Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 3-3-2025

Inside this issue

• Fight back on Trump’s plan to dismantle U.S. Dept. of Education
• Voice preview: Gov. Shapiro’s education budget proposal continues historic investments
• Don’t forget to update your PSERS beneficiary
• PEARL & Center for Professional Learning
• Member Benefits spotlight: TruHearing

President Trump plans to issue an executive order to shut down the U.S. Department of Education, which would put $1.6 billion in federal funding to Pennsylvania public schools at risk, and put nearly 7,000 jobs in Pennsylvania public schools in jeopardy.

The educational opportunities for every student, particularly those 7.5 million students with IEPs, are now at risk. TOGETHER, we can fight for our students, our schools, and our professions.

Click the button below to contact your U.S. representative and U.S. senator RIGHT NOW and tell them to OPPOSE any effort to SHUTTER the U.S. Department of Education.

On Feb. 4, Gov. Josh Shapiro unveiled his proposed state budget for FY 2025-26, including significant funding increases for public schools which represent another major step toward fully and fairly funding public education and addressing the educator shortage – particularly school funding adequacy and tax equity as dictated by the historic Commonwealth Court ruling.

The governor’s proposal continues last year’s momentum with key investments in basic education and student teacher stipends that will help Pennsylvania’s schools, students, and teachers thrive.

Read the full story in the latest issue of Voice:

Friendly reminder: Take a minute to nominate or update your beneficiary to ensure your PSERS benefits are directed according to your wishes.

It’s quick and easy to do through your member portal!

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

• Fostering a “Growth Mindset” in the Classroom Today: Shifting the Focus to Growth and Development with Assessment and Grades Rather than Measurement for Sorting and Classification
  • March 12, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Apps-olutely Engaged! Free Apps to Engage Students in Learning
  • March 19, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Text-Centered Socratic Seminar
  • April 8, 7-8:30 p.m.

Book Discussions

• 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.

PSEA members and their families are eligible for discounts on hearing care and benefits through TruHearing. PSEA provides you and your extended family members a hearing program through TruHearing that includes a free annual hearing exam and substantial savings on the top-of-the-line hearing aids and professional care.

Program benefits include:

• FREE enrollment, NO premiums
• Free Annual Hearing Screening for you and your extended family
• Access to a nationwide network of nearly 7,200 hearing locations
• Reduction on the price of most hearing aids offered
• Low price guarantee on all styles of hearing aids from major brands
• 60-day money back trial period for exchanges and returns
• 3-year repair warranty
• 3-year loss and damage coverage
• 3 years of hearing aid cleanings and checkup services
• 2 years of free batteries with every hearing aid purchase
• No-interest financing available
• Extended warranties available to purchase for current hearing aides