For further information contact:
Chris Lilienthal, PSEA Communications, (717) 255-7134, clilienthal@psea.org
Eric Jotkoff, NEA Communications, (202) 822-7355, ejotkoff@nea.org

HARRISBURG, PA (June 22, 2022) – With strong support from the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the National Education Association (NEA) has recommended Lt. Gov. John Fetterman in Pennsylvania’s race for the U.S. Senate.

PSEA President Rich Askey commended Fetterman for his leadership on education issues in Pennsylvania. Askey pointed out that Fetterman believes that addressing the educator and support professional shortage is a priority, supports reducing the number of federally mandated standardized tests, will advocate for broad-based student debt relief, and opposes tuition voucher programs.

“John Fetterman is a proven leader on education issues in Pennsylvania,” Askey said. “He respects educators and support professionals, trusts us to teach and serve students, and will be a forceful advocate for the federal resources and programs that will ensure that every student gets the power of a great education.

“We are proud to support John Fetterman for U.S. Senate. He’s exactly the kind of leader PSEA members need in Washington, D.C.”

NEA President Becky Pringle also praised Fetterman as a champion for America’s public schools and working families.

“In the Senate, John Fetterman will be a champion for America’s students and Pennsylvania’s working families,” Pringle said. “He is someone who knows how critical it is to ensure that every student — Black and white, native and newcomer, Latino and Asian, rural, suburban, and urban alike — has access to quality public schools. Fetterman has a proven record of partnering with parents and educators to ensure all students — no matter their ZIP code or background — have the freedom and opportunity to achieve their dreams.

“He understands that educators — those who know the names of the students in the classroom — must have a seat at the table when making education policy. John Fetterman recognizes that expanding the use of community schools — bringing academic coursework, health and social services, and community engagement under one roof — is the most effective way to address the gaps our students face, improve learning, and build stronger communities.

“And in the Senate, John Fetterman will continue helping level the playing field for working families, while getting things done to help students, educators, and families across Pennsylvania, which is why the National Education Association is proud to recommend him to be the next senator from the Keystone State.”

An affiliate of the National Education Association, PSEA represents about 178,000 active and retired educators and school employees, student teachers, higher education staff, and health care workers in Pennsylvania. Learn more at www.psea.org.

The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, health care workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.