News

Shifting Your Perspective Can Reduce Classroom Stress 5/14/2013 1:29:00 PM   By: Carol Yeagy When in the midst of a challenging situation, emotions can run high. That is why it is very important to take pause before speaking or reacting out of fear, anger or frustration. Refocusing your thoughts while in a stressful situation may give you […]

The State of PA’s Teacher Pension System 3/20/2013 1:36:00 PM   By Gail Brubaker             It was an early morning interview with Mr. Clay, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania State Education Retirement System. I really wanted to know what he was going to say about the issue of teacher pensions. On my way to meet Mr.

Union Notifies Teachers of Forced Fee Amount 12/17/2012 10:40:00 AM   Non-union educators in union shop school districts will soon receive notice from the Pennsylvania State Education Association and the National Education Association that their forced dues payments will soon begin. Here in Pennsylvania, non-union educators in union-shop school districts will have to pay approximately

KEYTA Foundation Supporting Pennsylvania Educators 12/4/2012 11:18:00 AM   The Keystone Teachers Association has recently established the Mid-Atlantic Professional Educators Foundation. This foundation was established to enhance our support of classroom teachers. MAPEF’s current mission is aimed at supporting professional educators and the advancement of students through classroom mini-grants and new classroom start-up grants. MAPEF

PA Receives $6.5 Million Special Education Grant 12/4/2012 10:47:00 AM   The PA Department of Education recently reported their receipt of a $6.5 million federal grant earmarked for professional development to educators who provide special education instruction and services. According to the Department, the 5-year grant program will be utilized to provide educators and school

KEYTA Members Working to Educate Orphaned Malawi Children 11/26/2012 11:16:00 AM   Two years ago, KEYTA members embarked on a mission to assist in educating the orphaned children in the country of Malawi in South East Africa by submitting donations toward 2 very worthwhile goals. The first goal is contributing to the cost of a

Science Technology Legislation Introduced in the House 3/27/2009 11:32:00 AM Representative Mike Fleck, of central Pennsylvania, recently introduced House Bill 713, which would… Representative Mike Fleck, of central Pennsylvania, recently introduced House Bill 713, which would establish the Science Technology Partnership Program and the Science Education Innovation Grant Program. Under the partnership program, Pennsylvania colleges

President Obama Endorses Federal Merit Pay Plan 3/27/2009 3:02:04 PM Last Week President Barak Obama stressed his support for teacher compensation plans that would link… Last Week President Barak Obama stressed his support for teacher compensation plans that would link teacher pay to student achievement gains.  Beginning 2006, the US Department of Education has allocated

Is Your Pension Safe? 3/27/2009 3:11:00 PM During a recent State House Appropriations Committee meeting, representatives from the Public Schoo… During a recent State House Appropriations Committee meeting, representatives from the Public School Employees Retirement Systems (PSERS) reported that the fund lost $28 billion in 2008.  However, current retirees will not see a change in

Compromise Made on PA Graduation Tests 3/27/2009 3:06:44 PM Earlier this month, the State Board of Education, Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Scho… Earlier this month, the State Board of Education, Department of Education and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association came to a compromise regarding state mandated graduation tests.  Under the plan, beginning 2015