About Us
History of Unionization
Founded in 1852, PSEA began as an organization of teachers from across the commonwealth sharing common goals. Goals such as best practices, collaboration and encouraging teaching as a profession were engraved into PSEA from the start. These goals are still shared among its members.
Thomas H. Burrowes formed the “Pennsylvania State Teachers Association” in 1852 alongside two dozen Pa. educators. With a vision of free schools across the state and a system to educate students, this group also strived to recruit and retain quality educators. Today that group is known as PSEA.
The 1800’s also saw the emergence of many other gatherings whose purpose was to educate the youth of Pennsylvania. Groups such as the Bucks County Education Society, the Society for the Promotion of Public Schools in Pennsylvania and the York Association of Teachers shared a common goal, a quality education for the youth of the state.
In the 1900’s, America saw two world wars, the Great Depression and a Baby Boom. During that time, teachers got bills passed on retirement and tenure. But there was still much more work to be done. On March 4, 1968, over 20,000 Pennsylvania teachers assembled in Harrisburg to demand better wages and working conditions. Act 195 was then passed in 1970 giving collective bargaining rights to all public school employees. According to Mary Lou Stefanko, “On March 4, 1968, that’s when we knew we had a union.”
Today, PSEA has close to 180,000 members. And since 1852 has fought for student and teacher rights across the state.
History of Teachers Unions
Before PSEA
William Penn provides for schools in his colony.
Provincial Council employs Enoch Flower as first teacher in Philadelphia.
First public library opens in Philadelphia.
First college is established in Pennsylvania.
Second Pennsylvania Constitution provides for public schools.
The Free Public Schools Act creates a general state system of common schools.
Thaddeus Stevens delivers his address on Free Schools vs. Charity Pauper Schools before the Pennsylvania Legislature.
First high school established in Philadelphia.
First teacher institute held in Warren County.
History of PSEA
PSEA is a community of education professionals who make a difference in the lives of students every day. PSEA’s 177,000 members – teachers, school nurses, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, school psychologists, and more – are proud to work in public education. And they’re dedicated to helping students learn. Every day, they enter their schools and classrooms ready to encourage, nurture, and excite their students – one mind at a time.
Our Mission
We are members who promote, protect, and advocate for our schools, students, and professions.
Our Vision
To be an informed, engaged, inclusive, and collaborative union and the leading voice for education and labor.
Our Values
- Integrity in words, actions, and data
- Professional growth and expertise
- Student-centered teaching and learning
- Unionism and collective action: Working together based on core union principles
- Equitable resources and equal opportunities for all students
- Our members’ voices in the union and as leaders in our professions
- Respect and diversity in our Association and workplaces
- Partnerships with our communities
Our Goals
Founded in 1852, PSEA began as an organization of teachers from across Pennsylvania who shared common goals of identifying best practices, sharing information, and working to elevate the teaching profession. In many ways, the history of PSEA reflects the history of public education in Pennsylvania.
- PSEA will increase our strength by growing, engaging, unifying, and communicating with our membership.
- PSEA will operate in a fiscally responsible manner.
- PSEA will bargain and protect professional salaries, benefits, pensions, and safe and effective working conditions.
- PSEA will provide quality educational services, advocate for all students to have access to effective learning environments, and advance pro-public education policies.
- PSEA will work to improve public perception of and support for public education and the education profession.
History of CREA
Rep Council Members Are:
1. Contract Enforcers
They have a working knowledge of the contract and help to enforce it in each building. They are committed to educating members about the contract and are available to help resolve issues should they occur.
2. Organizers
They promote and maintain membership in the building. They encourage member involvement and awareness of CREA, PSEA and NEA business.
3. Communicators
Rep Council members promote two-way communication with the membership in each building. They schedule and hold monthly in-building meetings intended to share important information concerning the association with members. They listen to building issues and bring them to the leadership at monthly meetings.
4. Advocates
Rep Council members promote a strong, unified profession that stands together in solidarity. They support and defend the rights of members and help guarantee each members rights.
5. Contact persons
Each member is a contact person for information and questions from the membership. Don’t hesitate to contact the members in your building if you have questions or concerns. Rep Council is your link to the leadership and your best union advocates.