Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 4-27-2026

Inside this issue

• Restrict students’ mobile devices in schools but do it right
• Voters support school safety and oppose Project 2025
• PSEA Podcast: PA Teacher of the Year Madeline Loring on the power of joy and authenticity
• Share your May Day celebrations with us
• Member Benefits spotlight: AmeriServ mortgage and home equity loans

The evidence is clear that restricting cellphones and other internet-connected personal mobile devices from schools boosts achievement, reduces bullying, and improves how students connect with one another. That’s why a bell-to-bell mobile device ban is among PSEA’s top legislative priorities.

That’s also why PSEA opposed Amendment A03075 to Senate Bill 1014 on Tuesday in the House Education Committee. The amendment stripped out two key components. First, a key requirement that schools actively seek input from parents, students, educators, and community members before adopting new phone policies. Other states and school districts that have successfully made this shift did it successfully by bringing everyone to the table first. A school board public comment period isn’t enough. After more than a decade of cellphones in classrooms, this transition demands real, proactive engagement.

Second, the amendment changed the definition of “mobile device” to exclude a smartwatch when Wi-Fi and data are turned off. This loophole means that smartwatches would be treated differently than other internet-connected devices. It also defeats the purpose of removing distractions from classrooms as students would still get the ping of messages unless teachers are going to police smartwatches every day.

PSEA supports getting this legislation passed, but getting it passed the right way. We’re urging legislators from both parties to restore smartwatches to the definition of “mobile device” and ensure there is real stakeholder engagement language before local policies are adopted.

Between March 9–17, 2026, a poll conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research surveyed likely Pennsylvania voters on key issues, including federal immigration enforcement actions and proposed cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and public education. The poll also surveyed state-level policies on bell-to-bell cellphone restrictions and funding for school lunch programs.

“This poll confirms that Pennsylvania voters want to see their federal tax dollars invested in the public schools that are at the center of their communities,” said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. “And they want those schools to be safe places for students to learn and grow.”

Find the full poll results at the link below.

What if joy isn’t something you earn after a hard week but the actual point? Madeline Loring, Pennsylvania's 2026 Teacher of the Year, joins the officer team to talk about building a career around authenticity, engaging students with uniquely themed classroom setups, and why she believes every educator is their school's best recruitment tool.

Listen to this episode

PSEA was proud to join educators, parents, and community leaders from across the nation to celebrate the “May Day Strong” National Day of Action on Friday, May 1, and to voice our support for investing in our public schools and communities.

May Day, or International Workers Day, is celebrated each year around the world on May 1. The day was first recognized in the 1880s in Chicago as part of the movement for an eight-hour workday.

“Today, PSEA honors the legacy of the workers who gave everything for a better way of life, and we carry their struggle into the present movement for a country that serves the many, not the few,” PSEA President Aaron Chapin said. “Every student, no matter where they live or what they look like, deserves a high-quality public education. Every family deserves to feel safe. We all want to live in communities that lift each other up, center on justice and integrity, and invest in our future.”

Share your May Day photos and videos with us!

Did you or your school hold a May Day event? Share your pictures and/or videos with PSEA at the link below!

*Content may be used in PSEA social media, electronic newsletters, and print publications.*

Add your photos and videos here

Looking to buy a house?

Now is a great time to start looking for the home of your dreams, whether it be a starter, vacation, or your next home. Enjoy these PSEA exclusive mortgage benefits with our preferred partner, AmeriServ Bank:

• Market leading rates
• No origination fee (savings of $695)
• One FREE rate re-lock opportunity ($400 value)
• $250 credit on interest rate buy-down options.

Already own a home? Take advantage of your home’s equity.

AmeriServ offers a home equity product called Loan in a Line. Use it as a home equity credit line while also having the capability to take out fixed-rate term loans at the same time. Enjoy the flexibility this product offers for home improvements, debt consolidation, tuition, vacations, or simply to have the peace of mind to know it’s there when you need it. Your benefits include market leading rates, along with waiving annual and other fees. 

Many members took advantage of historic low mortgage rates a few years ago. Now is a great time to establish a home equity loan and obtain low fixed-rate options. These products and benefits are available to PSEA members and their families (parents, children, and siblings).