School Code Bill Still Held Hostage Earlier in November, both chambers of the State Legislature passed versions of House Bill 301, an omnibus school code bill containing much needed measures for our school systems. However, the PA House and Senate continue to argue over the inclusion, or removal, of an additional $150 million for education tax
November Legislative Update Read More »
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education, your commitment to shaping young minds is truly admirable. We understand that being a teacher demands the ability to handle multiple responsibilities and cope with stress effectively. With this in mind, we’d like to offer some tips and strategies to help you excel in multitasking and manage
Strategies for Effective Multitasking and Stress Management Read More »
Jason Plank is a veteran teacher with 24 years of experience; he teaches sixth-grade math and science in Pennsylvania. He first got his start in education while working with at-risk youth in public schools before transitioning to classroom instruction. But Jason, like many AFFT [and KEYTA] members, is disillusioned with unions because of stark divide
Member Spotlight: Jason Plank Read More »
Results from our member survey earlier this year revealed that the most challenging issues concerning educators were student attitudes and behaviors at the top of the list, followed by educator workload, and then teacher morale. Moreover, the majority of respondents indicated that their most challenging issues were different from prior to March 2020. The survey
2023 Member Survey Results Read More »
The Senate unanimously approve a bill to eliminate a section from the state’s Education Code that prohibits teachers from wearing anything that is a sign of their faith or denomination. According to the current public school code in state law, an educator wearing religious garb must be suspended for one year and will be fired
Senate Works to Repeal Religious Garb Ban Read More »
Please join the Keystone Teachers Association and Educators First Financial for a PSERS Primer for Public School Employees Thursday, February 16, 6:00pm Please click the link below to join the webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87921429742?pwd=OExrWDd2c0hQd0QvVkFiVHhKLzZUUT09Webinar ID: 879 2142 9742Passcode: 025833 Regardless of where you are in your career, there are a few important things we think you should know!
A Lesson Plan for Retirement Webinar Read More »
On February 7, 2023, Judge Renée Cohn Jubelirer ruled that Pennsylvania’s current school funding formula, which relies heavily on local property taxes, is unconstitutional. Judge Jubelirer stated in her ruling that “students who reside in school districts with low property values and incomes are deprived of the same opportunities and resources as students who reside in
PA School Funding Ruled Unconstitutional
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Christmas is just around the corner! Every teacher looks forward to much needed rest during the break. During this season of celebration, what are a teacher’s rights and obligations when it comes to celebrating Christmas, or any other holiday, on school grounds? Whether religious or secular, teachers and students should have the right to express
What are your rights in the classroom at Christmas? Read More »
August 26, 2020 Welcome back! For many of you, it’s the beginning of back-to-school week. While this week may not be normal or ideal, we know the bumpy road ahead will be navigated by the best experts in the land – you! These times are anything but normal, or is this the new normal? Companies
Welcome Back to School Read More »
On March 13, the PA Department of Education issued the following response regarding the state-wide closure of schools, essential personnel, the requirement of 180 days of instruction, and students access to school supplied meals. Please see PDE’s response below: 1. What schools are closed? Statewide: All public K-12 schools, including brick and mortar and cyber
Coronavirus Update – PDE Response to School Closures Read More »
