Introduction to Educators Rising
Introduction to Educators Rising
State Regional Coordinator
Welcome to a new year with Educators Rising. We are thrilled that you have chosen this invaluable resource to connect your students to the profession of education. Together, we will embark on a journey filled with exciting contests, enriching competitions, engaging curriculum, and enlightening conferences. As you guide your students through this exploration of the profession, I am here to provide you with the necessary support, resources, and opportunities. Remember, the Educators Rising program is not just about learning, it's about empowering your students to shape the future of education.
Whether you are a new or established chapter, one of your top priorities is to promptly sign up or renew your chapter membership. This is a crucial step that needs to be completed before you can register your students. Ensuring timely membership renewal is not just a formality; it's a key to unlocking a world of opportunities for your students in the Educators Rising program.
At the beginning of the school year, students will need to be registered for the coming academic year, and student membership fees will need to be remitted. The cost is $15 per student. The final deadline for payment to be received is Feb. 1.
Chapters must be registered with the national office, and students must be members in good standing to participate in state and national conferences, apply for scholarships, run for state or national office, apply for honors society membership, and access resources on the membership portal.
To join or renew your membership, visit the Educators Rising Join the National Movement webpage. A video tutorial on the bottom of the webpage walks you through the process of joining. It is highly recommended that you watch the tutorial, as the membership portal is difficult to navigate.
If you require further assistance, you may reach out to the national office at info@educatorsrising.org.
"Are your students ready to make a huge contribution to the national education discussion and have an opportunity to help develop their leadership skills? Applications for the Educators Rising Ambassador Program are open. If your students want to get more involved in the national leadership of Educators Rising, encourage them to learn more and pursue this fantastic opportunity. As an ambassador, they will show the world what future teachers think and experience by using social media to engage with other students and current educators, learn and hone skills that will make their college application and resume shine, and have a fun time in the process. Your students will want to take advantage of this fantastic leadership opportunity."
In Solidarity,
Dr. Christopher M. Clayton Sr., NBCT, Ph.D.
PSEA Director of Education Services,
Educators Rising PA State Coordinator
(717) 255-7028
Introduction from Lisa Rollins on EdRising
Need More Information
For help with membership and chapter questions email: info@educatorsrising.org
More information on the EdRising Curriculum email: community@educatorsrising.org
Teacher Leader Resources
EdRising Classroom
If you are interested in purchasing the curriculum, email Marthe Gulledge at mgulledge@pdkintl.org
Monthly Discussion Topic
Each month there will be discussion topic provided. The discussion topic will then have research articles that go along with the question to use with your students that connect to the EdRising standards.
Monthly Featured Micro-Credential
Each month an EdRising Micro-Credential and an NEA Micro-Credential will be linked for deep research and portfolio building opportunities. The EdRising Micro-Credentials can be accessed by having a paid contract with Educators Rising.
The NEA Micro-Credentials can only be accessed by teacher leaders with an active membership to Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA).
Podcasts
Each month we will be featuring a podcast for you and your students to learning from and enjoy.
EduMagic
I guide future teachers from campus to classroom one cup of coffee at a time. You can lead your learning through my books, EduMagic podcast, speaking, and courses.
CEWL Beans
Join Angelica McDonald, Dr. Marcella Wine-Snyder, and Todd Scholl for this bi-monthly podcast about issues facing induction teachers.
Crayons and Pencils
Follow the journey of a new and pre-service teacher as they tackle different topics, from our struggles with classroom management to our perspectives on current topics in education and our hilarious stories in the classroom.
School Me
Our podcast empowers educators and experts to use their years of experience and wisdom to help you get the most out of your career in education.
Teachers Off Duty
Your favorite teacher-comedians from the Bored Teachers Comedy Tours sharing stories and experiences from the classroom and beyond, brought to you by Bored Teachers. Episodes drop every Sunday!
The Cult of Pedagogy
Teaching strategies, classroom management, education reform, educational technology - - if it has something to do with teacher, we're talking about it. Jennifer Gonzalez interviews educators, students, administrators and parents around education.
Center for Educator Wellness & Learning
The Center for Educator Wellness and Learning site has a plethora of resources and current content to learn from and dive into. Each month we will be featuring one video from the site.
