Below is a summary of key state and national education developments. We will continue to monitor these issues and provide updates as needed.
In this issue:
- Improving School Health Services (HB 2285)
- Exploring Alternatives to Keystone Exams (HB 1752)
- PA Expands Pipeline for Special Education Teachers
- Uncertain Student Loan Limits Raise Concerns for Educators
- PA Teacher Morale Ranks Last—But Efforts Aim to Turn the Tide
- Celebrating 250 Years: Student Art Contest
Improving School Health Services (HB 2285)
The PA House Education Committee approved HB 2285 to address growing student health needs and school nurse shortages. The bill increases state reimbursement for school health services and lowers the required nurse-to-student ratio from 1:1,500 to 1:750. It also ensures that every school building has access to a certified school nurse.
Exploring Alternatives to Keystone Exams (HB 1752)
The PA House Education Committee also advanced HB 1752, which would require a state study on alternatives to Keystone Exams. The Pennsylvania Department of Education would evaluate whether exams like the SAT or ACT could replace Keystone Exams, including their alignment to state standards, accessibility for all students, and compliance with federal requirements. The bill requires a report within one year and does not immediately change current testing requirements.
PA Expands Pipeline for Special Education Teachers
The Shapiro Administration recently awarded close to $1 million in grants to 11 colleges and universities to grow a fast-track certification program for special education teachers. Designed for paraprofessionals and other school employees, the program makes it possible to earn certification in about 18 months without leaving their current jobs. Since its start in 2023, more than 450 educators have been trained through the initiative, with roughly 175 more expected to complete the program through this latest investment. The effort is part of a broader statewide strategy to combat teacher shortages, especially in special education, and is complemented by initiatives such as stipends for student teachers, apprenticeship opportunities, quicker certification processing, and additional pathways into the profession, all focused on strengthening Pennsylvania’s teacher workforce and ensuring students have access to qualified educators.
Uncertain Loan Limits Raise Concerns for Educators
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July 2025, places new limits on federal borrowing for graduate students, though key details affecting education degrees are still being finalized. Under a proposed rule, education programs would not be classified as “professional” degrees, meaning graduate students in education could face lower loan limits than those in fields like law or medicine. If adopted, this could make it harder to finance master’s and doctoral programs required for school leadership roles and for teachers seeking salary advancement through additional degrees. While many Pennsylvania districts offer tuition reimbursement, it varies widely and often covers only part of the cost, meaning reduced loan access could increase out-of-pocket expenses and create new barriers for current and future educators.
PA Teacher Morale Ranks Last—But Efforts Aim to Turn the Tide
According to a recent Education Week survey, Pennsylvania ranks last in the nation for teacher morale, reflecting broader challenges facing educators across the state. Using a Teacher Morale Index ranging from -100 to +100, Pennsylvania scored just 1, well below the national average of 13 and down from last year’s average of 18. While no state reported negative morale, Pennsylvania came closest, with only Ohio and New Jersey slightly higher at 5, highlighting ongoing concerns about educator job satisfaction across the Commonwealth.
Data points to several key factors driving low morale, including limited planning time, student discipline issues, large class sizes, and increasing job-related stress, along with concerns about public perception and lack of support. In Pennsylvania, these challenges are compounded by ongoing teacher shortages, which can increase workloads and strain school systems. Notably, the Keystone Teachers Association recent member survey responses closely mirror these findings, reinforcing that educators across the Commonwealth are feeling overextended, undervalued, and uncertain about long-term career plans. It is hoped that Pennsylvania’s increased investment in addressing teacher shortages, particularly efforts to expand the pipeline of special education teachers, will help ease these pressures over time and contribute to improving overall educator morale.
Celebrating 250 Years: Student Art Contest
The Keystone Teachers Association (KEYTA) is excited to announce the launch of our art contest celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. We invite students of KEYTA members to showcase their creativity in honor of this historic milestone.
The contest is open to students of all grade levels and can be incorporated into any classroom—it is not limited to art classes.
Awards will be presented in four grade categories:
- Kindergarten–3rd Grade
- 4th–5th Grade
- 6th–8th Grade
- 9th–12th Grade
Members may submit student entries online through April 30. Art contest details can be found here: https://keyta.org/2026-
