Pennsylvania State Education Association

Book bans are at an all-time high in the United States and the list of challenged titles continues to grow. This #BannedBooksWeek [Oct. 5-11] and #LetFreedomReadDay [Oct. 11], you can help defend books from censorship. Learn more: https://bannedbooksweek.org/let-freedom-read-day/

Join PSEA and NEA by celebrating #HispanicHeritageMonth in your classroom with Read Across America!📚 These picks honor Hispanic and Latino cultures, uplift diverse voices, and invite students of all backgrounds to learn and celebrate together. Learn more: https://bit.ly/41Y6rJV

Spooky season is officially underway, and one Pennsylvania educator who owns Bellefonte’s Union Cemetery gatehouse, a centuries-old property bordering the cemetery, was recently featured on HGTV's “Scariest House in America.” https://bit.ly/4pub9ce

October is recognized as #NationalHigherEducationMonth. PSEA is proud to celebrate and represent over 1,400 higher education faculty and staff across Pennsylvania. 🎓

Voting & Election Information Voting & Election Information

The #MunicipalElection is right around the corner. Make sure these important election dates are on your calendar. 🗳️

Oct. 20: Last day to register to vote.
Oct. 28: Last day to apply for a mail-in ballot.
Nov. 4: Election day!

For more info: www.vote.pa.gov.

What's it like having a literal zoo in your classroom? 🐢🦜🕷️ Teacher and Zoo in the Classroom founder Chelsea Geist joins a recent #DutyFreeLunch podcast episode to share how she started this program and the impact on students. Listen: www.psea.org/podcast

Pennsylvania school districts miss payment from state, budget impasse continues (WHTM)– Pennsylvania school districts have missed another payment from the state as the budget impasse continues. According to the Pennsylvania State Education Association, financial pressure...

“School districts across Pennsylvania are feeling dramatic financial pressures because of the state’s failure to pass a budget. Without a budget agreement, more public schools are going to have to make tough decisions..." https://bit.ly/4niGnSb

Sept. 25 marks the 87th day of FY 2025-26 without a state budget, and our public schools have missed out on $3.76B in expected state payments. The typical school district in Pa. keeps enough money in reserve to afford 87 days of expenditures. Learn more: www.psea.org/budget.

Elementary staff hold McDonald's fundraiser EDWARDSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) -- Teachers from one local elementary school traded in their lesson plans for fast food orders. State Street Elementary staff members stepped behind the coun...

"State Street Elementary staff members stepped behind the counter at McDonald’s in Edwardsville to help raise money for their students.... This fundraiser is for student activities, including the school store, rewards, and events throughout the year." https://bit.ly/3KEsU8J

Local schools among Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School winners (WHTM) -- The Shapiro Administration congratulated 13 schools, including multiple local ones, that have been selected as Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Schools in 2025. The U.S. Department of Education (U...

"The Shapiro administration congratulated 13 schools, including multiple local ones, that have been selected as Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon Schools in 2025." https://www.abc27.com/news/top-stories/local-schools-among-pennsylvania-blue-ribbon-school-winners/

State lawmaker introduces legislation that would require mental health programs in school districts Mental health has become a top priority at Woodland Hills School District, as educators and lawmakers push for stronger support systems following the COVID-19 pandemic.

"By including trauma in a student’s health record, educators and support staff would be better equipped to provide timely interventions and prioritize services throughout a student’s time in the public school system."
https://bit.ly/3VvZNXC

Pa. among top 20 best states for teachers, report finds Pennsylvania is purportedly one of the top 20 best states for teachers in the country.

"Conducted and published by WalletHub, the Keystone State ranked as the 16th overall best for teachers in the country. Pennsylvania also ranked fifth overall when it came to states with the best teacher salaries." https://bit.ly/3IC1gsr

"When I talk about PSEA, I’m talking about our members. Because we are the union. And what we do, together as a union, is quite simple. We advocate for strong public schools. We speak out for the students we teach and care about." #PAPressClub

Report: Pennsylvania math, reading scores rank among nation’s best Pennsylvania students continue to excel in reading and math, according to the latest “Public Education by the Numbers” report. It offers a comprehensive look at school funding, enrollment, educator pa...

