News

KEYTA Freezes Dues for the 2014-2015 School Year 4/1/2014 12:25:00 PM   The KEYTA Board of Directors has approved a dues freeze for the upcoming school year. At its meeting in March, the KEYTA Board determined that the Association’s commitment to maintaining an affordable option for educators warranted the freeze. The Board also understands the […]

KEYTA Launches New Membership Category 4/1/2014 12:24:00 PM   Beginning the 2014-2015 school year, the Keystone Teachers Association will be offering a new membership category for those educators who wish to be a part of the KEYTA community, but do not need our insurance benefits and legal assistance. For $20 annually, our new category will

Legislation Allows for Saturday School Days to Make Up for Weather Closings 3/28/2014 12:29:00 PM   The State Senate unanimously approved legislation that allows school entities to have the option of rescheduling instructional days on Saturday, but for not more than one Saturday per month, in efforts to make up instructional days lost from school

General Assembly Advancing Youth Suicide Professional Development Plan 3/24/2014 12:28:00 PM   Last month the Pennsylvania Senate amended and approved House Bill 1559, which would require school entities to develop a plan that includes four hours of training in youth suicide and awareness and prevention every five years for professional educators in school buildings serving

The Keystone Teachers Association Supports Paycheck Protection Legislation 3/5/2014 12:21:00 PM   Paycheck protection legislation, which would end the right of unions to have their dues deducted directly from employee paychecks is garnering increased attention in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. House Bill 1507 and Senate Bill 1034 allow government entities such as school districts and

Right-to-Work…What Does it Mean? 1/24/2014 10:51:00 AM   Right-to-work means that you have a right to work at an establishment without being forced to join or financially support the labor union. Pennsylvania is not a right-to-work state. Therefore, if a collective bargaining unit (or union) forges an “agency shop” (better known as union shop) agreement

Do School District Insurance Policies Protect Teachers? 1/10/2014 3:45:00 PM   We are often asked if school district insurance policies will cover a teacher should they ever find themselves in a difficult legal position. First of all, school district insurance policies are not secured for the coverage of teachers. They are in place to protect

Senate Bill 46 Would Abolish Hiding Teacher Misconduct 12/23/2013 10:46:00 AM   Legislation that would require prospective employers attain past employment files of teachers is gaining momentum in the PA General Assembly. Under the bill, Senate Bill 46, prospective employers (school districts) would be required to obtain from all past and present employers information regarding

Three House Bills Amend Teacher Furlough Law 12/12/2013 3:54:00 PM   Three pieces of legislation are gaining attention in the PA House of Representatives, House Bill’s 779, 1722, and 1735. While all three bills are slightly different, overall they each remove the requirement of seniority based teacher furloughs and replace this standard with teacher evaluation

Teachers Could Get PA Tax Break for Classroom Supplies They Purchase 11/29/2013 12:18:00 PM   Representative Wheatley has introduced and recently held a press conference on his proposal, House Bill 1619, the “Teacher Tax Credit Act.” Under his legislation, a Pennsylvania certified teacher who incurs expenses and supplies in a taxable year may apply for