The Source is an e-newsletter for Student PSEA members that focuses on current issues, provides quick updates, and spotlights activities and events happening around the commonwealth.

In 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

NEA AE Micro-credentials: NEA provides 16 micro-credential courses to aspiring educators that help you develop the skills and understanding you need in your first steps to becoming a classroom teacher. Here's a list of their current offerings: 

• Aspiring Educator
• Adult SEL
• Assessment in LIteracy
• Bully Free Schools
• Classroom Management
  DECC
• Elevating Profession thru Educator Ethics
• EL- switch to ML
• Exceptional Learners
• Native Education
• Restorative Practices
• Supporting LGBTQ
• Techonology Integration
• Trauma Informed
• Using your voice to advocate student success

PEARL: PSEA’s online learning hub with over 95 courses and counting.

NSTOY-PA TEACH Program

The A.P.E.X (Achieving Professional Excellence) program is designed to encourage chapters to participate in a variety of projects, which fall under five main categories: 

• Community service
• Leadership and membership development
• Political action and advocacy 
• Professional development
• General organization and quality

A.P.E.X is documentation of goals achieved and activities conducted by Student PSEA chapters. Recognition and awards are presented at the annual state conference. 

2024-25 A.P.E.X Winners

1st Place: University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg

2nd Place: Shippensburg University

3rd Place: PennWest University-Edinboro

Lucy A. Valero Scholarship

The Lucy A. Valero Scholarship Fund, administered by PSEA, provides scholarships to outstanding Pennsylvania college and university students who are enrolled in accredited teacher preparation programs.

The fund also provides a scholarship to a high school student who is a member of the Future Educators Association.

Only completed applications postmarked no later than January 31, 2026 will be considered.

NEA Aspiring Educators CREATE Grants

Student PSEA members and chapters are eligible to apply for CREATE grants.  These grants of up to $2000 should strengthen NEA's Aspiring Educators Program and build stronger partnerships.  Grants should also have a primary focus in one of the areas aligned with AE Core Values: educator quality, community engagement, political action, and social justice.

NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Scholarship

The NEA-Retired Jack Kinnaman Memorial Scholarship was created in memory of Jack Kinnaman, vice president and former advisory council member of NEA-Retired. In addition, Jack represented NEA-Retired on The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education, and in numerous active and retired local, state, and national association positions. He is most fondly remembered as supporting reading among younger students. Jack cared about students, especially those who were financially impacted and needed a helping hand, and it is his family's wish that the scholarships created in Jack’s honor go to such students. Five scholarships of $3,500.00 will be awarded, and only students who have been a member of the NEA Aspiring Educators Program for at least one (1) year are eligible to apply. 2026 scholarship flyer. 

Summer Hiil Scholarship Application

The Summer Hill Legacy Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship to the dependent of a member in good standing of PSEA who works for or retired from a school district located in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Juniata, Franklin, Fulton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, or York county. The eligible applicant must be a current college student enrolled in  an approved undergraduate program of teacher education in an accredited institution of higher education in Pennsylvania.

2026-27 Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program

The Pennsylvania General Assembly established the Grow PA Grant Program to help build the workforce in PA. The program meets our state’s workforce needs while also providing career training and higher education opportunities without students having to take on as much debt. The grants will again be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply for a grant. 

Student PSEA offers various awards for chapters, faculty advisors, members, and leaders. 

Outstanding Chapter Event Award: Nomination Form

The Student PSEA Organization Outstanding Chapter Event Award recognizes chapters that have achieved excellence through an event that created involvement for their chapter members and/or their community members.

Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award: Nomination Form

The Student PSEA Organization Outstanding Chapter Faculty Adviser Recognizes individuals for dedication and service to the PSEA Student Program at the chapter level.

Outstanding Servant Leader Award: Nomination Form

The Student PSEA Organization Outstanding Servant Leader Award recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence throughout the year by providing leadership at the region or chapter level.

Emerging Chapter Award: Nomination Form

The Student PSEA Emerging Chapter Award highlights the work of emerging chapters (local chapters within the first two years of establishment or local chapters “re-emerging” from a period of extended dormancy), and how they engage their members in practicing the Student PSEA core values. 

Exceptional Underclassman Award: Nomination Form

The Student PSEA Organization Exceptional Underclassmen Award recognizes freshmen or sophomores who have achieved excellence throughout the year by providing leadership at the region or chapter level.

Exceptional Chapter Engagement with New Media Award: Nomination Form

The Student PSEA Organization Exceptional Chapter Engagement with New Media award recognizes chapters that have used new media (e.g., social media) to communicate the core pillars of Student PSEA with the members and prospective members of the chapter.

Show off your Student PSEA pride with T-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, gradutation sashes, and other PSEA branded merchandise.

Order these items through the PSEAWear online store and have them delivered directly to your home by clicking the green button above.