The Source is an e-newsletter for Student PSEA members that focuses on current issues, provides quick updates, and spotlights activities and events happening around the commonwealth.

In this issue:

• Save the date: 2025 Student PSEA Conference and Convention
• Lucy A. Valero scholarship applications due Jan. 31
• Shippensburg hosts Prep & Success Conference
• Don't forget! 2025 Celebrating Excellence Awards nominations
• Upcoming online learning opportunities
• Member Benefit spotlight: restaurants, travel, shopping, and more

The A.P.E.X (Achieving Professional Excellence) program is designed to encourage chapters to participate in a variety of projects, which fall under five main categories: 

• Community service
• Leadership and membership development
• Political action and advocacy 
• Professional development
• General organization and quality

A.P.E.X is documentation of goals achieved and activities conducted by Student PSEA chapters. Recognition and awards are presented at the annual state conference. 

Submission Requirements

All entries must be electronically submitted to students@psea.org no later than the Monday prior to the conference, March 24, 2025. Please include the university name in the subject line (i.e. Penn West-Clarion University Apex Submission).

*All submissions will be evaluated after the first breakout session.

2023-24 A.P.E.X Winners

1st Place: University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg

2nd Place: Marywood University

3rd Place: Commonwealth University-Mansfield

Lucy A. Valero Scholarship

The Lucy A. Valero Scholarship Fund, administered by PSEA, provides scholarships to outstanding Pennsylvania college and university students who are enrolled in accredited teacher preparation programs.

The fund also provides a scholarship to a high school student who is a member of the Future Educators Association.

Only completed applications postmarked no later than January 31, 2025 will be considered.

NEA Aspiring Educators CREATE Grants

Student PSEA members and chapters are eligible to apply for CREATE grants.  These grants of up to $2000 should strengthen NEA's Aspiring Educators Program and build stronger partnerships.  Grants should also have a primary focus in one of the areas aligned with AE Core Values: educator quality, community engagement, political action, and social justice.

Summer Hiil Scholarship Application

The Summer Hill Legacy Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship to the dependent of a member in good standing of PSEA who works for or retired from a school district located in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, or York county. The eligible applicant must be a current college student enrolled in  an approved undergraduate program of teacher education in an accredited institution of higher education in Pennsylvania.

NEA AE Micro-credentials: NEA provides 16 micro-credential courses to aspiring educators that help you develop the skills and understanding you need in your first steps to becoming a classroom teacher.

PEARL: PSEA’s online learning hub with over 95 courses and counting.

Click here to view PSEA's Center for Professional Learning upcoming fall 2024 webinars and book discussions.

NSTOY-PA TEACH Program

Student PSEA offers various awards for chapters, faculty advisors, members, and leaders. 

Outstanding Chapter Event Award: Nomination Form

The Student PSEA Organization Outstanding Chapter Event Award recognizes chapters that have achieved excellence through an event that created involvement for their chapter members and/or their community members.

Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award: Nomination Form

The Student PSEA Organization Outstanding Chapter Faculty Adviser Recognizes individuals for dedication and service to the PSEA Student Program at the chapter level.

Outstanding Servant Leader Award: Nomination Form

The Student PSEA Organization Outstanding Servant Leader Award recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence throughout the year by providing leadership at the region or chapter level.

Exceptional Underclassman Award: Nomination Form

The Student PSEA Organization Exceptional Underclassmen Award recognizes freshmen or sophomores who have achieved excellence throughout the year by providing leadership at the region or chapter level.

Show off your Student PSEA pride with T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, gradutation sashes, and other PSEA branded merchandise.

Order these items through the PSEAWear online store and have them delivered directly to your home by clicking the green button above.