Week of 7-18-2022

Inside this issue

• Doug Mastriano wants to cut public school funding in half
• Shapiro vs. Mastriano in Voice
• U.S. Dept. of Ed. cancels Free College Benefit program
• Center for Professional Learning and PEARL
• Member Benefits spotlight: Voluntary Vision Plan

When we say Doug Mastriano would be a disaster as governor of Pennsylvania, the above quote is one of the reasons why. Watch the video above to hear more. His plan to cut public school funding in half means billions in lost funding for our schools and students. And it means fewer educators, support professionals, counselors, and nurses. Thousands fewer.

Cutting per-student funding in half would only be the beginning of Mastriano’s attack on public education. He also has said he:

• Believes public schools are overfunded and educators are overpaid
• Wants to make it harder for educators to collectively bargain for better salaries, benefits, and working conditions
• Thinks public education is “broken” and educators and support professionals are the problem

On the other hand, Josh Shapiro listens to and respects educators and support professionals like us. He will protect our pensions and our collective bargaining rights, and he believes we need to increase salaries for school employees like us to address the educator and support professional shortage. That’s why PSEA recommends Josh Shapiro for governor.

Your vote is your voice, and only you can decide how to cast it this November. But please consider what each of the candidates have said about their priorities for public education. Your jobs, your schools, and your students depend on it.

In the July issue of Voice, you may have seen our side-by-side comparison of where Josh Shapiro and Doug Mastriano stand on the issues that matter most to you. If you haven’t, please check it out when you have a minute as it clearly lays out the stark choice Pennsylvanian’s will face at the ballot box this November.

Look, we know you’re inundated with political news and opinions. And there will be plenty more to come in the next few months. We know it can feel overwhelming at times. But as educators, we can’t escape being in the center of the political storm. The good news is we have the power to shape it.

We work to keep you informed about the issues and candidates that affect you and your jobs because your voice and your vote matter. We’ll have plenty more to say about why we think Josh Shapiro is the clear choice for governor. We hope you’ll continue to listen.  

Yesterday, we were disappointed to learn that the U.S. Department of Education contacted Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) as part of their program review and directed them to immediately cease enrollment of new students under the Free College Benefit program. The Department of Education notice also stated, “the Department will provide directives regarding currently enrolled students shortly.”

Even though the Free College program has been halted, students who are eligible for the Pell Grant can receive up to $6,895 per year in education assistance. The grants are portable and can be used at almost any accredited college or university. To learn more about the federal Pell Grants visit studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell

We are deeply disappointed that this valuable program will no longer be available to our members and their families. Unfortunately, this unforeseen move by the U.S. Department of Education was as abrupt as it was unexpected. We will keep you updated as we learn more.

PEARL

Do you need help earning Act 48 credits, Chapter 14 verification, or postgraduate credits? As a PSEA member, you have exclusive access to easy-to-follow courses and progressions through PEARL.

Here are the types of courses you'll find on PEARL:

• Using HyperDocs for Learning
• Building and Maintaining a Humanized Classroom
• Supporting Students' Anxiety During COVID-19: Strategies for Educators

And on PSEA’s Center for Professional Learning ...

Webinars

• Weebly: The Free Website Builder
  • Aug. 3, 9-10:30 a.m.
• *NEW* Understanding Students and SEL
  • Aug. 10, 4-5:30 p.m.

Book Discussions

• All Learning is Social & Emotional (Part 2)
  • Aug. 11, 10-11 a.m. - Chapters 5-7

Member Well-being

• Mindful Mondays
  • Aug. 1, 8:30-9:15 a.m.
• Mindful Mondays
  • Aug. 22, 8:30-9:15 a.m.

The PSEA Voluntary Vision Plan offers low monthly payments, great frame and contact lenses 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.