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
- In memory of Matthew Miller
- Gov. Shapiro proposes increase in student teacher stipend funding
- Book your 2026 Student PSEA Conference and Convention hotel reservation by Feb. 25
- 2026 Student PSEA Awards nominations are OPEN!
- ICYMI: PSEA recommends Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Davis for reelction
- PSEA’s Keystone to Democracy is our antidote to Project 2025
- Scholarship and grant opportunities
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In memory of Matthew Miller
Matthew Miller, a Student PSEA member and senior at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 11. Matthew was very active in Student PSEA, regularly attending events and serving on the chapter's executive board. Matthew is remembered for his kindness, dedication to becoming a future educator, and ability to make every Student PSEA member feel valued and like they belonged. Read more about Matthew here. |
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Gov. Shapiro proposes increase in student teacher stipend funding
Student teacher stipends have been life-changing for aspiring educators. Pennsylvania’s Student Teacher Support Program provides $10,000 stipends to aspiring educators to help them pay their bills while they complete their 12-week student teaching assignment.
About 3,500 student teachers applied for a stipend for FY 2025-26. The current $30 million investment in the program was only enough to provide a stipend to about 2,100 student teachers.
Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a $5 million increase in funding for the Student Teacher Support Program in the FY 2026-27 budget proposal he unveiled on Feb. 3. Total funding for FY 2026-27 would be $35 million under the governor’s proposal.
PSEA’s long-term goal is to ensure the Student Teacher Support Program is fully funded so every eligible student teacher receives a stipend for the work they do.
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Book your 2026 Student PSEA Conference and Convention hotel reservation by Feb. 25
The 2026 Student PSEA Conference and Convention is next month! Join us in State College for a career fair and professional development sessions, the Achieving Professional Excellence (APEX) showcase and Interactive Learning Project (ILP) competition, 2026-27 state and region officer elections, and networking opportunities with fellow aspiring and current educators, including the 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year Madeline Loring.
Registration is FREE for all Student PSEA members. Space is limited, so do not wait to register. Registration includes materials, a conference T-shirt, and meals. Conference attire for both days is business and business casual.
Hotel Accommodations at the Penn Stater Hotel
Each attendee is responsible for arranging their own hotel accommodations by Wednesday, Feb. 25 to receive the discounted PSEA rate. Do not delay booking a room. All unreserved rooms will be released to the public for sale on Thursday, Feb. 26.
To make reservations online:1. Go to www.thepennstaterhotel.com and select the Book Now tab at the top of the page. 2. Choose your arrival and departure dates. 3. Select the Special Code tab, select Group Attendee Code, and enter the group block code PSEA26A. 5. Choose your desired room type and complete the reservation. To make reservations by phone:Call (814) 863-5000 to request a room block for the PSEA 2026 Student Conference and Convention referencing code PSEA26A.
Questions about the 2026 Student PSEA Conference and Convention should be directed to students@psea.org.
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2026 Student PSEA Awards nominations are OPEN!
Do you know an outstanding Student PSEA member, chapter, or faculty advisor? Recognize their efforts by nominating them for a 2026 Student PSEA award! These awards highlight and recognize those who go above and beyond for our association. 2026 Student PSEA 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.
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ICYMI: PSEA recommends Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Davis for reelction
Photo provided by Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania.
Every election matters, and 2026 is a BIG election year in Pennsylvania.
PSEA recently announced its recommendations of Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis for reelection in 2026. The recommendations were made by PSEA’s Political Action Committee for Education (PSEA-PACE) and approved by PSEA’s Board of Directors.
“PSEA is proud to recommend Gov. Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Davis in the 2026 election. We need their leadership to continue progress toward achieving adequacy in school funding, addressing our students’ nutrition and mental health needs, and building a stronger teacher pipeline in Pennsylvania.” - PSEA President Aaron Chapin
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PSEA’s Keystone to Democracy is our antidote to Project 2025
We are not in this alone. As PSEA members, we have each other’s backs. The Keystone to Democracy project is how we will provide facts about Project 2025 and learn how we can protect our schools, our students, and our members.
Click the thumbnail above to watch a video ad we’re running all across the commonwealth to raise awareness.
Click the button below to learn more about Keystone to Democracy.
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Scholarship and grant opportunities
The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program, funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA), helps Pennsylvania’s students pay for college while building the future workforce of Pennsylvania. Grants provide up to $5,000 per year for up to four years. Funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications must be submitted on or by Wednesday, April 15. Learn more and apply.
The NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Scholarship was created in memory of Jack Kinnaman, vice president and former advisory council member of NEA-Retired. Every year, five scholarships of $3,500 are awarded to aspiring educators who have been a member of the NEA Aspiring Educators Program for at least one year are eligible to apply. Applications must be submitted on or by Wednesday, April 15. The NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Scholarship Committee selects the winners, who are announced at the NEA-Retired Annual Meeting. Learn more and apply.
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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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