Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 1-27-2025

Inside this issue

• PSEA applauds state’s rejection of AI-only cyber charter school
• Federal funding freeze: What we know
• Be the voice of PSEA on an Academic Standards Committee!
• NEA Legislative Committee listening sessions on 119th Congress
• Member Benefits spotlight: Voluntary Vision plan

The state Department of Education made the right call rejecting a cyber charter school application that sought to replace human teachers with artificial intelligence.

The proposed Unbound Academic Institute planned to use AI to provide students with only two hours of daily instruction in core subjects like math and reading, relying on a small number of human “guides” for additional support rather than direct teaching.

While we at PSEA believe AI as a tool can help teachers, it can certainly never replace them. 

The Department of Education’s decision ensures students receive instruction that meets state requirements taught by hardworking, dedicated professionals like all of you. 

Click here to read our full press release on this decision.

On Monday, the White House Office of Management and Budget issued a statement ordering a “temporary pause” on “all federal financial assistance” with the exception of Medicare and Social Security payments and any assistance “provided directly to individuals.” 

The following day, a federal judge put a pause on the freeze, and the White House responded by rescinding the order. It’s not immediately clear how this will all shake out in the coming days. 

PSEA is closely following this developing story because these policies affect the health, safety, and education of Pennsylvania’s 1.7 million public school students — especially those from low-income households who are most likely to be impacted.

“We do not want to see students lose educational opportunities or go hungry because federal funding is being illegally withheld for school or nutritional programs,” said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. “Any situation where our children are put at risk is simply unacceptable.”

We will keep you updated with any new developments on this issue.

In the meantime, if you experienced any disruption from this freeze, or do in the future, email your concerns to us at ShareYourStory@psea.org

The PA Department of Education (PDE) is recruiting PA educators and stakeholders to serve on two committees that will help review, revise, and/or recommend new Pennsylvania academic standards for:

• Health, Safety, and Physical Education

• Arts and Humanities

All educators can apply for consideration by PDE.

Candidates must complete the appropriate PDE Academic Standards Committee Application by 5 p.m. on Feb. 7.

After applying through the PDE application system, members who would like to serve specifically as a PSEA representative or who would like to nominate a colleague to represent PSEA on a committee should email Gina Gullo at Ggullo@psea.org for additional information.

The deadline to recommend candidates to Gina also is 5 p.m. on Feb. 7.

Please note that PSEA seeks geographic and other types of diversity among recommended candidates and so while all members are invited to apply to PDE independently, not every qualified member may be asked to represent PSEA.

Want to learn more about the NEA Legislative Program, advocating at the federal level, and how you can add your voice?

Click on either of the links below to register for an upcoming NEA Legislative Committee listening session*:

• Wednesday, Feb. 19, 8-9 p.m.
  
  
• Monday, March 24, 8-9 p.m.

*Advance registration is required.

*You’ll be allowed to submit “live” questions/comments during the sessions, or you can use this form to submit them in advance.

The PSEA Voluntary Vision Plan offers low monthly payments, great frame and contact lenses allowances, exam coverage, fitting fee coverage for contact lenses, and the choice of 12-month or 24-month coverage. The plan is available to all PSEA members and eligible dependents to age 26. Enrollment opens the first of each month.

The 12-month plan highlights include a $300 frame allowance or $150 contact lenses allowance with monthly premiums of only $12 for single coverage, $24 for two-party, and $35 for family coverage.

The 24-month plan highlights include a $300 frame allowance or $175 contact lenses allowance with monthly premiums of only $8 for single coverage, $16 for two-party, and $23 for family coverage.

For more information on the vision program please visit https://pseahwf.org/voluntary_vision/ or call the PSEA Health & Welfare Fund at 800-944-7732 ext. 7024.