Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 5-22-2023

Inside this issue

• May 2023 House of Delegates wrap-up
• Student PSEA member pens op-ed in Reading Eagle
• Wishing you all a peaceful and enjoyable Memorial Day
• Upcoming Center for Professional Learning events and PEARL
• Member Benefits spotlight: Aetna Dental Access plan

Nearly 700 delegates convened in person and virtually this past weekend in Philadelphia to conduct the business of the Association at PSEA’s May House of Delegates. Delegates representing locals from across the state got key updates about PSEA’s challenges and priorities, elected new officers, and debated new business items. Here are some highlights.

New PSEA officers elected: 

• PSEA President: Aaron Chapin
• PSEA Vice President: Jeff Ney
• PSEA Treasurer: TBD - Delegates will cast their votes for PSEA Treasurer by mail.

New Business Items:

• NEW BUSINESS ITEM 1 – PASSED – Post and Archive NBI Status Update
• NEW BUSINESS ITEM 2 – REFERRED TO LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE – Prioritize Legislation to Modernize School Infrastructure
• NEW BUSINESS ITEM 3 – PASSED – Honor Retiring Staff Persons
• NEW BUSINESS ITEM 4 – PASSED AS AMENDED – Establish Task Force to Investigate and Report on School Violence
• NEW BUSINESS ITEM 5 – WITHDRAWN – Advocate for Universal Background Checks
• NEW BUSINESS ITEM 6 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE – Establish Task Force to Recommend More Proportional Representation of Women in PSEA Leadership
• NEW BUSINESS ITEM 7 – PASSED – Advocate for Single Point Clearance Portal
• NEW BUSINESS ITEM 8 – PASSED AS AMENDED – Create Report Card Showing Percentage of Women Leaders in PSEA
• NEW BUSINESS ITEM 9 – PASSED AS MODIFIED – Seek Partnership with Shapiro Administration to Revise Guidelines for Standardized Assessments

President Rich Askey’s Retirement:

PSEA President Rich Askey addresses delegates for the last time before his retirement on Aug. 31.

Student PSEA member Marina Lagattuta, a student at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, wrote an op-ed about her struggles working to earn her teaching certification over the past three years and how significant changes are needed to the system if we’re going to solve the school staff shortage.

“We’ve been talking about teacher shortages for years now in Pennsylvania,” Lagattuta wrote. “It’s no mystery what’s behind it. We know what needs to be done.

“We need to respect our teachers, pay them fairly, and create affordable pathways for more talented, caring people like me to enter the profession and make a difference.”

Read the full op-ed at the link below. 

On this Memorial Day, we honor Americans who have served and continue to serve in the military. And we especially remember the PSEA members who are in active military service right now. They include:

• Theodore Rakar, Central Cambria EA
• Analyse Gaspich, Milton Hershey EA
• Vincent Tarantella, CIVEA
• David Boyles, Shaler Area EA

Their dedication, sacrifice, and bravery inspire us all.

We remember the fallen, stand with their families, and express gratitude to those currently serving. Their commitment strengthens our nation, and they embody the true spirit of patriotism.

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:

• Time Management and Organization for Online Learning
• Culturally Responsive Literature in the Classroom
• Leveling Up Google Slides for Seesaw and Google Classroom

Webinars

• Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First: Cultivating Healing and Well-being Through Self Awareness
  
  • June 27 10 a.m.
• Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First: Cultivating Healing and Well-being Through Self Awareness
  • July 11, 5:30 p.m.
• Put on Your Own Oxygen Mask First: Cultivating Healing and Well-being Through Self Awareness
  • July 18, 10 a.m.

Book Discussions

• The Questioneers
  
  • June 29, 10-11 a.m.
• Al Capone Does My Shirts
  
  • July 13, 10-11 a.m.
• Treasure Hunters
  • July 20, 10-11 a.m.

Member Well-being

• Mindful Mondays
  • June 12, 4:30 p.m.
• Mindful Mondays
  • July 17, 8:30 a.m. 
• Mindful Mondays
  • Aug. 7, 8:30 a.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.)