Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 12-16-2024

Inside this issue

• It’s a Wrap: December 2024 House of Delegates
• Congratulations to Leon Smith, 2025 PA Teacher of the Year
• Books, Toys & More donation drive
• LAST CHANCE for 2025 Celebrating Excellence Awards nominations!
• Center for Professional Learning & PEARL
• Member Benefits spotlight: Boscov’s Travel

Last weekend, hundreds of PSEA members from across the state gathered in Philadelphia to conduct the important business of our Association at PSEA’s biannual House of Delegates.

During the two-day session Dec. 13 and 14, delegates:

✅ Passed 15 New Business Items (NBIs), including new Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals statements for PSEA. (Learn more about the MVVG process here.)

✅ Heard a year-end update on PSEA’s accomplishments from PSEA President Aaron Chapin.

✅ Celebrated the 2024-25 Dolores McCracken Education Support Professional of the Year, Becky Marszalek, a paraprofessional and president of the Avonworth Education Support Professionals Association.

✅ Welcomed our union neighbor Stephanie Ingram, president of the Delaware State Education Association.

✅ Received an in-depth review of PSEA’s finances from Treasurer Rachael West.

✅ Attended informative Professional Issues Sessions on the use of AI technology in the classroom.

✅ Supported pro-public education candidates through PSEA-PACE.

✅ Donated gifts for children in need through the Minority Affairs Committee’s annual Books, Toys & More drive.

You can find more information about the House of Delegates at www.psea.org/HOD (member login required).

Leon Smith, a social studies teacher at Haverford High School in Delaware County, has been named the 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

Smith, who has dedicated 22 years to teaching, instructs 9th grade Honors and Advanced Placement Social Studies, as well as African American Studies for grades 10-12. He has been a driving force behind Haverford’s “Grow Your Own” program, which aims to increase educator diversity within the district.

In addition to his classroom work, Smith serves as a senior policy fellow with Teach Plus PA, advocating for policies to diversify the educator workforce and strengthen the teacher pipeline.

“PSEA congratulates Leon Smith on being named Pennsylvania’s 2025 Teacher of the Year,” said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. “Mr. Smith demonstrates a commitment to his students, his colleagues, and his community that goes beyond his important work in the classroom to include his advocacy for strong public schools and a more diverse educator workforce. We admire his passion for teaching, his commitment to his students, and his tireless work to foster more inclusive environments.”

Smith expressed gratitude for the honor, saying, “It’s humbling to be recognized alongside such talented educators who work every day to make a difference in their students’ lives. Teaching is not just my profession; it’s my passion.”

Every year at the December House of Delegates, PSEA’s Minority Affairs Committee conducts its annual Books, Toys & More donation drive for children in need. This year’s gift donations will be distributed by Grands Stepping Up in Drexel Hill, and financial donations will be split between Grands Stepping Up and the Community Library of the Shenango Valley in Farrell. 

If you’re interested in making a financial donation, you can contribute directly at the link below before the donation period closes on Friday, Jan. 10.

Nominations for the 2025 Celebrating Excellence Awards must be in by Dec. 31 at 4:30 p.m. Make your nominations today at the link below.

The Adler Friend of Education award recognizes an individual who has made significant statewide contributions to public education.

The Human and Civil Rights awards are intended to applaud the outstanding work occurring every day in Pennsylvania’s public schools and in our communities.

A selection committee meets each January to review the nominations submitted and select winners in four categories: Student Leader, Educational Leader, Community Leader, and Local Association, along with the Adler Friend of Education Award.

Read more about the awards and nominate someone today at the below link:

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

• Tools, Strategies, and Resources to Help New & Early Career Educators
  
  • Jan. 22, 7-8 p.m.
• Cultivating Critical Thinking: A Toolbox of Routines & Strategies
  • Jan. 28, 7-8 p.m.
• Intro to the 3D Science Standards: Coming This Fall!
  • Feb. 5, 7-8:30 p.m.

Book Discussions

• Social and Emotional Learning with Dr. Seuss
  • Feb. 26, 7-8 p.m.
• Tech for Teacher Wellness: Strategies for a Healthy Life and Sustainable Career
  • March 25, 7-8 p.m.
• The Mindful Teacher’s Toolkit
  • April 2, 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 (micro-credentials) 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.

As a PSEA Member Benefits partner, Boscov’s Travel has many perks and benefits just for you when you book your next vacation. The company’s local, knowledgeable advisors are ready to help you plan your dream vacation – whether it’s a cruise, an all-inclusive island resort, U.S. or global land tours, or Disney and Orlando amusement destinations.

In business for over 46 years, Boscov’s brings its experience and knowledge to you.

Now more than ever, using a professional travel advisor has never been more valuable. As a PSEA member, you get exclusive discounts that can be bundled with the best national offers. Yet another perk – book your travel with your Boscov’s credit card and enjoy 12 months interest-free financing!