Tuesday 19 September 2017

Student PSEA: (Y)OUR Voice




   
“A union is like a family. It’s when a group of workers get together and try to make things better for themselves and their children.” –Bud, Not Buddy



           Whether you’re a freshman learning how to live on your own, a senior preparing to embark on a new chapter of your life, or somewhere in the middle, drowning in piles of lesson plans and reading assignments, we all can agree on one thing: college is hard. It challenges you mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, sometimes leaving you feeling tired, helpless, and isolated. For me, “home” quickly became a difficult concept. Not only am I living in a new town for the first time, but out of all four years I’ve been in college, I’ve lived in a different dorm room or apartment. Nothing has been the same. I quickly learned to find a home in the people around me, rather than the place. I quickly found a “home” in Student PSEA.


            My name is Marie Hutchings. I am a senior at Kutztown University, studying elementary and special education. I love to dance, hike, and sail, I get joy out of making people feel valued and loved, and I have a passion for advocating for what is right and just in the world. I am the 2017-18 Student PSEA president, and I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve our 7,000 aspiring educators to the best of my abilities.

            Whether you’re new to Student PSEA or a veteran servant leader, I’d like to welcome you to a new year of memories, friendships, and making public schools great. If you’re thinking about becoming a member, but you aren’t sure if it’s right for you, I’m here to tell you: it is. We all want to be the best possible teachers we can be for our future students, and there is no better outlet to provide you that experience than Student PSEA. Don’t believe me? Just look at what a few of our extraordinary aspiring educators from across the state have to say about it:

“Student PSEA is important to me because our students are our future, and we need to begin to support and advocate for them now. Regardless of what our government chooses to do, we will always stand up and fight for what’s best for our students.”
–Anna George, Edinboro University

“To me, Student PSEA is an opportunity to not only connect and learn from future and current educators, it's an opportunity to learn how to stand up for what I believe in and get involved in my community.”  –Emily Ferguson, Bloomsburg University

“Student PSEA is an excellent way to gain professional experience in a welcoming and relaxed environment.”
–Kara McGloin, West Chester University

"Student PSEA is a welcoming community of future educators. We support each other as we prepare to be the best educators we can be. This includes professional development, community service, and political action. We want the best for our future careers and students."
–Kristin Naumann, Shippensburg University

“Student PSEA means being a part of something that is a whole lot bigger than you and learning how to help others, while also improving yourself as an educator.”
–Katie Flint, West Chester University

“I originally joined PSEA because I was just getting into the education field. I really loved the support I received and the creative environment I found through Student PSEA.” –Grace Fronheiser, Bloomsburg University

“Student PSEA is a way to improve things for the better of teaching, school systems, and children.”
–Nick Marcil, West Chester University
 
“I think that Student PSEA has given me a voice as an aspiring educator to advocate for my students, coworkers, and classmates. It has allowed me the opportunity to grow exponentially as an emergent professional and nurtured my passion for lifelong learning.”
–Krishawna Goins, Penn State University


            As the president of Student PSEA, I want to work with all of you to help make the future of public education great by cultivating a generation of leaders. As educators, we have the opportunity to shape the future of our country, which leaves us with the responsibility to take a stand against the intolerance and hate that is emerging in the world our students will grow up in. By being members of Student PSEA, we are a part of a collective force that can unify and bring positive change, if we all work together.
            As the leader of a member-driven organization, my voice is your voice, and your voice is our voice. It is not my duty to represent you, but to serve you, to give you the tools and resources you need to stand up beside me as we fight together to change the narrative of how our society views public education.
            

            So, if you’re a prospective member looking for your niche, don’t be afraid to get involved at your local chapter. And if you’re a returning member feeling inspired after last year’s conference, reach out to someone new at your school and invite them to come along to your next meeting. A true servant leader cultivates new leaders and ensures that the future of their organization is left in better hands than their own. Be that leader for someone else. Help them find a “home” in Student PSEA.



Student PSEA is your voice. Student PSEA is our voice. Get involved today, and help us make the world a better place, one classroom at a time.

“Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one? For the union makes us strong!”

In solidarity,

Marie Hutchings, Student PSEA President



Thursday 10 August 2017

My Name is Shelby Pepmeyer (Part 2)

I am a 2017 graduate of Clarion University. I am also your outgoing 2016-17 Student PSEA President. “I always knew I wanted to be an educator, but I never knew that my dream would lead me here.” These were some of the first words I wrote to you in my first blog as the new Student PSEA president last September. I introduced myself and hoped that I could inspire all of you to become more involved with Student PSEA.

 

Over the last year as president, I have met so many people and created so many friendships and relationships. I have learned more than I ever thought I would. I have watched this organization grow and I did things that I never could have imaged doing. Four years ago, when I stepped onto Clarion University’s campus, I didn’t know what was in store for me. I used Student PSEA as an escape from a not-so-great roommate situation. What I didn’t know was that Student PSEA would not only save me from my roommates, but save me from becoming a naïve educator who thought the world of education was all rainbows and butterflies, and closing my classroom door to teach my students.

Student PSEA taught me that I have a voice in education. It taught me that although sometimes the education world is tough, PSEA is tougher and they have our backs through every hardship and success. Student PSEA taught me that I’m not alone when I need advice about classroom management, help finding a job, or assistance communicating with a difficult parent. I have made connections through PSEA to last me a lifetime. Connections with people that have become more than just colleagues or friends, these people are my family. 

(My Student PSEA Family)

(My Union Parents, Brian Reiser and Rosetta Dufalla. 
My Region President and Vice President from Midwestern Region) 

As I look back over my past year as president, I realize that there were times that I could have worked a little harder, listened a little closer, or learned a little bit more. However, I would never change my experience. This experience has helped me grow and become a better person. It has given me the ability to problem solve better than I ever thought I could. It has allowed me to develop communication skills that will continue with me as I apply for jobs, talk to parents, and discuss issues with colleagues. 

I know that leaving this position is going to be one of my hardest tasks over the past four years of college, but I know I am leaving it in good hands. Marie, your incoming 2017-18 state president will do amazing in this role. She will help bring a new piece to Student PSEA. She will bring a new perspective and a new attitude, one I know that will be a positive change for Student PSEA. The two of us are very different in many ways, not a good or bad way, just different. 


I hope that I have served you well as state president. I cherish every moment and opportunity I have had over the past year. All I can hope is that one day, all of you fall in love with this organization the way that I did and the way I know Marie will and has. 

Dear aspiring educator, you are building the future, go forth with confidence, hold your head up high, and be a leader. For someday, one of your students will look back and say, “I am here because my teacher believed in me”, just like I believe in you. You can do it, you will do it, and you will be successful. Believe it.
 
“Sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come of it.” – We Bought a Zoo
 
I am Shelby Pepmeyer. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.