PSEA is a community of education professionals who make a difference in the lives of students every day.
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Week of 5-4-2020 |
A message from Rich Askey
During the COVID-19 emergency, PSEA’s goal is to support you. Whether we’re providing updates on legislative activity, the latest news that impacts our schools, students, and livelihoods, or resources to help you teach kids in new and innovative ways, we want to do everything we can to help. That’s why we’ll be doing this e-newsletter frequently. I know that this is a tough, stressful time for you, your families, and your students. PSEA wants to make it easier by keeping in touch and offering good, helpful information. So, have a look. And let’s keep connected.
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Inside this issue
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We just want to say, “thank you”
At PSEA, we celebrate the work our members do every single day. But this week is a reminder to all those who don’t work in education to take a moment and say, “thank you.” That’s why we’re reaching out with statewide digital and social media campaigns to spread awareness of the incredible job our educators are doing. I know I speak on behalf of everyone here at PSEA when I say I truly hope you know how valued you are. So, from all of us, thank you. Keep up the amazing work. |
Teacher appreciation is at an all-time high, poll shows
Nearly nine out of 10 parents approve of how their children’s teachers are handling the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new poll commissioned by the National Education Association (NEA). That’s an impressive figure, and it shows that all your hard work in the classroom and at home during the COVID-19 crisis is having a massive impact. Thanks to you, our students continue to learn, even as school buildings are closed. Nothing makes me happier than to see just how much parents and families appreciate the great work you’re doing. Here are the top takeaways from the poll:
The poll also shows that parents and guardians believe educators are working hard to communicate with them, that educators are finding ways to connect with students who don’t have internet access, and that educators are giving their students more one-on-one assistance. So, keep it up, PSEA. And know that you’re appreciated – not just for one week, but every day.
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“The nicest thing a student ever did for me was…”
Is there any better feeling than a student approaching you, unsolicited, with a gesture of simple gratitude? That’s when you know you’ve made a real impact. We’ve been asking our members to share their favorite anecdotes about such moments. And they run the gamut, from letters of thanks, to invites to special events, to gifts of all kinds – even chicken feet (watch the above video to hear Lei Williams explain). So, what’s the nicest thing a student has done for you? Share your story with us. |
Student’s thank-you poem speaks volumesNothing warms a teacher’s heart like a gesture of appreciation from a student. Like this beautiful poem 11th-grader Tara Rose Flores presented to Weatherly Area School District Gifted Support Teacher Katie Leach. Well said, Tara!
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Don’t forget, Wednesday is National School Nurse Day
Throughout this pandemic, our health care professionals have gone above and beyond the call of duty. I’d like to say a special thanks to our HealthCare-PSEA members and our school nurses, who have put themselves in harm’s way in order to help others, time and again. Tomorrow is National School Nurse Day, which kicks off National Nurses Week. Take a moment to reach out to a school nurse in your local and thank them for keeping students and staff safe during this incredibly challenging time. To all of you working in the health care field, we salute you. |
Help get our school districts the funding they desperately need
Our members have done an incredible job teaching and serving students during this emergency. But the fact is, this pandemic will have real and lasting impacts on Pennsylvania’s school district budgets. Without help from the federal government, school districts project revenue shortfalls of up to $325 million this school year and more than $1 billion in the 2020-21 school year. These deficits could force schools to cut thousands of employees and eliminate programs that help students learn. Contact your U.S. senator and representative today and ask them to support additional, significant, and flexible federal funding for our school districts.
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Have you registered to vote by mail yet?
What’s the safest, easiest way to cast your vote for pro-public education candidates? By mail, of course! Sign up right now to take part in Pennsylvania’s June 2 primary. The final day to register is May 26. Click the button below to request your mail-in ballot. It’ll only take a couple of minutes.
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Upcoming training on PSEA’s Center for Professional LearningWellness Training:
Act 48 Book Discussions:
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Check out PSEA’s COVID-19 resourcesPSEA is committed to providing members with the most up-to-date information and resources on the COVID-19 emergency. We want to help you cope with this unprecedented challenge, and we want to make sure you have the tools you need to help your students. Be sure to visit www.psea.org/covid19 regularly. We update the information you’ll find there daily. Here are a few things you’ll find.
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400 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101 |
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This content is intended for PSEA members and their immediate families. |
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