremendous difference in their lives.”

As neighboring states outpace Pennsylvania in minimum wage rates and inflation diminishes the value of the dollar, PSEA is calling for economic fairness and dignity for all workers.

“Our minimum wage here in Pennsylvania has been stuck at $7.25 an hour for nearly 15 years,” said Chapin. “Every neighboring state has increased their wage, and it is time for Pennsylvania to do the same to be competitive and to be fair to our workers, including many of the hardworking support staff in our public schools.”

As travelers enter baggage claim in the A-East Wing of the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) they are greeted by the Youth Art Gallery, an extension of the airport’s Exhibition Program initiative, displaying 40 black-and-white portraits of notable Philadelphians like actor Will Smith and Phillies’ first baseman Bryce Harper.

The 5-by-7-foot grid portraits are part of a collection made by 6th-grade students at Ridley Middle School.

“We’ve been celebrating famous Philadelphians and Black History Month for the last few years in my art class,” said Kevin Scott, an art teacher in the Ridley School District. “The portraits make up three years' worth of student work.”

How the portraits landed at PHL is Scott’s story of sharing his passion for collaborative art inside his classroom and with a global audience.

“I wanted to find a way for the world to see what my students were making,” Scott said. “I drive past the airport every day on my way to work and I thought to myself, ‘I would love to display my students’ artwork there.’”

Keep reading this article in the May issue of Voice:

On Page 25 in the February issue of Voice we announced there were two NEA State Director positions up for election when there are, in fact, three positions available.

PSEA is seeking a Payroll Specialist to be responsible for the preparation and distribution of the biweekly payroll, performance of all processes and procedures associated with payroll data, calculation and input, tax reporting, file management, records retention, record keeping, and payment of employee benefits.

A minimum of an associate degree in accounting or a related field and three years payroll experience and experience maintaining information in an HRIS/Payroll system are required.

PSEA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. PSEA actively seeks diverse candidates and those with the ability to work on a diverse team with a diverse range of people.

How to apply and the job description can be found at www.psea.org/jobs.

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.)