Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 3-27-2023

Inside this issue

• Student teacher stipend gains bipartisan support
• Student PSEA members come together to beautify middle school
• Upcoming Center for Professional Learning events and PEARL
• Member Benefits spotlight: Tele-therapy

It’s hard to believe that, today, student teaching programs in Pennsylvania are completely unpaid. This leaves aspiring educators struggling to pay for necessities while completing their 12 weeks of student teaching. This long-standing practice is a stark contrast with college internships in other fields, which typically pay students for their work.

At the December 2022 House of Delegates, Student PSEA members proposed a new business item to study how to pay student teachers. Delegates approved the new business item, making it a priority for PSEA.

We have begun pushing for legislation that will make sure that student teachers get paid for what they do, and it seems some lawmakers are taking note. As the Pennsylvania Capital-Star recently reported, Sens. Vincent Hughes (D-Philadelphia) and Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) announced plans for an Educator Pipeline Program that would provide a stipend to Pennsylvania student teachers.

It’s an encouraging sign that lawmakers are taking this issue seriously. We’ll keep you updated with any developments.

On March 24, more than 200 aspiring educators spent the evening beautifying Swatara Middle School in the Central Dauphin School District as part of the annual Student PSEA Conference and Convention.

The Outreach to Teach service project is an opportunity for Student PSEA members to collaborate and make a difference in a Pennsylvania public school. This year’s beautification projects were designed to create a more engaging and fun learning environment for Swatara’s students and community. PA state Rep. Dave Madsen (D-Dauphin) also paid a visit.

Through this work, aspiring educators make a positive impact on children and are reminded of why they are studying to become teachers.

PEARL

Looking for a convenient and flexible 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 of the courses you have access to:

• Re-Imagining Relationships
• Distance Learning Pro Tips
• Assessment and Treatment of Anxiety Across the Developmental Spectrum

Book Discussions

• Before the Ever After
  • April 18, 6-7 p.m.
• The New Classroom Instruction That Works: The Best Research-Based Strategies for Increasing Student Achievement
  • April 25, 6-7 p.m.

Member Well-being

• Mindful Mondays
  • April 17, 4:45 p.m.

Enjoy convenient access to therapists and counselors from the comfort of home. Get support for anxiety, depression, stress/PTSD, panic disorder, grief, family and marriage issues, and more. Members, spouses, and any dependents age 18 years up to and including age 25 are covered under one membership. 

Only $23.99 per month for PSEA Members

• Consults are always $0
• No insurance needed
• Designed for educators
• No contracts, cancel anytime
• 30-day money back guarantee