PSEA - PA State Education Association

10/27/2026

What the shirts say. 👇

Election Day is NEXT TUESDAY, Nov. 3, and applications for a mail-in ballot are due TODAY, Oct. 27, by 5 p.m.

✉️: If you plan to vote by mail and haven’t already requested your ballot, do so before 5 p.m. at www.pavoterservices.pa.gov/OnlineAbsenteeApplication/ #/OnlineAbsenteeBegin. Once completed, drop off your mail-in ballot in person. Ballot drop off locations can be found at vote.pa/find/return.

🔗: Learn more information on the mail-in ballot process at www.psea.org/vote .

10/26/2026

On Monday, Oct. 26, PSEA's officers joined lawmakers and advocates in the Central Bucks School District as Gov. Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 1014, bipartisan legislation requiring all Pennsylvania schools to adopt “bell-to-bell” policies by the start of the 2027-28 school year that will restrict possession and prohibit student use of mobile devices during the school day.

"PSEA members are grateful for the governor’s strong support and for the bipartisan support this legislation has received in the General Assembly. This new law takes an essential step toward reducing distractions for students during class time and keeping lessons and teaching on track. We are confident that it will have a positive impact on student behavior, academic performance, and mental health." - PSEA President Aaron Chapin

🔗: www.psea.org/cellphonebillsigning

10/26/2026

"Here is how the legislation will work: No phone use will be allowed from the first bell in the morning to the bell at the end of the school day. However, there are certain medical and emergency exceptions.

School districts will decide exactly how to implement the legislation. After the legislation is signed later this morning, it will take effect next school year.

The legislation is expected to be signed at 11 a.m. on Monday in Bucks County, according to the Shapiro Administration."

(WHTM)– Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is expected to sign a bill today banning cell phones in Pennsylvania classrooms. The Pennsylvania House and Senate passed the bill with bipartisan s…

10/23/2026

"Our members are the points of contact for all the connected services that both the students and their parents rely on to make their college experience complete," said Rachel Shaffer, a leader with the State College and University Professional Association, also known as SCUPA (an affiliate of PSEA). "... When a student needs help with housing, meals, mental health support, tutoring, or financial aid issues, a SCUPA member is often their first point of contact."

10/23/2026

Each year, PSEA awards up to four $1,500 Innovative Teaching Grants that recognize members for their contributions to innovative instruction and the art of teaching. To be eligible, projects must be developed by classroom teachers, librarians, instructional teams, education support professionals, pupil personnel services or teacher association groups for elementary, secondary, and higher education. Student PSEA members are also eligible.

🔗: Apply at www.psea.org/ITG -ITG by 5 p.m. on Feb. 1, 2027. Winners will be invited to the May 2027 PSEA House of Delegates in Philadelphia to receive their awards.

📸: PSEA's ITG 2026 winners (from left) Amy Lightner, chair of PSEA’s Council on Instruction and Professional Development, Marla Martin, Rachel Nichols, Megan Hazelton, Amy Boltz, Candice Ottaviani, and Amanda McGee, vice chair of PSEA’s Council on Instruction and Professional Development.

10/22/2026

PSEA members are defending public education, one small step at a time. In our latest podcast episode, PSEA's Assistant Director of Government Relations Beth Zampogna joins members Shanna Danielson and Jason Stern to talk about PSEA's Education Defenders program and the small steps that make a big difference.

🔗: Sign up to become an Education Defender at www.psea.org/defender.
🎧: Listen to this episode at www.psea.org/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

10/21/2026

PSEA commends the PA Legislature for sending a bipartisan bill establishing a “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban in PA schools starting in 2027-28 to Gov. Shapiro for his signature.

“This bill takes an essential step toward reducing distractions for students during class time and keeping lessons and teaching on track. We are confident that this change to the school day will have a positive impact on student behavior, academic performance, and mental health." - PSEA President Aaron Chapin

10/21/2026

Our members joined PSEA to make sure their voices are heard in the workplace. Collective bargaining gives us that voice. That's why we hold the Collective Bargaining Conference and Treasurers Workshop every fall.

Over the weekend, local leaders gathered in Hershey to strengthen our union, sharpen their negotiation skills, and learn new ways to be effective bargainers so they can build stronger local associations and ensure our members have the fair contracts they deserve.

📸: Southeastern Region, Western Region, ESP Region, Lancaster City EA, North Hills EA

10/20/2026

"A ban on cell phones in Pennsylvania schools is one step closer to becoming law, after House lawmakers on Monday passed a bill that would require all schools to bar students from using phones throughout the school day.

The bill, which passed the Democratic-led House 141-62, now heads to the Republican-led Senate for final approval.

If the bill passes both chambers, it is expected to be signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro. The Democratic governor earlier this year urged lawmakers to send a bell-to-bell ban — prohibiting cell phones from the start of the school day to the end — to his desk.

Shapiro earlier this year called on lawmakers to pass a ban 'to get distractions out of the classroom and create a healthier environment in our schools.' The state’s largest teachers union, the Pennsylvania State Education Association, has also endorsed a cell phone ban."

The measure passed by the House would require all Pennsylvania schools to ban cell phones from the start of the school day to the end. Gov. Shapiro has voiced support for a ban.

10/19/2026

Happy National School Bus Safety Week! PSEA members, school administrators, and parents and guardians can help keep students safe as they travel to and from school by sharing these school bus safety tips. 👇🚌

🚦 Stand at least three giant steps away from the curb while waiting at the bus stop.
🚦 Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching.
🚦 Stop, look both ways, and walk at least 10 feet in front of the bus when crossing so​ the school bus driver can see.
🚦 Stay seated and keep the aisles clear while riding the bus.
🚦 Follow the driver’s directions and treat others with respect.