It might seem obvious for
me to encourage leadership development in student members. However, I began my role in
Student PSEA for many of the same reasons you probably did. I joined
Student PSEA my freshman year of college first and foremost for the
liability
coverage and resume building opportunities it could provide to me.
I had
absolutely no idea my involvement in
PSEA would develop in the way it has, and many of my peers agree on their own growth of involvement. I could not be happier
with the
chain of events which has led me to the position I hold and what I work to represent today. Through my own self doubt, I was
encouraged,
pushed, and plopped into leadership roles leading me to the position I hold now. I have accepted roles of leadership
with enthusiasm and fervor, knowing that I have been given the opportunity to represent future teachers and advocate for them along with strong, quality public education for all.
Each leadership role I have taken has develop and strengthen my skills as not only a
leader, but as a future educator, a professional, and an advocate. Becoming involved in PSEA has developed my skills as an advocate for strong, quality public education. Find out why I think it is important to get involved in leadership in my latest video update.
Leadership positions can seem intimidating and overwhelming. However, you have the community of PSEA behind you to support you. Growth and change are movements which require a strong leader to cultivate them, what could stop you from being that person? Making an impact on someone’s life is more valuable than anything
else and being a student leader helps provide the opportunity to do that in Pennsylvania.
During our annual Student PSEA
Conference and Convention, students are nominated and elected by their
peers to serve in these positions. Each of these leadership positions
are an opportunity for a student to represent the pre-professional voice
throughout Pennsylvania, get a more in-depth understanding of issues
impacting education, emerge as a leader in education, and network with
professional educators from across the state.
Students have the opportunity to serve on:
The State Executive Board as:
President, Vice President, President Elect, Secretary, and PACE Chair.
The State Executive Board helps plan the annual Conference and Convention, communicate throughout the student program at the state level, work with the National Education Association, work with region and local representatives, work with the director of Student PSEA, work on individual committees, and plan a large portion of coordination throughout Student PSEA, among numerous other responsibilities.
2015-16 Student Program Committee
The Region Executive Board as:
There are 11 regions in PSEA and each has positions available each year. Responsibilities include help plan the annual Conference and Convention, communicate
throughout the student program at the regional and chapter level, work with the State Board, work with the State Executive Board as well as the director of Student PSEA, work on individual committees, and plan a
large portion of coordination throughout Student PSEA, among numerous other responsibilities.
2015 Western Region Conference
Local University Chapters as:
President,
Vice President, Secretary, PACE, among many roles unique to individual
chapters (inquire with your current campus president).
Local University Chapter positions plan and coordinate their university's chapter of Student PSEA. They plan events, professional development sessions, community service projects, leadership development, work with their chapter adviser, and help feature their individual chapter at the annual State Conference through APEX, among individual chapter responsibilities.
Additionally, students can serve on different specialized committees to serve a one year term and represent the student voice in specific issues surrounding education.
Communications Committee
Leadership Development Committee
Minority Affairs Committee
Resolutions Committee
Intergroup Relations Committee
Professional Rights & Responsibilities Committee
and the Special Education Committee
Students have the unique opportunity to be nominated to attend two summer leadership training conferences. These last from three days to a week and focus on emerging student leaders' development as professionals.
During NEA's 2015 Student Leadership Conference, students from across the country engage in the Legacy Project.
NEA's Student Leadership Conference as well as Representative Assembly.
Students attend the National Education Association's SLC where students come together from across the country. It is the NEA Student Program's annual Conference and Convention similar to our Student PSEA annual Conference and Convention. It is filled with leadership training, professional development, community service, and networking with pre-professionals as well as educators from across the country.
At the Representative Assembly, Students are nominated delegates who vote and participate in the policy making and legislative body of the National Education Association.
Elected Student Delegates at the 2015 Representative Assembly pictured with former PSEA President, Mike Crossey
Gettysburg Summer Leadership Conference
For the first time, current and emerging student leaders will attend the week long conference at Gettysburg College. There they will have the opportunity to grow, develop, and emerge as student leaders prepared as educators. Additionally, students will attend classes focused on developing them as advocates for public education, attend social events to network with peers and educators, and engage in unique professional opportunities.
I want to challenge you to take advantage of the the incredibly opportunities Student PSEA provides to get involved and emerge as a student leader. Nothing is stopping you from taking advantage of these leadership opportunists, but yourself! Think about your passion and dedication and who but yourself could serve this better in the 2016-17 term!
"Our lives are defined by opportunities, even the ones we miss." - F. Scott Fitzgerald
-Ashley Muscarella
Student PSEA State President
