Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 9-2-2024

Inside this issue

• Student teacher stipend program update
• ICYMI: William Penn EA teacher honored on mural for past athletic achievements
• Center for Professional Learning & PEARL
• Member Benefits spotlight: Boscov’s Travel

Securing a student teacher stipend in the current state budget was a huge win for PSEA members. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is currently in the process of confirming students’ placements and securing agreements with school entities for remittance of the stipend’s funds.

And while everyone is working toward the goal of getting funds transmitted from PHEAA to school entities and finally to student teachers as soon as possible, as this is the first year of implementation, we expect some growing pains as PHEAA works through the details of the program’s implementation.

We expect more updates to come soon. Stay tuned!

Read more about the student teacher stipend here.

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

• Certification, Tenure, Induction, and Act 48
  
  • Sept. 24, 7-8 p.m.
• Effective Instruction: What Does the Research Tell Us Are the Most Effective Instructional Approaches, Strategies, and Techniques?
  
  • Oct. 1, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Your AI Assistant: Using AI in Planning & Preparation
  • Oct. 9, 7-8:30 p.m.

Book Discussions

• Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers Who Helped Win World War II (Young Readers Edition)
  
  • Sept. 25, 7-8 p.m.
• The Classroom Community Collection by Shannon Olsen
  
  • Oct. 17, 7-8 p.m.
• Every Connection Matters: How to Build, Maintain, and Restore Relationships Inside the Classroom and Out
  
  • Nov. 19, 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!