Week of 1-9-2023

Inside this issue

• Public education champion named PA secretary of education
• Westmoreland culinary students practice ice sculpting skills
• Upcoming Center for Professional Learning events and PEARL
• Member Benefits spotlight: Aetna Dental Access discount dental program

This week we found out that Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro made an outstanding choice for Pennsylvania’s secretary of education in Dr. Khalid Mumin. Dr. Mumin is the current superintendent of Lower Merion School District and former superintendent of Reading School District. He is also a former teacher, dean of students, and principal. He’s seen our education landscape from every angle and proven at every turn that he is committed to putting the needs of students and educators first.

As superintendent at Reading, he demonstrated excellent leadership skills in turning around a district beset with profound challenges. The Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators named Dr. Mumin the 2021 Pennsylvania Superintendent of the Year for his efforts, and he was a finalist for National Superintendent of the Year.

We are thrilled with this choice for PA education secretary and look forward to working closely with Dr. Mumin to ensure our members and our schools are a top priority in this new administration.

At Westmoreland County Community College, students in the culinary arts department practice ice sculpting as part of their cold food preparation class. While the students are restricted to using only the chisels and chippers, the instructor will use chain saws, die grinders, and sanders to help them whittle down the 300-pound blocks into presentable sculptures.

“It is simply an introduction, but every student remembers the experience, and some develop a passion for the art and become ice sculptors as well as chefs,” said Scott Schmucker, assistant professor of culinary arts at Westmoreland, shown below demonstrating proper techniques using a chain saw and scraper.

PEARL

Looking for an easy way to earn Act 48 credits, Chapter 14 verification, or postgraduate credits? As a PSEA member, you have exclusive access to over 95 courses through PEARL.

Here are just three courses you have access to:

• Time Management and Organization for Online Learning
• Building Routines for Student Success in a Virtual Space
• The Science of Concussion in the Classroom

Book Discussions

• They Called Us Enemy
  
  • Feb. 21, 6-7 p.m.
• Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
  • March 9, 6-7 p.m.
• Lawn Boy
  
  • April 13, 6-7 p.m.

Member Well-being

• Mindful Mondays
  • Jan. 23, 4:45 p.m.
• Mindful Mondays
  • Feb. 13, 4:45 p.m.
• Mindful Mondays
  • March 13, 4:45 p.m.

Smile brighter with savings at over 262,000* available dental practice locations nationwide. Use your card over and over again to keep your teeth sparkling clean!

For one flat household rate of just $8 per month, PSEA members and their legal dependents up to age 26 can access dental savings through Aetna Dental Access.

• In most instances, save 15% to 50% per visit.**
• Save on dental services such as cleanings, X-rays, crowns, root canals, and fillings.

Learn more about this new program below:

*As of April 2020.

**Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service, and geographical area. The discount program provides access to the Aetna Dental Access® network. This network is administered by Aetna Life Insurance Company (ALIC). Neither ALIC nor any of its affiliates offers or administers the discount program. Neither ALIC nor any of its affiliates is an affiliate, agent, representative, or employee of the discount program. Dental providers are independent contractors and not employees or agents of ALIC or its affiliates. ALIC does not provide dental care or treatment and is not responsible for outcomes.

(Not available to VT residents.)