Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 11-11-2024

Inside this issue

• Help us celebrate excellence in public education!
• American Education Week starts Monday!
• PSEA podcast: Election 2024 - What the results mean for Pennsylvania’s educators
• Member Benefits spotlight: AmeriServ mortgage and home equity loans

Do you know someone who’s making a powerful impact on public education in Pennsylvania? Now’s your chance to shine a spotlight on them!

We’re excited to announce that nominations are open for PSEA’s Celebrating Excellence Awards, including the Adler Friend of Education and Human & Civil Rights categories.

Why nominate?
This is your opportunity to honor a friend, colleague, or organization that’s going above and beyond for our schools and communities. Each year, we come together at the Celebrating Excellence Awards Dinner to celebrate the incredible individuals and groups who are making a difference in public education. We want you to help us celebrate bigger than ever.

Who we’re looking for

• Adler Friend of Education Award: Recognizes someone who has made a statewide impact on public education – whether a dedicated PSEA leader, a committed public official, or an inspiring advocate for our schools.
• Human & Civil Rights Awards: Honors the everyday heroes who promote equity, justice, and positive change in our public schools and communities. Nominees can be students, educators, community leaders, or local associations making a real difference.

How it works

A selection committee reviews all nominations in January and selects winners across four categories:

1. Student Leader
2. Educational Leader
3. Community Leader
4. Local Association

So, who’s it gonna be?

Think of that person or organization who deserves recognition. Ready to honor their efforts?

Click here to learn more and submit your nomination.

Let’s celebrate the champions of public education together. Nominate someone who’s making an impact – you could be their reason to be celebrated this year!

American Education Week kicks off this Monday, Nov. 18, and we’re excited to celebrate with you! This is our chance to honor the incredible educators and staff who make our public schools a special place for students to learn and grow, as well as the parents, guardians, families, and community leaders who partner with us every day to educate the next generation of Pennsylvanians.

Here’s the schedule:

• Monday, Nov. 18: Kickoff Day
• Tuesday, Nov. 19: Family Day
• Wednesday, Nov. 20: Education Support Professionals Day
• Thursday, Nov. 21: Educator for a Day
• Friday, Nov. 22: Substitute Educators Day

Check out NEA.org for more information and suggestions on how to celebrate.

In this special post-election wrap-up of Duty Free Lunch, we break down the latest election results and their impact on Pennsylvania’s public education landscape. Aaron welcomes Dan Wiedemer and Sari Stevens from PSEA’s Government Relations unit to discuss key issues from the Nov. 5 election, from voter turnout and demographic trends to the policy priorities that could shape our schools’ future. Tune in as we explore the path forward for educators and PSEA’s ongoing commitment to putting students and public schools first.

Looking to buy a house?

Interest rates have been dropping. Now is a great time to start looking for the home of your dreams, whether it be a starter, vacation, or your next home. Enjoy these PSEA exclusive mortgage benefits with our preferred partner, AmeriServ:

• Market leading rates
• No origination fee (savings of $695)
• One FREE rate re-lock opportunity ($400 value)
• $250 credit on interest rate buy-down options

Already own a home? Take advantage of your home’s equity.

AmeriServ offers a home equity product we call Loan in a Line. Use it as a home equity credit line while also having the capability to take out fixed-rate term loans at the same time. Enjoy the flexibility this product offers for home improvements, debt consolidation, tuition, vacations, or simply to have the peace of mind to know it’s there when you need it. Your benefits include market leading rates, along with waiving annual and other fees. 

Many members took advantage of historic low mortgage interest rates in the past couple of years. Now is a great time to establish a home equity loan and obtain low fixed-rate options. These products and benefits are available to PSEA members and their families (parents, children, and siblings). 

To learn more and to view current rates visit us at www.ameriserv.com/psea