Pennsylvania State Education Association

Week of 7-28-2025

Inside this issue

• PSEA’s guide to AI in the classroom
• Guide to the November judicial elections
• PSEA job opportunity: Administrative Assistant – Governance and Executive Offices
• PEARL & Center for Professional Learning – summer series
• Member Benefits spotlight: AmeriServ mortgage and home equity loans

No doubt, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) is top of mind for you and your colleagues right now. The pace of the AI revolution is head-spinning and can feel overwhelming at times. But PSEA, specifically our AI Task Force, is working hard to keep on top of this constantly evolving technological revolution.

Check out our web page on AI at the link below, where you’ll find lots of useful resources specific to educators. Bookmark this page, as we’ll be making updates as needed to help you stay informed and, hopefully, one step ahead of your students.

We have critical judicial elections coming up in November that will have a direct impact on everything from education funding to redistricting. Below are PSEA-PACE's recommendations for pro-public education judicial candidates. Keep these names and races in mind when filling out your General Election ballots:

Recommended PA Supreme Court candidates for retention:

• Christine Donohue
  
  
• Kevin Dougherty
  
  
• David Wecht

Recommended PA state court candidates for retention:

• Alice Deubow for PA Superior Court

• Michael Wojcik for PA Commonwealth Court
  
  

Recommended PA state court candidates for election:

• Brandon Neuman for PA Superior Court
• Stella Tsai for PA Commonwealth Court
  
  

Your vote keeps experienced, fair-minded judges on the bench and ensures we elect those who vow to protect public education and the communities that rely on it.

PSEA is seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented confidential Administrative Assistant to support the Governance and Executive Offices at our headquarters in Harrisburg. This full-time, in-person role provides administrative support to both PSEA staff and member leaders and involves a wide range of responsibilities, including professional communication, coordinating meeting logistics, maintaining accurate records, and compiling complex PDF documents.

Ideal candidates will have at least three years of administrative or secretarial experience – preferably supporting executives, boards, or governance bodies – a high school diploma or equivalent (post-secondary training preferred), and strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, SharePoint). Experience in union, association, or education-related settings is a plus, along with strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to work professionally with a wide range of people.

To view the full job posting and description, visit www.psea.org/jobs.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@psea.org by Aug. 13.

PSEA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and actively seeks diverse applicants and those committed to working with a broad range of people.

PEARL

Visit the new, improved PEARL today and choose from more than 95 asynchronous courses available for Act 48 credit and Chapter 14 verification.

You can find multiple courses that interest you in any of these tracks: 

• Book Studies
• Educational Equity
• Pedagogy
• Policy
• Pupil Services
• Special Populations
• Technology in Education
• SEL & Wellness

Webinars

• AI in Education Today: Moving Forward After All the Hype Settles
  • Aug. 5, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Cracking the IEP Code: Empowering Regular Ed Teachers for Student Success!
  • Aug. 12, 7-8:30 p.m.
• Tools, Strategies, and Resources to Help New and Early Career Educators Prepare for the Start of the New School Year
  • Aug. 13, 7-8:30 p.m.

Book Discussions

• The Body Keeps the Score
  • Aug. 7, 10-11:30 a.m.

Postgraduate Credits

Earn postgraduate credits from PennWest University for $70 each!

More than 150 postgraduate credits are available across a wide range of teaching and learning topics.

These postgraduate credits (micro-credentials) can count toward the 24 credits required for a Level II certificate and also may count toward salary advancement.*

For support professionals, these courses may meet Chapter 14 requirements.**

*Check your contract to determine if you can apply standalone postgraduate credits for column movement.
**Seek approval from your employer prior to completing hours to apply toward Chapter 14 requirements.

Looking to buy a house?

Now is a great time to start looking for the home of your dreams, whether it be a starter, vacation, or your next home. Enjoy these PSEA exclusive mortgage benefits with our preferred partner, AmeriServ Bank:

• Market leading rates
• No origination fee (savings of $695)
• One FREE rate re-lock opportunity ($400 value)
• $250 credit on interest rate buy-down options.

Already own a home? Take advantage of your home’s equity.

AmeriServ offers a home equity product called Loan in a Line. Use it as a home equity credit line while also having the capability to take out fixed-rate term loans at the same time. Enjoy the flexibility this product offers for home improvements, debt consolidation, tuition, vacations, or simply to have the peace of mind to know it’s there when you need it. Your benefits include market leading rates, along with waiving annual and other fees. 

Many members took advantage of historic low mortgage rates a few years ago. Now is a great time to establish a home equity loan and obtain low fixed-rate options. These products and benefits are available to PSEA members and their families (parents, children, and siblings). 

To learn more and to view current rates visit us at:

www.ameriserv.com/psea