Welcome to "The Source," an e-newsletter exclusively for Student PSEA members. In each issue, you'll receive the latest updates from your association, advice from veteran educators, professional development offerings, and more to support you as an aspiring educator.
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Inside this issue
- IMPORTANT: 2026-27 student teacher stipend applications
- PSEA opposes USDOE’s plan to reduce educator graduate student loan limits
- Student teacher stipend advocacy opportunity
- Join us! Outreach to Teach and Summer Leadership Conference
- Student PSEA and NEA award opportunities
- PSEA is hiring Summer Supplemental Help
- Participate in a school cellphone policy survey
We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 Student PSEA Conference and Convention in State College!
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IMPORTANT: 2026-27 student teacher stipend applications
Will you be a student teacher in the fall 2026 or spring 2027 semester? Mark your calendars! Applications for the Pennsylvania Student Teacher Support Program open on Thursday, April 16. Do not miss this life-changing opportunity to receive $10,000. Stipends are first come, first served. To maximize your chances of receiving a stipend for the 2026-27 school year, you SHOULD apply for a stipend as soon as applications open.
PSEA will be sending you important information about the student teacher stipend application process, so keep an eye on your email. In the meantime, you can visit PHEAA’s website to learn more.
Join PSEA for a student teacher stipend webinar! Student PSEA members who will be student teaching in the 2026-27 school year are invited to attend a webinar on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. to learn how to prepare for submitting a student teacher application. It is important to make yourself fully informed and ready to submit your application on Thursday, April 16. Stay tuned for more details.
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PSEA opposes USDOE’s plan to reduce educator graduate student loan limits
In March, PSEA submitted official comments to the U.S. Department of Education strongly opposing the department’s plan to exclude advanced education degrees from the highest graduate-level student loan limits. In our comment, PSEA made it clear that the department’s proposed rulemaking is illegal, unfair, and an impediment to encouraging highly qualified educators to stay in the profession.
The U.S. Department of Education’s plan would limit graduate students in education programs to $20,500 in annual federal student loans and up to $100,000 in aggregate, while allowing law school, medical school, and other “professional” graduate students to borrow at higher levels to pursue advanced degrees.
“We can't stand for this, and we won't,” said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. “PSEA is doing everything we can to stop it.”
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Student teacher stipend advocacy opportunity
Did you receive a student teacher stipend? Are you social media savvy?
PSEA is looking for Student PSEA members who have received a student teacher stipend to participate in a social media advocacy campaign this spring. Participants will share their real, personal stories about how the student teacher stipend has impacted their student teaching experience by creating and posting photo and video content on their personal social media accounts.
By sharing your story, you will help raise awareness about the real challenges student teachers face and advocate for continued financial support for Pennsylvania's aspiring educators.
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Join us! Outreach to Teach and Summer Leadership Conference
Outreach to Teach - April 18, 2026
Help make a positive impact in a Pennsylvania public school! We are seeking volunteers for the Student PSEA 2026 Outreach to Teach community service project at Stonehurst Hills Elementary School in the Upper Darby School District. All available Student PSEA members are encouraged to attend. Click here to register for Outreach to Teach. We hope to see you there!
2026 Summer Leadership Conference - July 19-23, 2026
Join future and early career educators for the PSEA Summer Leadership Conference New and Early Career Educators School at Gettysburg College. You will:
- Learn strategies to engage students with effective classroom instruction, how to support all learners, and how to navigate emerging issues in educational practice and policy,
- Learn information about financial planning, tenure, certification, contracts, and the benefits of PSEA membership,
- Network with other educators, including prior Pennsylvania Teachers of the Year and National Board Certified Teachers, and
- Engage in social activities with other PSEA members.
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Student PSEA and NEA award opportunities
Do you know an outstanding Student PSEA member, chapter, or faculty advisor? Recognize their efforts by nominating them for a 2026 Student PSEA award or 2026 NEA Aspiring Educator award!
2026 Student PSEA Awards
The Student PSEA awards highlight and recognize those who go above and beyond for our association. 2026 award recipients will be announced at the 2026 Student PSEA Conference and Convention in State College. Nominations must be submitted on or by Monday, March 23.
2026 NEA Aspiring Educator Awards - Nominations opening soon!
The NEA Aspiring Educator awards recognize a member, chapter, or state affiliate aspiring educator program. Please visit the NEA award webpage to view every award category and to submit a nomination. The nomination window will open by Tuesday, March 31, so stay tuned. Award winners will be announced at the NEA Aspiring Educators Conference this summer in Denver, Colorado. |
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PSEA is hiring Summer Supplemental Help
PSEA is hiring one college student as Summer Supplemental Help to work approximately three to four days a week (approximately 25-30 hours) at PSEA’s headquarters office in Harrisburg.
The position will be performing a variety of jobs at PSEA, providing clerical support (data entry and scanning) and assistance on special projects. Some assignments will involve extensive scanning of PDF documents, records, and/or binders. Applicants should be proficient with Microsoft Word and Excel. A strong attention to detail is required. The ability to manage time effectively and work independently is essential.
Compensation for this position is $18 per hour. PSEA will provide parking for the successful candidate. Interested college students must send a letter of interest and resume to jobs@psea.org by Monday, April 6.
PSEA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. PSEA actively seeks diverse candidates and those with the ability to work on a diverse team with a diverse range of people.
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Participate in a school cellphone policy survey
Phones in Focus, a national research study led by University of Pennsylvania Professor Angela Duckworth and other researchers, is surveying educators to inform and improve school cellphone policies and their implementation. The 5-minute survey is strictly confidential and is limited to educators in K-12 public schools across the United States. This survey will remain open through Wednesday, July 1. After completing the survey, participants will receive an instant, real-time snapshot of cellphone policies across the country and will be entered into a giveaway for a chance to win a $500 gift card to Target, Walmart, Amazon, or VISA.
Participation primarily benefits research. Please note there is no guarantee that you will directly benefit from participating.
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Connect with Student PSEA on social media
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The Source provides you with pertinent information, interesting features, and valuable resources on your journey as a Student PSEA member.
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400 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
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This message is intended for PSEA Members and their families.
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