Week of 9-5-2022

Inside this issue

• Voice preview: How Doug Mastriano’s plan would decimate our public schools
• Republicans for Shapiro member on why she’s voting for Josh Shapiro for governor
• Reminder: You have till Oct. 31 to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness waiver
• PEARL and Center for Professional Learning
• Member Benefits spotlight: Aetna Dental Access program

The September issue of Voice is headed to your mailbox now. In it, you’ll find an in-depth analysis of what Doug Mastriano’s proposed $12.75 billion cut to public school funding would really mean – all the lost jobs, programs, and opportunities that you and your students depend on.

You’ll also see side-by-side comparisons of Doug Mastriano and PSEA’s recommended candidate Josh Shapiro, so you can see for yourself why this election may be the most important in your lifetime as an educator.

We know you’re being inundated with politics lately, but we think it’s critically important that you head to the ballot box armed with the facts about these candidates who have so much direct power over the issues that affect you every day. We urge you to take a close look at what’s in this issue of Voice. In the meantime, you can check out the link below to learn more.

Many registered Republicans, like Allyson Morcom, above, understand how bad Doug Mastriano would be for as public schools as governor. That’s why she, as well as the vast majority of her fellow educators and support professionals, will vote for Josh Shapiro in November.

Unlike Doug Mastriano, Josh Shapiro has promised to:

• Increase educator salaries
• Work to solve the educator and support professional shortage
• Protect collective bargaining rights
• Reduce standardized testing
• Protect members’ pensions

If these sound like qualities you want in the next governor of Pennsylvania, your choice of which candidate to vote for in November couldn’t be easier. Learn more at the link below about why PSEA recommends Josh Shapiro for governor.

Reminder that if you owe student loan debt, you’ll want to take advantage of the U.S. Department of Education’s limited waiver. The waiver, which is offered through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, allows borrowers to receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for PSLF. 

The opportunity ends on Oct. 31, 2022, so you’ll want to act fast.

To check your eligibility and take advantage of this program, you must:

1. Visit https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/pslf-limited-waiver
2. Follow the steps to see if you qualify
3. Apply by Oct. 31, 2022

Find out more about the PSLF program at www.nea.org/student-debt-support

PEARL

Earn Act 48 credits, Chapter 14 verification, or postgraduate credits on PEARL, PSEA’s member exclusive online learning system with more than 95 courses and counting.

Here are just a few of the courses you have access to:

• Phenomena-Centered Science in Your (Virtual) Classroom
• Can you Hear Us Now? Using Podcasts to Teach and Entertain
• Seesaw Basics-Advanced

Webinars

• SLO’s 2.0: Student Performance Measures
  • Sept. 22, 5:30-7 p.m.
• Danielson Revised: Observation & Practice Under Act 13
  • Sept. 27, 5:30-7 p.m.
• Effective Classroom Management: Current Research & Best Practices for Today’s Teacher
  • Oct. 4, 5:30-7 p.m.

Book Discussions

• Gender Queer: A Memoir
  • Oct. 25, 6-7 p.m.
• Improve Every Lesson Plan with SEL
  • Nov. 3, 6-7 p.m.
• Poison for Breakfast
  
  • Nov. 15, 6-7 p.m.

Member Well-being

• Mindful Mondays
  • Sept. 19, 4:45 p.m.
• Mindful Mondays
  • Oct. 17, 4:45 p.m.
• Mindful Mondays
  • Nov. 14, 4:45 p.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 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.)