"Fourth-grade reading, only four states had statistically significant higher scores than Pennsylvania. In fourth grade math, only three states had statistically significant higher scores than Pennsylvania. We're doing all right compared to the nation." https://bit.ly/46GEpFn

Today, Sept. 22 at 12:30 p.m. 📺

PSEA President Aaron Chapin will address the Pennsylvania Press Club luncheon in Harrisburg. Watch the livestream at pcntv.com/schedule/?d=0.

Local school districts give students hands-on teaching experience through new program Leaders at Keystone Oaks and the Hempfield school districts implemented new programs in the last year to help address the national teacher shortage.

"To help address this, leaders at Keystone Oaks and the Hempfield school districts implemented new programs in the last year to help address the national teacher shortage." https://bit.ly/3K2KMdt

Sept. is #SuicidePreventionMonth, a time spread hope and start conversations about the importance of #mentalhealth. Educators play an essential role in keeping students safe. Learn how we can play a role in addressing students' mental health: https://bit.ly/3VeJ3nK.

ICYMI... season three of PSEA's "Duty Free Lunch" podcast launched! In this episode, the PSEA officers and Executive Director discuss PSEA happenings, the current state of our politics, and what's in store for the 2025-26 membership year.

🎧 Listen: www.psea.org/podcast

Parents praise South Williamsport’s ‘Ready, Set, School’ program A light agenda was on tap for the South Williamsport Area School district at its recent monthly meeting. At the outset of the meeting, Superintendent Dr. Eric Briggs highlighted the district’s Ready, ...

"Superintendent Dr. Eric Briggs highlighted the district’s Ready, Set, School program, which seeks to help specific K-5 students make an easy transition back into the routine prior to the start of the school year." https://bit.ly/4miKBrH

Sept. 17 is recognized as #ConstitutionDay to commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787. The Center of Civic Education offers K-12 educators educational resources about the history and impact of our nation's founding document at https://bit.ly/41Uh6VS.

Voting & Election Information Voting & Election Information

Are you #VoteReady for Pennsylvania's Nov. 4 Municipal Election? 🗳 Check your voter registration status and more at www.pa.gov/agencies/vote. #NationalVoterRegistrationDay

Happy #HispanicHeritageMonth! This month, and all year round, PSEA proudly celebrates the diverse history, voices, and cultures of Hispanic communities and recognize their contributions to our society.

"PSEA gives me a voice." 🗣️

PSEA members have a strong voice to speak out for our public schools, our students, and our professions. Together, we advocate for issues that directly affect public education in Pennsylvania. Learn more about what it means to belong at www.psea.org/whybelong.

"The Pennsylvania State Education Association, or PSEA, has released a report on teacher pay, student performance, and school funding. It found teachers’ salaries have not increased at the same rate of inflation over the last 30 years."

Watch: muckrack.com/broadcast/sa...

Today we remember the lives lost on 9/11 and honor the brave first responders who showed extraordinary courage. As educators, we reflect, we remember, and we teach the next generation about resilience and unity.

Take a look! www.psea.org/fundamentalfacts

Thank you for bringing this to our attention!

PSEA compiled a comprehensive report to highlight key facts and data on Pennsylvania's public schools, educator and support staff compensation, school district staffing, funding, and enrollment, and student performance. Take a look at our findings at www.psea.org/fundamentalfacts.📊

Self Awareness Skill Development for Educator Well-Being · NEA ESP Quality Participants will explore practical strategies for recognizing emotions, identifying stress triggers, and aligning actions with values. Through guided reflection, mindfulness techniques, and discussion, educators will gain tools to manage stress, improv...

Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone. Join us on September 18 at 7:00 p.m. ET for a free webinar designed to help ESPs and all educators manage stress, improve relationships, and enhance their overall sense of balance and fulfillment in the education profession. ✍🏻 Register today!