NEA's Degrees Not Debt

With the launch of NEA’s Degrees Not Debt Week of Action on November 11^th-18^th, Student PSEA members are getting involved, taking the pledge, and sharing their stories.

Seven out of 10 college students graduate owing an average of 30,000 dollars in student loans.

Student debt is no longer just an inconvenience - it’s becoming a barrier that prevents graduates from buying houses, starting families, and taking advantage of the American Dream.

The National Education Association launched the Degrees Not Debt campaign to support students and educators facing this crisis. The campaign in an effort to: (1) increase need-based federal aid, like Pell Grants; (2) refinance student loan interest rates; and (3) expand student loan forgiveness programs, especially for people working in public service careers like education.

Already, more than 5 million American college graduates have fallen behind on student loan payments. Over the last decade two out of every three students must borrow money to afford college. Student debt burden stands at 1.2 trillion dollars, more than the nation's collective credit card debt.

Tuition costs continue to increase every year, though median household income has fallen 8 percent since 2007.

This past Saturday November 8, students got involved at the Southeastern Student PSEA conference at West Chester University. Here, students from WCU and Holy Family took the pledge.

On Sunday, November 9, I had the privilege of speaking with students from Bloomsburg and East Stroudsburg. We discussed the value in your Student PSEA membership, your future as active PSEA members, and how we will be inspiring leaders – leaders who move people to action, encourage others to participate and encourage others about their own issues. We then shared our personal stories on college affordability and student debt.

 “Student loans hinder those with talent, passion, and determination. Growing up I heard, “you can be anything you want to be,” but excessive loans make continuing my education feel impossible.”

-Gabrielle Gombos, East Stroudsburg University

“Even with financial assistance, I struggle now to afford my own education. Without this aid, I could not attend college to pursue a career I have aspired to have for years. I know I am in this field for the love of school, children, and learning – not the money and not the insurmountable debt I will soon have to find ways to pay back.”

-Alexandra Jedlowski, Bloomsburg University

This weekend 58 of our student members took the pledge. I am thankful for the meaningful conversations we shared and the motivation to be advocates for our own education.

Learn more about the campaign at www.nea.org/degreesnotdebt, where you'll find information and resources to take action in your community or on your campus and urge Congress to support America's college students.

Transformations and Movements

Public Education in America is a civil right – a promise of equal educational opportunities no matter race, religion, or ability. It is tuition-free and a commitment to high standards and high expectations for all students. Public education is a benefit to society, our future, and our security. However, public education is under threat. There is misplaced blame, neglected responsibilities, and accountability falsehoods. In this Educational Apartheid we face the dismantling of the system that helped propel this country to its greatness. As future educators and future societal leaders, we are the ones who are going to take back our schools and our professions. We are the generation that is going to make the change - to be the change. We believe that we can and we do it with great pride, passion, and courage. As Student PSEA members, we not only enact positive change for our schools and our students, we join together and help create movements.

(Student PSEA Executive Committee at the Leadership Retreat at Seven Springs Mountain Resort)

            Seth Godin defines a movement as “an idea that spreads with passion through a community.” It is passion that transforms an idea to a movement. It is passion that makes people want to discuss and share an idea, and it is passion that inspires people to exert incredible amounts of energy on behalf of a cause. Movements offer a means of finding comfort and purpose in a world that has become increasingly disconcerting. This year, Student PSEA is moving in a new direction. We are becoming advocates for what it is we believe in, and we will move others to join in our ignited passion. The first movement we will take part in is the NEA Degrees Not Debt Campaign, a campaign with a focus on college affordability and student loans. This is what directly impacts us as students. This has meaning and value to members of Student PSEA and the National Education Association Student Program. Degrees Not Debt information will be coming to you through the Student PSEA Spotlight video in early November, directly after the elections. The “Week of Action” is November 11^th-18^th, 2014.

(Student Delegates of the NEA/RA in Denver, CO, sporting their Degrees Not Debts shirts)

Our future belongs to movements. There is so much that needs to be fixed and there are issues that need to be addressed. Our hard truth is that if there is no organization forced to advocate for public education in the state capitols of this nation, our children and schools will suffer. We, Student PSEA members, are the advocates of today and the future.

