ALLENTOWN, Aug. 11 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer, chairman of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee, joined school administration staff, teachers, parents and fellow legislators in Allentown this morning to speak about the importance of improving education. Schweyer specifically spoke about better schools and ensuring children have access to quality education as well as teacher retention, all being key priorities for him and his House Democratic colleagues. “This school we are at today wasn’t built before smartphones -- it was built before telephones were invented, but that doesn’t mean the kids who go here don’t deserve the same opportunities kids in rich districts get,” Schweyer said. “It’s not just about the total dollars we put into education, it’s about making sure every kid has the tools they need to succeed, no matter where they go to school or how involved their parents can be. There’s nothing more American than good public schools giving every kid a chance. That’s what we’re fighting for today.” Reps. Mike Schlossberg and Josh Siegel and state Sen. Nick Miller were also present to speak about the importance of better schools and facility improvement. “Studies show that when teachers leave a school, they aren’t going to another. They’re leaving teaching altogether. Not only is this issue costly for the school because they have to replace those teachers, but it Read more
HARRISBURG, June 27 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer today announced his bill to establish a grant program for schools to make critical upgrades and repairs passed the full House Monday evening. “ The average age of public schools in Pennsylvania is roughly 70 years old and many are in need of repairs and upgrades to ensure students and staff have safe and comfortable learning environment s ,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “I am pleased to see bipartisan support for this bill as this would benefit schools across the commonwealth in urban, suburban and rural communities.” According to Schweyer, HB 1408 would establish the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program. It would provide funding for schools to make necessary and essential improvements to existing school buildings, such as roof repairs, updating or installation of HVAC systems and lead and asbestos remediation. School districts, intermediate units and career and technical schools would be able to apply for grants of up to 75% of their project’s costs with a cap at $5 million. Added Schweyer, “The current school construction program, PlanCon, focuses on new building and major construction projects, it does not help school districts pay for basic maintenance, routine upgrades or to clean up harmful environmental hazards. This bill would make sure students only have to worry about learning in their classroom.” Schweyer said the legislation now moves to the Senate Read more
HARRISBURG, June 12 – The PA House Education Committee, chaired by state Rep. Peter Schweyer, today advanced three bills which provide support for Pennsylvania students and educators. “Many students in Pennsylvania begin their higher education studies at area community colleges before transferring to a traditional four-year college or university,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “This legislation would ensure students who earn their associate degree are able to transfer to four-year schools as a Junior.” According to Schweyer, the House Education Committee approved the following bills at today’s meeting: HB 897 – would make it easier for PA students to transfer credits from an accredited community college to a four-year PASSHE school. HB 1331 – would provide PA student teachers a cost-of-living stipend helps them learn and earn as they prepare to build the next generation. SB 84 – would protect teachers’ right to Freedom of Religious Expression. Added Schweyer, “We’re also continuing to address the teacher shortage crisis which continues to impact Pennsylvania students. Recruiting and retaining quality teachers is a high priority. We shouldn’t be asking student teachers to have to dig into their own pockets to pay to learn to teach. “Right now, a teacher who wears a cross, Star of David, crescent, or any symbol or garb which professes their faith are subjected to year-long Read more
HARRISBURG, June 6 – Legislation which would eliminate barriers to educator certification for immigrants in Pennsylvania advanced in the PA House Education Committee, Majority Chairman Peter Schweyer announced today. “Pennsylvania is facing an immense teacher shortage crisis and school districts across the commonwealth need every tool possible to find and retain qualified educators to teach our students,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “Right now, immigrants in Pennsylvania who have the visas to work in the United States cannot apply for educator certification. This bill would allow prospective teachers with valid immigrant visas, work visas or employment authorization to apply for certification.” According to Schweyer, under House Bill 1067 , the Public School Code would be amended so department certified or permitted teachers who hold a valid immigrant visa, work visa, or valid employment authorization document which allows them to work in the United States would be eligible to apply for educator certification to teach in public schools in Pennsylvania. State Rep. Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz, the bill’s prime sponsor, said her legislation would create new avenues of opportunity for qualified and trained immigrants. “Pennsylvania’s lack of teachers is worsening, but qualified immigrants can help with this teaching crisis,” said Cepeda-Freytiz, D-Berks. “Employers are struggling to fill vacancies; we need to Read more
