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.

2019 PSEA Gettysburg Summer Leadership Conference

There are FULL Scholarship opportunities to attend this conference, which takes place at Gettysburg College during the week of July 21-26. The Student PSEA track focuses on helping to prepare pre-service educators for the huge transition toward becoming a professional educator with professional learning sessions to help you become the best teacher you can be, plus sessions on other aspects of the profession such as salary schedules, contract bargaining, benefits, and much more!

During this week the campus is filled with PSEA members from various regions, divisions, departments, and colleges and universities. The focus of the conference is to allow PSEA members to grow in their profession by attending trainings in different focus areas created by PSEA. There is specific training provided for Student PSEA members that includes professional issues, technology, and servant leadership. After classes, student members have various opportunities to have fun and interface with other PSEA members in their regions and throughout the state. Applications are due by MAY 15! You must be 21 years old to attend. 

The 2019 Student PSEA Conference and Convention

Over 300 aspiring educators gathered in the Pocono Mountains at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center to learn, connect, and garner inspiration at the 2019 Student PSEA Conference & Convention. Attendees were energized by keynote speaker, 2018 PA Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Wahl, and learned from a multitude of education professionals in breakout sessions, including two other Pennsylvania teachers of the year, Michael Soskil (2017) and Marilyn Pryle (2019), as well as district administrators Dr. Vincent Citarelli and Anthony Gabriele from Garnet Valley School District, professors from U. of Pitt-Greensburg, Dr. Melissa Marks, and Dr. Michelle Amodei from Slippery Rock University as well as PSEA member Ms. Lauren Williams on “Mindfulness in the Classroom” and PSEA Board member Ms. Pamela Brown and NEA Aspiring Educator Program Chair Ms. Rachel Immerman on organizational leadership and a Student PSEA Alumni Panel. Included in the conference offerings were 15 professional development sessions where each attendee chose three that they wanted to attend.

In addition to gaining professional development knowledge, the Student PSEA members also made a difference for the kids and staff at Clear Run Elementary School, beautifying and improving the building as part of the “Outreach to Teach” school transformation service project. Over $5,000 in grants was procured and used to purchase supplies and other materials, as the buildings’ hallways, library, stairways, gym, auditorium, cafeteria, and more were painted and beautified in partnership with the Mt. Pocono EA leadership.  Food and toiletry donations were also received and donated to the Downtown Daily Bread’s “Food Plus” program.

Rounding out the conference over 75 elections were held, as regional and state elections were held, and over $2,000 was donated to PACE.  Additionally, over 30 nominations were received to attend the 2019 NEA AEC-RA, and the “Learning Centers, APEX, Underclassmen, Faculty Advisor, and Servant Leadership Awards were given to very worthy locals and members.  It was truly a wonderful event, and pictures are available on the SPSEA Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/StudentPSEA/

Awards

Outstanding Chapter Faculty Advisor: Amy Stoltzfus, West Chester University

The Student PSEA Outstanding Chapter Faculty Advisor Award recognizes individuals for dedication and service to the PSEA Student Program at the chapter level. The award was presented by Student PSEA State President Hannah Fiscus.

Outstanding Servant Leader: Dane Barhite, East Stroudsburg University

The Student PSEA Outstanding Servant Leader Award recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence throughout the year by providing leadership at the region or chapter levels. Barhite received the award from Student PSEA State President Hannah Fiscus.

Exceptional Underclassman: Lucas Ali, University of Pitt-Greensburg

The Student PSEA Exceptional Underclassman Award recognizes a freshman or sophomore who has achieved excellence throughout the year by providing leadership at the region or chapter levels.

The winners of the 2018-'19 Lucy Valero Scholarships for Student PSEA members are: (left-Right) Lindsey Bertin, Cal U; Amanda Johnson, Edinboro U.; Katie Latshaw, Millersville U.; Shannon Walker, PSU UP.

Interactive Learning Project: 1st Place - Edinboro University

APEX: The Achieving Professional Excellence Award for Chapter Excellence

3rd Place: Edinboro, 2nd Place: West Chester University,1st Place: University of Pitt at Greensburg

2019-'20 Student PSEA Executive Committee

President

Adam Stiner, Penn State University

Vice President

Cole Myers, Edinboro University

President-elect

Sabreena Shaller, Millersville University

Secretary

Jenna Achtzehn, Slippery Rock University

PSEA-PACE Chair

Laura Glawe, Slippery Rock University

2019-20 Student PSEA Executive Board

Central Region President

Madison Canfield, Mansfield University

Central-Western President

Emily Walsh, IUP

Eastern Region President

Hunter Beane, PSU Berks

Midwestern Region President

Stephanie Miller, Slippery Rock University

Northeastern Region President

Kayle Funk, East Stroudsburg University

Northwestern Region President

Jen Stevenson, Edinboro University

Southeastern Region President

Katie Flint, West Chester University

Southern Region President

Katie Latshaw, Millersville University

Southwestern Region President

Lucas Ali, University of Pitt-Greensburg

Western Region President

Dominic Deluca, Duquesne University

NEA Award Nominations

Submissions due for NEA Awards by May 15
Each year, the NEA recognizes the excellence of the student program during the annual Student Leadership Conference. Recognition is given in the following areas: Outstanding Local Advisor, Outstanding State Organizer, Outstanding Local Student Leader, Jeffrey "J.D." Miller Outstanding Underclassman, Outstanding State Student Leader, Local Excellence, State Excellence.

More information and forms can be found here.

All nominations, applications, and supporting documents must be submitted, postmarked, or received in the NEA Student Program office (1201 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036) on or before May 15. Nominations may be sent electronically to neasp@nea.org