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Week of 6-14-2021 |
Inside this issue
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PSEA members stop Senate Bill 1 in its tracks
This is why we speak out, PSEA! State Sens. Scott Martin and Jake Corman pulled out all the stops this week, in an attempt to pass a bill that would take hundreds of millions of dollars from public schools EVERY YEAR. But you stopped them in their tracks. PSEA members sent thousands of emails and met with their senators to send a clear message: vote “NO” on Senate Bill 1. And they listened. Senate Bill 1, which is one of the most serious attacks on public education that we’ve seen in decades, was scheduled for a final vote yesterday. That vote didn’t happen, because Sens. Martin and Corman didn’t have enough senators who were going to vote “yes.” Why is this bill so bad for our public schools? Because it would take hundreds of millions of dollars from public schools and use it for tax breaks for businesses that contribute to private and religious schools. In five years, these tax breaks would cost nearly $1 billion. In 10, they would cost $3 billion. PSEA, they’re going to keep trying to pass this bill until the Legislature adjourns for the summer. So, be ready to speak out again. And, remember, your voice matters. The work you’re doing to beat this bill is making a tremendous difference. Thank you for standing up for your students, your profession, and public education. |
ARP funds can help schools fix aging buildings
“Every child deserves to go to school in a building that is healthy and safe. Every educator and support professional deserves a working environment that is free of toxic threats.”
What’s a good way to use the nearly $5 billion in federal funds Pennsylvania schools will receive through the American Rescue Plan? Fixing aging school buildings to protect the health and safety of students and educators. On Wednesday, PSEA Vice President Aaron Chapin joined public school advocates at the state Capitol to call on schools to direct some of their ARP funds to “bring our schools into the 21st century and create safer environments for teaching and learning.” There are lots of good uses for ARP funds, and you have good ideas about how to use them effectively. Make sure you share your ideas with your school leaders, and get a seat at the table as decisions about how to spend ARP funds are made.
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Culinary Arts professors find a new home on YouTube
Two Culinary Arts professors at Westmoreland County Community College have made the most of the switch to virtual instruction during this past year by launching a YouTube cooking channel. Assistant Professor Scott Schmucker and Program Director/Professor Cindy Komarinski had been playing around with making videos before the pandemic hit to make sure students in the school’s Culinary Arts Apprenticeship program wouldn’t miss out if they were stuck home sick. The project took off once COVID hit, and the channel, which now hosts more than 30 videos on everything from how to make venison bologna to knife handling tips has become a hit with students and the public alike. “We’ve gotten just a ton of great feedback and we’ve ventured beyond just the classroom stuff,” said Schmucker, whose wife helps him edit the videos. “We’ve done other fun things like making hamburgers and stuff at Cindy’s farm. I started a Culinary Spotlight of the Month for the Little Highlands where I go visit another culinary spot every month and do a video on the place, the people who own it, and the food they make. It’s really fun and it’s taken off.” You can check out Chef Schmucker and Chef Komarinski’s videos at the link below.
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PSEA’s Center for Professional Learning summer schedule
Summer sessions are already in full swing. Resigter today at the links below. Webinars
Book Discussions
Wellness Sessions
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PSEA Member Benefits spotlight: Voluntary Vision plan
The PSEA Voluntary Vision Plan offers low monthly payments, great frame and contact lens allowances, exam coverage, fitting fee coverage for contact lenses, and offers the choice of 12-month or 24-month coverage. The plan is available to all PSEA members and eligible dependents to age 26. Enrollment opens the first of each month. The 12-month plan highlights include a $250 frame allowance or $150 contact lenses allowance with monthly premiums of only $12 for single coverage, $24 for two party, and $35 for family coverage. The 24-month plan highlights include a $250 frame allowance or $175 contact lenses allowance with monthly premiums of only $8 for single coverage, $16 for two party, and $23 for family coverage. For more information on the vision program please visit https://pseahwf.org/voluntary_vision/ or call the PSEA Health & Welfare Fund at 800-944-7732 ext. 7024 |
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This content is intended for PSEA members and their immediate families. |
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