Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 9-23-2024

Inside this issue

• Secretary Cardona’s bus tour highlights new Educators Rising chapter at Keystone Oaks
• Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, PSEA!
• Don’t forget to update your PSERS beneficiary
• Congratulations to Ann Monaghan for reelection as PSERS ESP representative!
• Center for Professional Learning & PEARL
• Member Benefits spotlight: Access dining deals

Educators Rising National Vice President of Service Char’Tayvius Edwards introduces U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona at Keystone Oaks High School.

On September 6, Keystone Oaks High School welcomed U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona as part of his “Back-to-School Bus Tour.” The visit marked the inauguration of a new Educators Rising chapter at the school, a program designed to inspire future educators. Secretary Cardona was joined by Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Education Khalid Mumin and U.S. Representative Chris Deluzio.

Char’Tayvious Edwards, the national vice president of service for Educators Rising, introduced Secretary Cardona. Edwards, a passionate advocate for the teaching profession, shared his journey into education and highlighted the program’s impact. Keystone Oaks students now have a unique opportunity to explore teaching careers and contribute to addressing the nationwide teacher shortage.

PSEA is the statewide coordinator for Educators Rising in Pennsylvania and has overseen phenomenal growth in this program over the past year.

Keystone Oaks Educators Rising Teacher Leader and PSEA member Emily Brill.

From September 15 to October 15, we celebrate the rich history and vibrant cultures of Latino and Hispanic communities, honoring their countless contributions to our society.

This celebration aligns with the Independence Day anniversaries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (September 15, 1821); Mexico (September 16, 1810); and Chile (September 18, 1810).

Find lessons, activities, videos, and more here.

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month from PSEA!

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!

It is my pleasure to share that with your help and support, Ann Monaghan has been reelected to continue to serve as the ESP representative on the PSERS Board of Trustees, which she has done since 2021.

Ann will continue to stand up for her fellow non-certified members, protect their hard-earned retirement security, and advocate for the cost-of-living-adjustment our retirees deserve.

 “It was an honor to receive the support of so many during this election,” Monaghan said. “It reinforces my dedication to ensure PSERS remains a reliable resource for all beneficiaries, fostering growth and security for years to come. I am grateful for the trust placed in me by our members.”

Learn more about Ann at www.psea.org/votemonaghan

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.

PSEA’s Access portal gives you tons of opportunities to save on shopping, dining, entertainment, and more.

Click the image above or the button below to find exclusive savings for PSEA members right now!