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!

"Hi, I’m Jessica Keogh, your 2nd Vice President. I teach middle school emotional support and have been teaching for twelve years. I enjoy spending time with my significant other and two bonus kids. In my free time, I love cycling, crafting, geocaching with my little family, traveling, reading, and running my nonprofit. I have a strong passion for advocacy and equity which drives everything I do."

"I have been a UniServ Representative with PSEA for 20 years. I was in Southern Region for the first 9 and then moved to Southeastern Region in 2013. I represent 9 locals in Chester and Delaware County. I work with my local leaders on everything from contract negotiations through disciplinary issues.

My husband is a middle school science teacher and I have a daughter who is a senior in high school. I am telling myself that when she goes off to college, I will have time to remember what I enjoy doing in my spare time; however, truth be told I am dreading having her away from home. I enjoy spending time with our two doodles and traveling and am looking forward to some upcoming adventures."

Seeking better wages and working conditions and a right to collective bargaining in Pennsylvania, 20,000 educators from across the commonwealth rallied at the capitol on March 4th, 1968. Through continued advocacy and pressure, by 1970, the legislature had passed - and the governor signed - Act 195, also known as the Public Employee Relations Act, "establishing rights in public employes to organize and bargain collectively." Collective bargaining is our union power to negotiate with the employer regarding our terms of employment.

Want to learn more? Explore PSEA history by clicking here.

On November 8th-9th, our region held our annual Leadership Development Conference at Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem. Opening night speaker PSEA UniServ Jeff Grinaway engaged participants in an activity that invited reflection on leadership and the role of the association in reaching members. Saturday sessions highlighted a variety of topics, including grievances, compensation awareness, artificial intelligence, and organizing, just to name a few.

A big note of thanks to the following PSEA staff members for the weekend's success: Chris Clayton, Greg D'Aguiar, Andrew Dixon, Jeff Grinaway, Cathy Journey, Shannon Moore, Monet Reilly, and Will Howland.

Finally, the event would not be possible without the weeks of planning and behind-the-scenes coordination by our region's Leadership Development Committee members: Shannon Boyd, Chris Milz, Meagan Pfleger, Tom Pfleger, John Phethean, and Jen Smith. THANK YOU!!

Are you headed to the PSEA House of Delegates on December 13th-14th? Please consider bringing a donation for the annual Books, Toys, and More drive organized by the Minority Affairs Committee.

"Underground Spirit Weeks" are themed days where only the staff dress up, and they have recently gone viral on platforms like TikTok. Local associations Roberts EA and Southeast Delco EA recently participated in the unique twist on spirit week! Can you guess the themes?

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!

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.

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/

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.