Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 2-2-2026

Inside this issue

• Shapiro budget continues major investment in public schools
• Better wages for education support professionals
• PSEA celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion
• PSEA Vice President Ney speaks on cellphone restriction legislation
• Member Benefits spotlight: Boscov’s Travel
• PEARL & Center for Professional Learning

PSEA applauds Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed FY 2026–27 budget for continuing strong investments in public education.

“Since he was sworn in as governor, Gov. Shapiro has worked with legislators of both parties to secure more than $2.1 billion in new funding to help public school students across Pennsylvania,” said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. “If adopted, this budget proposal will put that figure at nearly $3 billion.”

K-12 Education budget highlights include:

• $565 million increase for adequacy and tax equity payments
• $50 million increase through the Basic Education Funding formula
• $50 million increase through the Special Education Funding formula
• $14 million increase for career and technical education with
  • $4 million dedicated to the subsidy distribution,
  • $10 million to support high-quality STEM and computer science learning programs and professional development opportunities
• Pupil transportation is increased by $15 million.
• School food services received a $14.3 million increase to maintain the universal school breakfast program
• Maintains the current funding levels for School Facilities and School Safety/Mental Health grants

Early learning investments:

• Preschool early intervention funding increases by $51.2 million
• Pre-K Counts and Head Start Supplemental is increased by $7.5 million and $2 million to support rate increases for grantees and continue to address teacher shortages in early learning programs.

Higher education investments:

• Funding for community colleges and PASSHE institutions were maintained at the FY 2025-26 level
• State-related universities, on the other hand, are slated to receive a $30 million increase for Performance-Based Funding

Other key investments:

• Raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour, helping school support staff and improving recruitment and retention
• $5 million increase for student teacher stipends, bringing total funding to $35 million for FY 2026–27

The proposal continues progress toward fully funding our public schools and demonstrates a continued commitment to the values and priorities PSEA members share, but leaves room for improvement, especially in higher education.

One key point Gov. Shapiro proposed in his budget address is raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour, the first increase since 2009. PSEA supports the proposal while we continue to advocate for a living wage of at least $20 an hour for school support staff.

Paraprofessional Kirstie Stayduhar of Spring Cove Elementary, who was an invited guest of the governor at his address, said higher wages would help schools recruit and retain staff while allowing employees to better support their families. Click the thumbnail above to see Stayduhar share her thoughts on what raising the wage for support professionals would mean to her.

Click the button below to learn more about PSEA’s living wage campaign.

During a press conference on Feb. 4, PSEA Vice President Jeff Ney commended state Sens. Robinson, Santarsiero, and Hughes for leading a bipartisan coalition to restrict student use of mobile devices during the school day.

Senate Bill 1014 passed the Senate on Feb. 3 by a vote of 46-1. Here's what it would do:

• Prohibit student use and restrict possession of internet-connected mobile devices from the first bell to dismissal
• Apply to smartphones, smartwatches, and personal tablets
• Allow limited exceptions for medical needs, IEPs, 504 plans, English language learners, and pre-approved instructional use
• Leave implementation details to individual school districts
• Take effect beginning in the 2027–28 school year

We'll keep you updated on the progress of this bill as it heads to the state House of Representatives for a vote. 

Leadership is more than a position. It's showing up, speaking out, and lifting one another up.

At the top of PSEA’s priorities is building a union where every member belongs. That naturally extends to the schools and communities PSEA members serve. We believe in strengthening and diversifying our membership to ensure every student sees representation in their classroom. 

Click the thumbnail above to hear directly from one of our members in a short video, sharing their own experience and why this work matters. Bylly Jo Morton’s story is a reminder that our priorities aren’t abstract; they’re personal. Our union’s strength is in its collective voice. But it’s important to remember each of the voices that contribute to it has a unique story, and a unique outlook based on their unique backgrounds. 

Celebrating each individual makes us all stronger. It’s what makes PSEA great, and it’s what makes our nation great. We’re proud of all of you for continuing to stand up and fight for that notion whenever and wherever it’s challenged.

Since 1974, Boscov’s Travel is your first stop to anywhere in the world. 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 and knowledgeable travel advisors are ready to help you plan your next dream vacation – whether it be an ocean or river cruise, an all-inclusive resort, a U.S. or international land tour, or your favorite theme park destination.

Benefits of booking with Boscov’s Travel:

• As a PSEA member, receive exclusive discounts that are combinable with the best national offers
• No cost to you for complete vacation package planning services
• Experienced travel advisors with an average of 20+ years in the industry
• 24/7/365 emergency service line while traveling
• Book using your Boscov’s credit card and receive rewards you can use toward future travel, your travel balance, or within Boscov’s

PEARL

Visit 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

• Tools, Strategies, and Resources to Help New and Early Career Educators
  
  • Feb. 11, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Supporting Gifted Learners
  • Feb. 18, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Taking PVAAS Beyond the Score: Using Student Reports to Inform Instruction
  • Feb. 26, 7-8 p.m.

Book discussions

• Learning by Mistake: 12 Strategies to Turn Student Errors into Opportunities
  
  • March 3, 7-8 p.m.
• Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card
  
  • April 14, 7-8 p.m.
• See Me After Class: Advice for Teachers by Teachers (2024 edition)
  
  • April 22, 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.