Dear KEYTA Member, I hope you’re all sitting down for this next statement: as of the date of publication, I do not have a full-time teaching position. (After “retiring,” I did spend my first two years taking full-time roles—just for two months at a time!) I even had a false start this summer, when a […]
Welcome Back, KEYTA Members: A Message from Your President Read More »
Welcome back! Welcome back from your summer break! We wish you an amazing school year filled with inspiring moments, meaningful connections, and the joy of helping your students grow. Thank you for your unwavering dedication—here’s to a fantastic year ahead! In this issue: Pennsylvania Budget Standoff Delays $1.7 Billion in School Funding Teacher Workforce Growth
August 2025 Education Update Read More »
In this issue: Federal Funding Released, But Uncertainty Remains for PA Schools Expanded Access to Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Federal Funding Released, But Uncertainty Remains for PA Schools Pennsylvania public schools recently received long-awaited relief after the federal government released $230 million in previously delayed education funds. The unexpected freeze had put schools in
July 2025 Education Update Read More »
On July 14, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration can proceed with laying off 1,300–1,400 Department of Education employees—part of a broader effort to dismantle the department and shift responsibilities to other federal agencies and the states. In dissent, Justice Sotomayor warned the ruling gives the Executive branch unchecked power to override laws
Federal Education Update: What Teachers Need to Know Read More »
We hope your summer is off to a great start! Here’s a snapshot of key education developments in Pennsylvania during June: In this issue: Cyber-Charter Funding Reform Advances Budget Boost for K–12 Schools Court Ruling Holds PA Schools Liable for Student-on-Student Sexual Abuse Literacy Initiative Cyber-Charter Funding Reform Advances The PA House passed a tight 104–98 vote
June 2025 Education News Read More »
In this issue: Teach in PA Website Relaunched House Committee Advances Teacher Pipeline Bills Senate Committee Moves Education Legislation Judge Blocks Plan to Dismantle U.S. Education Department Supreme Court Deadlocks on Religious Charter School State News Teach in PA Website Relaunched The Pennsylvania Department of Education has launched a redesigned Teach in PA website to support educator
May 2025 Education News Read More »
On May 12, 2025, the Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee held a public hearing in Harrisburg to address rising student truancy and chronic absenteeism. Testimony came from a broad range of professionals, including a representative from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the American Enterprise Institute, school counselors and administrators, magisterial district judges, and an Allegheny County
PA Senate Committee Explores Solutions to Truancy and Absenteeism Read More »
In this issue: The Save Women’s Sports Act Moves Forward House Bill 354: “What Is Your Pennsylvania Story” Initiative Student Teacher Stipends Demand AI Integration in Philadelphia Schools Congressional Bill Aims to Establish National STEM Week The School Choice Debate: Opportunity vs. Public School Loyalty The Save Women’s Sports Act Moves Forward Senate Bill 9,
March 2025 Education News Read More »
The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has introduced a new initiative called “You’ve Got a Friend in Pennsylvania,” featuring an automated phone line for people of all ages to receive pep talks, jokes, and words of encouragement from students across the state. Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Secretary of Education, highlighted the importance of spreading cheer
“Pennsylvania’s ‘You’ve Got a Friend’ Initiative: Elevating Mental Health.” Read More »
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 »
