Welcome to the Southeastern Region newsletter! Each month, we'll provide updates to keep our members informed, engaged, and empowered to advocate for our profession. We look forward to staying connected. Thank you for being a member!

As we approach Election Day, please take some time to review PSEA-PACE recommended candidates. You can always find this information at www.SchoolHouseBallot.com. Once you enter your information, it will display the recommended candidates for races for which you may cast a vote.

"Hello Southeastern Region!

My name is Kathy Dunkle, and I am honored to be serving as region 1st Vice President. My husband, Jonathan, and I live in southeastern Lancaster County with our two black cats. Our grown sons live in Georgia and Florida, and I love when they come to town for visits. When I am not teaching math, I love to create quilts. Creative sewing is my best stress reliever and favorite hobby. Hanging out with family and friends, reading fiction books, and enjoying all the birds we attract to our yard also occupies my time."

“I have been at PSEA for over a year, and came to PSEA from Downingtown Area School District, where I was an Administrative Assistant in the middle school Counseling office for seven years. My main responsibility in the Southeastern Region is to support five of our UniServs and I assist with field matters for our Region Field Director.

When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my two kids—my daughter, who just turned seven, and my son, who is almost three. We just bought a house in August, so that has been occupying most of my time. I love Halloween and all things fall, football (Go Steelers! My mom is from Pittsburgh, so it’s allowed), and going to Broadway shows. When I have some time to myself, I love to read, listen to podcasts, and watch movies.”

"Employees have the right to representation when called to a meeting by administrators in certain circumstances. 'Weingarten rights' give employees the right to request union representation during a meeting if the following conditions are met:

• The meeting is an investigatory interview.
• The employee reasonably believes that disciplinary action may result from the meeting.
• The employee requests representation."

Region members and staff have been involved in a variety of election-related activities over the past month. At the end of September, we held our Election Kickoff. Members in attendance had the opportunity to meet and engage with a number of PSEA-recommended candidates and to talk about our schools and our profession. Our Keynote Speaker was Seth Bluestein, City Commissioner for Philadelphia and member of the Committee of Seventy. It was a great night! Special thanks go to retirees Linda Cook and Julia Oronzi for many hours of work organizing and setting up the event, to Steve Sobieck and the PACE committee for planning, and to PSEA staff Greg D'Aguiar and Jen Statler (just to name a few) for coordinating.

On October 15th, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden joined Southeastern Region members and staff as we made phone calls to PSEA members to encourage them to vote on Election Day!

The Owen J. Roberts Education Association held its 10th annual community "Safe Trick or Treat Night" on Thursday, October 24th. The night was full of Halloween magic for all who attended! Thank you to Roberts EA for showing such care to our kids and communities!

Know someone who you think deserves special recognition for their contribution to public education? PSEA is now accepting nominations for the Celebrating Excellence “Adler Friend of Education” and “Human & Civil Rights” Awards.

For more information and to make a nomination: https://www.psea.org/for-members/member-resources2/awards-grants/celebrating-excellence-winners/nominations/

On October 26th, over 50 Education Defender members came together to knock on doors of voters in the community to share issues that are important to educators. We are trusted voices in our communities - are you talking to your friends and neighbors about supporting candidates who will support public education?

It is very important that you keep beneficiary information up-to-date to make sure that your benefits are paid according to your wishes. Please visit the PSERS website for more information!

Local presidents, have you received USPS mail about the PSEA House of Delegates? That information should have arrived recently. The PSEA House of Delegates will be held December 13th-14th at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown. More information can be found at www.psea.org/hod.

Rooms will book quickly, so be sure to make room reservations ASAP. Delegate rosters are due to headquarters by November 22nd.

Now that locals have begun verifying their membership rosters and finalizing them, PSEA has started issuing membership cards. This year PSEA is moving to an electronic membership card for easier use. Once a local renews its roster through Local Leader Tools, members can access their ID cards online through the PSEA website by following these steps:
1. Visit www.psea.org.
2. Click on My PSEA Login.
3. From the PSEA dashboard, you can print a physical copy or save your card for personal use.
4. Mobile users can screenshot their card and save it to their photo album for easy access.

Members who do not have consistent access to a computer or mobile device can request printed copies by calling PSEA Headquarters or emailing duesquestions@psea.org.

Your PSEA and Southeastern Region officer teams for the 2024-2025 school year are:

• Aaron Chapin, PSEA President, Stroudsburg Area EA
• Jeff Ney, PSEA Vice President, Wilkes-Barre EA
• Rachael West, PSEA Treasurer, Chester Upland EA
• Andrea Fink, Region President, William Penn EA
• Kathy Dunkle, Region First Vice President, Chester County IU #24
• Jessica Keogh, Region Second Vice President, West Chester Area EA
• Caitlin Merto, Region Treasurer, Chester Upland EA
• Mark DeFusco, Region Parliamentarian, Roberts EA
• Carolyn Smith, Region Secretary, Kennett EA

This newsletter is intended for PSEA members and members of their immediate households.