(Lauren Williams, Victoria Rodriquez, and Ashley Muscarella)

(Lauren Kriebel - Southern Region President and Sara Bycura - State Secretary)

I am proud to be the student president because I am guiding our organization through a transformation. Our state student coordinator, Christopher Clayton, presented to the Student Executive Committee this past weekend. Now, I am going to share it with you.

“You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves.” –Abraham Lincoln

            Politics is part of our every day lives, whether a student or a professional. Politics are about how we navigate, move and maneuver. There are two types of leaders, transactional and transformational. Let me break it down in its simplest form - a transactional leader does for others, while a transformational leader empowers others to do for themselves. Student PSEA is moving away from transactional politics. We are more than just electing leaders, setting policy, and holding a conference. We do more than vote, campaign, and give money. Politics is transformational when it understands others interest and values, connects the current reality with interpretations of the past, and when it builds power through action. Student PSEA members are going to be agents of action and reflection. Are you in? Will you be an activist of Student PSEA or a leader? An activist takes action, is willing to participate, speaks out on an issue and showcases his or her strengths. A leader moves people to action, encourages others to participate, encourages others about their own issues, and showcases another’s strengths. In this transformational year of Student PSEA we are taking action, leading movements, and building a better future. I am happy to have you on board!

-Lauren Williams

Student PSEA President

New Team, New Members, New Beginning

                  

The first week of September is always an exciting (and busy) time. Classes have just begun, we are again surrounded by our education friends, and the beautiful colors of fall are appearing in the leaves. This year, for me, the first week in September had another exciting event. I was able to spend some time in Harrisburg with the new Student PSEA Executive Committee. Nine region presidents, the VP, Secretary, and Political Action guru; I was stoked to begin collaborating and sharing ideas for the year.

                I could not be more thrilled to work with the passionate, hardworking, and supportive leaders from our regions in PA. At our September meeting we began planning for our State Conference and Convention, held on April 10-11, 2015, *Mark your calendars* held in Hershey, PA; the theme is Raising the Bar for Public Education. The ideas were rolling in and I have a feeling this is going to be the best conference yet! We also had the chance to discuss the happenings of each region. We are determined more than ever to build our membership, educate our members on what is going on state and nationwide, provide professional development opportunities, and to partake in momentous community service experiences!

                Our Vice President, Dave Remaley (Pitt Greensburg), is involved in Student PSEA because he is passionate about fixing the issues in our government – most importantly, budget cuts. He is inspired by PSEA members who fight for equal opportunities for their students. He knows it is important to be involved while we are students because soon we will be the generation fighting for our students.

(Victoria Rodriquez, Cassie Rosenwald, Lauren Williams, Lori Gonda, Dave Remaley)

                Our Secretary, Sara Bycura (Slippery Rock) says she loves being surrounded by people who are just as passionate about education and helping others. She gets her drive and passion from the discussions she holds with others in Student PSEA, and after each conversation, she is more excited and inspired than before.

                Katelyn Reed (PSU University Park) is our new PACE, Political Action Committee for Education, representative. She is passionate about political action and understands the importance of being educated on what is going on in the government that affects our future, our jobs, and our profession.

(Katelyn pictured far right; joined by the PA Student Delegates of the Nation Education Association Representative Assembly in Denver, CO and PSEA president Mike Crossey and VP Jerry Oleksiak)

                The Central Region is off to a great start, led by region president, Casey Yakelitis (Lock Haven University). Lock Haven is doing Adopt a Solider, The Color Run, and hosting a children’s Halloween party. Penn State University Park’s chapter has been active in THON, is making 3^rd grade pen pals, and is participating in the homecoming parade. We are thrilled to have Casey on our team. She joined Student PSEA because she knew the importance of getting involved and because she wanted to meet other future educators and participate in community service projects.

(Casey, far right; joined by other Student PSEA members at the Student PSEA Statewide Outreach to Teach in Erie, PA)

                Devon Vallies (Clarion University) is leading the Midwestern Region. The MW Region Conference has a planned date of November 9, 2014. Geneva and Slippery Rock have been actively recruiting members and planning for a fun, successful year. Devon says he is excited to be part of the state leadership team as a sophomore; he wants to inspire other members to join early!

