Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 5-5-2025

Inside this issue

• Judge sides with states in fight over Covid relief funds
• Happy National Nurses Week!
• Vote in the Primary Election on May 20
• Voice preview: A history teacher’s mission to honor underrepresented veterans
• PDE relaunches Teach in PA website
• Member Benefits spotlight: URL life insurance

A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Department of Education to stand by its earlier promises and give states more time to use COVID relief funds – a move that immediately impacts Pennsylvania and 16 other states that joined a recent lawsuit.

The ruling comes after the department abruptly announced in March that extensions previously granted to spend pandemic aid through 2026 were no longer valid. That reversal left schools in limbo, with some mid-project and others awaiting reimbursement for already-paid services.

PA Gov. Josh Shapiro joined the multi-state legal challenge, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The coalition argued the department’s decision was arbitrary and undermined commitments made to support schools’ long-term recovery efforts.

In issuing a preliminary injunction, U.S. District Court Judge Edgardo Ramos sided with the states, blocking the department from enforcing the sudden cutoff and requiring it to notify staff of the ruling within three days. The decision restores access to more than $1 billion in relief funds while the case moves forward.

This includes money from the $123 billion American Rescue Plan meant to help schools tackle academic setbacks from the pandemic. For districts across Pennsylvania, the ruling means essential recovery efforts like construction, tutoring, and staffing can continue without interruption.

We’ll keep you updated as the legal process unfolds.

Every day, but during the week of May 6-12 especially, PSEA is proud to celebrate Pennsylvania's hardworking and compassionate school nurses who ensure our students, educators, and support staff are safe and healthy at school.

Thank you for all you do!

Don’t forget to vote for the two PSEA-recommended statewide judicial candidates in the May 20 Primary Election.

Voting in judicial elections is crucial for the future of public education. Judges make decisions that directly impact school funding, curriculum standards, and students’ rights. By electing judges who prioritize equitable and quality education, you help ensure that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Your vote influences the legal framework that shapes our schools and communities.

For a full list of PSEA-PACE recommendations in the May 20 Primary and Nov. 4 General Elections, visit SchoolHouseBallot.com

Carl Cousins

George Benton

When Gregory Maigur, a history teacher in the Central Bucks School District, saw an opportunity to participate in National History Day’s “Untold Stories of the Korean War” initiative, he knew it was more than just another research project. It was a chance to connect his students to real history through the lives of two underrepresented veterans, and to reframe how they view the past.

Maigur and his students chose to focus on George Benton, a professional boxer turned coach, and Dr. Carl Cousins, the first African American veterinarian in Pennsylvania. Both men were buried at Washington’s Crossing National Cemetery, a requirement for participating in the program. But more importantly, both offered unique windows into the African American experience during the Korean War.

The research process was anything but easy. Maigur’s students quickly realized that “underrepresented” wasn’t just a theme — it was a reality.

PDE has announced it has relaunched the Teach in PA website – a streamlined platform designed to recruit and retain more educators and school staff across the commonwealth.

What’s new:

• A comprehensive job board with filters by school, location, and position
  
  
• “Choose your path” navigation for aspiring teachers and education professionals
  
  
• Tailored results based on experience, certification status, and career goals
  
  

This relaunch supports the Shapiro Administration’s mission to strengthen Pennsylvania’s educator pipeline through expanded support, simplified processes, and increased access to career opportunities.

If you’re an educator ready to make a move or know someone interested in becoming an educator, this could be a great resource.

URL Insurance Group is the life insurance provider for PSEA members and their families. URL understands that life does not stand still, and it shouldn’t take a lifetime to apply for life insurance coverage. It is important to review your life insurance frequently to ensure you are properly covered for your ever-changing needs.

These life events, and more, can alter your life insurance needs and financial situation. It may be time for a life insurance checkup if you have experienced any of the following life events:

• Retirement or approaching retirement
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Change in marital status
• Purchasing a new home or refinancing
• Incurring new debts/student loans
• Taking care of elderly parents
• Never purchased life insurance before

Coverage starts as low as $5,000 and goes up to $1,000,000 and more. For peace of mind, schedule your life insurance checkup.

Call: 717.500.PSEA (7732)

Email: psea@urlinsgroup.com

Website: www.urlinsgroup.com/psea