HARRISBURG, May 22 – The PA House Education Committee, chaired by state Rep. Peter Schweyer, today advanced legislation to support the men and women who selflessly serve our country and defend our freedom. “Our brave military heroes put their lives on the line every day and not only deserve our thanks and respect, but also the opportunities for their families to further their education and plan for their future,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “With these measures, we can make education more affordable and help dependents of our military families continue their college education here in Pennsylvania.” According to Schweyer, the House Education Committee approved the following bills at today’s meeting: HB 804 – would guarantee in-state tuition for reassigned military families HB 1094 – would advance enrollment for military families HB 1097 – would allow schools to hold a moment of silence in observance of 9/11 “The House Education Committee is committed to improving educational opportunities for all Pennsylvanians and efforts to deliver better schools for every student,” added Schweyer. All three bills will now be brought to the full House for consideration. Read more
The men and women who put themselves into harm’s way to defend our freedom deserve our thanks and our respect – but we are certainly not stopping there. Read more
HARRISBURG, May 2 – The state House this week passed three bills which address both teacher shortages and a new tutoring program for students, and they now head to the Senate for consideration, according to state Rep. Peter Schweyer. “Pennsylvania has been facing a serious teacher shortage problem for many years now as high-caliber teachers are leaving early and districts have been struggling to recruit and retain the same quality teachers,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “I am pleased to see these measures move to the Senate as we are now one step closer in helping to improve the quality of education for our children.” The House passed the following three bills during this week’s session: HB 100 – from state Rep. Robert Freeman, D-Northampton: Would amend the Public-School Code to require the State Board of Education to establish a tutoring program for students in grades eleven and twelve to tutor students in lower grades. HB 141 – from state Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh: Would establish the Grow Our Own Educators Program. HB 688 – from state Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-Berks: Would amend the Public-School Code to establish the PA Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program. “There are many facets to Pennsylvania’s education crisis and it will require many bills to address them all and bring meaningful solutions for every student and teacher in the commonwealth,” said Schweyer. Schweyer, who Read more
HARRISBURG, April 26 – Following through on his commitment to putting students and educators first, the PA House Education Committee chaired by state Rep. Peter Schweyer, this week advanced legislation to address shortages and student protections. “Every Pennsylvania student is entitled to a quality education and unfortunately Pennsylvania faces an education crisis with teachers leaving the profession early and teaching becoming a profession many higher-education students do not want to study,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “These measures would help school districts recruit and maintain the high-caliber teachers that are needed and also help students to achieve the best possible pathway to success.” According to Schweyer, the House Education Committee approved the following bills at this week’s meetings: HB 100 – Would amend the Public-School Code to require the State Board of Education to establish a tutoring program for students in grades eleven and twelve. HB 141 – Would establish the Grow Our Own Educators Program. HB 688 – Would amend the Public-School Code to establish the PA Teacher Pipeline Scholarship Program. Schweyer added, earlier this month the House Education Committee advanced four other bills which provide protections for students and improve the quality of their education. HB 148 – Would create an Eating Disorders Taskforce within the PA Department of Education. HB 301 – Would Read more
At the end of the day, our education system is our people. It is our students, our teachers, our staff, our school board members — and they are not broken. The way that we in the General Assembly choose to fund them, or not, is broken. Read more
HARRISBURG, March 7 – State Rep. Peter Schweyer today announced that he has been appointed to serve as the majority chairman of the Pennsylvania House Education Committee. “It is truly an honor to be appointed by Speaker McClinton to serve as chairman of the Education Committee,” said Schweyer, D-Lehigh. “Educating our children is one of the most important priorities of any legislator and as the parent of two children attending the Allentown School District, I have seen and experienced overcrowded classrooms, outdated and worn out buildings and the massive inequities between wealthy and low-income school districts. I am looking forward to working in a bipartisan manner to craft meaningful and beneficial legislation that gives every Pennsylvania student the chance to learn and succeed.” The Education Committee reviews bills that address educational funding for 500 school districts, community college and higher education institutions, school choice and charter schools, teacher standards and more. In addition, the committee reviews legislation that would impact the Department of Education, numerous boards, including the State Board of Education, State Public School Building Authority and Public School Employees Retirement System, as well as the Pennsylvania Higher Education Association and the Board of Governors of the State System of Higher Education. Schweyer represents the newly drawn 134th Legislative District which serves portions of Read more
Please use the form below to sign up for email updates. By completing this form you are acknowledging your request to receive periodic email updates.
By completing this form, you are verifying your request to opt in for email updates...
Thank you. Your email signup has been sent. You should start getting emails within 24 hours.
Please use the form below to email the Education.
Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.