(Devon pictured back left; joined by some other Student PSEA Executive Committee members)

                We are happy to have Bridget Kelly (East Stroudsburg University) for her second year as Northeastern Regionpresident. Bridget joined the leadership team because she knew the importance of being a leader. All educators are leaders of the most important group, our classroom. She said Student PSEA has helped her break out of her shell and welcome new friendships and opportunities.

(Bridget pictured middle row, third from the right; joined by the Student PSEA '13-'14 Executive Committee)

                Morgan Simonson (PSU Behrend) will lead the Northwestern Region again for her second year. Penn State Behrend members are attending an Erie Otters Game, going to Peak ‘n’ Peek this winter to tube and collaborate, participating in Toys for Tots, celebrating Dr. Seuss Day, and preparing “goodie bags” for their student teachers. Morgan looks forward to a spring NW Region Conference with members from Edinboro, Mercyhurst and Gannon University!Morgan joined Student PSEA for the networking opportunities and to meet other future educators. She is excited for her future as a guidance counselor, where she can help children find their voice. 

(Morgan pictured front, right; joined by the PA student representatives at the 2014 NEA Student Connections Conference in Las Vegas, NE)

              We welcome Jenn Matuza (West Chester University) as our new Southeastern Region president! She has been actively communicating with Villanova, St. Joseph’s, Drexel, and Cabrini College. Jenn is working with SE Region VP, Amanda Nestler, to plan the SE Region Conference on Safety in Our Schools on November 8^th held at West Chester University. Eight members from the SE Region attended the PSEA SE region Election Kickoff Event on September 10^th. Jenn joined Student PSEA because she enjoys being around other teachers and students who are equally passionate; they motivate her to be the best educator she can be.

(Jenn in front of PSEA Headquarters, across from the capitol building in Harrisburg, PA)

                Last year’s Southern Region VP, Lauren Kriebel (Millersville University), is now our Southern Region president. Her first project in the works is a Southern Region newsletter to maintain communication between her region. She and the other Southern region executive board members have been busy planning their Southern Region Conference, held on November 2^nd, at Millersville University. They will have four workshops: Special education strategies, Word work/literacy workshop, Math/Science/Literacy, and Portfolio/Resume Builder. Lauren has been actively communicating withShippensburg, LVC, and York College.

(Lauren with Allison Breiner, last year's Southern president)

                 Victoria Rodriquez (Carlow University), the new Western Region president has goals to help start a chapter atDuquesne, communicate with Chatham and LaRoche, and to successfully hold a Western Region conference. Carlow University is excited to plan a beautification project on an elementary school in need. Tori joined Student PSEA because she felt a desire to learn more about what is going on in our state that impacts us as future educators. She loves being surrounded by other students and teachers who have the same interests and understand her passion.

(Tori, center; pictured with other student members at the '14 Student PSEA Outreach to Teach)

                Ashley Muscarella (Pitt Greensburg) is our new Southwestern Region president. Pitt Greensburg is getting involved in the upcoming November 4^th elections, attending a Pirates Game in collaboration with California University of PA, and Carlow University. Also, the SW region is planning an Outreach to Teach project in spring of 2015 in an underprivileged Elementary school, Jeannette Elementary, to beautify and make a more desirable learning environment for the students. The SW Region has active members at Cali University, Seton Hill, St. Vincent, Pitt Greensburg, Washington and Jefferson and Waynesburg University!

(Ashley pictured on the left)

              Finally, we welcome Kaydee Gathagan from Mount Aloysius College as the Central Western Region president. We are excited to see Indiana University and St. Francis University collaborate and come together as the CW Region!

           I could not be more motivated or inspired by the State Executive Committee members. I am honored to represent Pennsylvania as your Student PSEA president. I look forward to an eventful year of Professional Development, Community Service, Membership Development, and Political Action. Reach out to your region presidents for guidance, support, and any questions. Also, I am an email/phone call away! I know that Pennsylvania has the potential to be one of the best student programs in the nation. You should be proud to be a member!

-Lauren Williams

Student PSEA President

West Chester University of PA

LW767529@wcupa.edu

(610)-468-6611