2025-2026 The Road Ahead Poster
2025-2026 Educators Rising Pennsylvania Executive Board
Daniela Luna-Hernandez, President
My name is Daniela Luna-Hernandez, and I'm a senior at Norristown Area High School. I'm also enrolled in the Secondary Education Academy at Central Montco Technical High School, where I've been able to explore and grow my passion for teaching. This is my third year as a proud member of Educators Rising, and during that time, I've competed and placed at the State Level Competition three times. Teaching is something I truly love, and I'm excited to continue learning and preparing for a future where I can make a meaningful impact in education.
Akira Sorrell, Vice President
Hello! My name is Akira Sorrell, I am a senior at Dallastown Area High School. I plan to major in Secondary Mathematics Education because I believe in the power of positivity, the importance of helping others, and the lasting impact educators can have on students’ lives. I currently serve as president of Educators Rising at Dallastown, where I lead our mission to inspire future educators and foster a sense of unity within our school community. I’m also an active member of several of my schools organizations, including Spanish Club, One Love Club, Interact Club, and Mini-THON. Outside the classroom, I stay active through cheerleading and track and field, and I love being apart of teams that bring energy, dedication, and determination to everything we do. I am honored to work alongside passionate educators across Pennsylvania, and beyond excited to create lasting memories as I pursue my future in education!
Lauren Flick, Recording Secretary
Hi, my name is Lauren Flick and I am the Recording Sectary. I’m part of Educators Rising because I’ve always been interested in making a difference in students’ lives and creating a classroom where everyone feels supported. My goal is to become a high school history teacher because I enjoy learning about the past and how it shapes the world we live in today. In my free time I love playing soccer with my friends and hanging out with friends and family!
Trevor Heron, Public Relations Secretary
Trevor Heron is an 12th grader at Phoenixville Area High School. He currently serves as the drum major for the school's marching band and is the social media manager for Phantom Bands. In addition, he takes tap lessons, participates in theater with a local group, and runs his own photography and videography business. Trevor is enthusiastic about his role as the Public Relations Secretary for PA Educators Rising and is excited to showcase all the amazing things this association does.
2025-2026 Educators Rising National Ambassador
Student Resources
National Student Officer Information (student officer applications open January 2, 2026)
*Deadline for national student officer applications is February 24, 2026.
2026 Scholarship application (opens December 1, 2025)
*The scholarship application submission deadline is March 1, 2026.
2026 Educators Rising Pennsylvania State Conference
Date: Friday, March 13, 2026
Location: The Nittany Lion Inn, State College, PA
Registration will close on March 6th.
A.P.E.X. (Achieving Professional Excellence)
The A.P.E.X. Showcase is an opportunity for PA Educators Rising Chapters to demonstrate their level of commitment to Educators Rising and its mission in the areas of:
* Community Service
* Membership Development
* Professional Development
A.P.E.X. applications open on January 20, 2025.
Application deadline is March 9, 2026.
Awards
* Exceptional Underclassman Award: The Educators Rising PA Exceptional Underclassmen Award recognized freshmen, sophomores, or juniors who have achieved excellence throughout the year by providing leadership at the region or chapter level.
* Outstanding Chapter Event Award: The Educators Rising PA Outstanding Chapter Event Award recognizes chapters that have achieved excellence through an event that created involvement for their chapter members and/or their community members.
* Outstanding Servant Leader Award: The Educators Rising PA Program Outstanding Servant Leader Award recognizes individuals who have achieved excellence throughout the year by providing leadership at the region or chapter level.
* Outstanding Chapter Teacher Leader: The Educators Rising PA Outstanding Teacher Leader recognizes individuals for dedication and service to the EdRising PA Program at the chapter level.
Awards nominations will be accepted beginning January 20, 2026.
Awards nominations deadline is March 9, 2026.
2026 Educators Rising National Conference
SAVE THE DATE!
June 20 - 23, 2026, in Portland, OR, at the Portland Convention Center.
The hotel room block will open in early December.
Theme: Teach with Purpose, Lead with Passion
Dates and Deadlines:
National conference AND competitions will be open for registration on February 1, 2026. Competition registration deadline is April 6, 2026.
*Students must be paid, active-level members by February 1, 2026 to attend and compete.
Events for Students
Educators Rising PA Student Members are welcome to register and attend the Student PSEA events held around the state.