Pitt-Greensburg APEX 2023-2024
Leadership & Membership Development
Table of Contents
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Bigs & Littles
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Senior Send-Off (April 2023)
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Fall Activities Fair
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Fall Kick-Off Meeting
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Diversity Summit held on our campus
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Cookie and Hot Chocolate Table during our finals week
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Induction Ceremony 2024
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Communication with other UPG SPSEA Members
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Pittsburgh House of Delegates including a Southwest EA Regional Meeting
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Bi-Monthly Meetings
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Meeting Minutes ​
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Meeting Attendance
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Make & Takes
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Social Media
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Membership (2022-23 v. 2023-24)
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Region Involvement: SPSEA elected officers attending PSEA SW region meetings
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T-shirts/Sweatshirts: Showing SPSEA Pride
Bigs and Littles
In addition to getting more people to the meetings, we wanted to make sure that everyone felt included and that they belong within UPG's SPSEA program. We instituted a "big and littles" program. Although this ended up being more complicated that originally anticipated and perhaps not as successful in the long run, it did provide a lot of laughter to our meeting and allow people to connect in meaningful and important ways.
Senior Send-Off (April 2023)
Pitt-Greensburg SPSEA officers, faculty advisors, and members joined together to give our 2023 graduating seniors a final farewell. We provided lunch and gifts to our seniors -- as well as certificates of thanks to all of our officers and chairpersons.
Fall Activities Fair
Held on campus at the beginning of the fall semester, the Fall Activities Fair gives clubs and organizations the opportunity to reach out and display what they are all about! Pitt-Greensburg SPSEA had a table to hand out information to new or returning students and to encourage them to join. Raffle tickets were sold to those who wanted to buy them and all proceeds benefitted P.A.C.E.
Fall Kick-Off Meeting
To begin to the new academic year, Pitt-Greensburg's SPSEA held its Kick-Off Meeting, which was promoted at the Activities Fair. Officers and professors of education were introduced to familiarize new and returning members with who they are. During the meeting, all attendees received a copy of the fall calendar, were encouraged to become involved in the organization, and were welcomed with open arms.
Diversity Summit
Throughout the five hour summit, many topics were talked about including confronting our internal biases, LGBTQIA+ allies training, diverse family dynamic, and banned books. Guest speakers included Professors Liz Jones and Susan McKeever, both adjunct professors at Pitt-Greensburg, and Dr. Sheila Confer, Director of the Villages at Pitt-Greensburg. We also participated in two activities and watched a video about the dangers of a single story. All of the activities and speakers promoted open dialogue and facilitated discussion on these tough topics.
Cookie and Hot Chocolate Table for Finals Week (Fall 2023)
To ease the stress of finals, SPSEA offered a wide arrangement of cookies and a hot chocolate bar at the meeting prior to finals. Taking a break is always a good idea, and SPSEA members wanted to remind students of this!
Induction Ceremony 2024
Once you join SPSEA, you automatically become a member. New members were invited to attend an induction ceremony, symbolizing the strong community and dedication of the Pitt-Greensburg SPSEA. On March 6th, 2024, we welcomed over 20 new members during the ceremony. Our keynote speaker for the evening was Mr. Bryan Edwards. He is a teaching in the Jeanette school district and was the region president during his time at UPG.
Communication to Other UPG SPSEA Members
Frequent emails are sent to SPSEA members, communicating upcoming general meetings, events, and news. These emails not only serve as reminders to members of meetings but also act as encouragement for members to get involved in fun and informative events happening on our campus!
Pittsburgh House of Delegates Including a Southwest EA Regional Meeting
Pitt-Greensburg SPSEA members Emily Jett, Marinna Lagattuta, Kayla Loebach, and Amber Bloom attended the Pittsburgh House of Delegates in the Southwest EA Regional Meeting as voting delegates. The purpose of their attendance was to vote on important items being proposed to PSEA. Their vote represented the voice of Student PSEA within PSEA. Two of our members, Emily Johnson and Emily Korinek, attended the House of Delegates as volunteers.
Bi-Monthly Meetings
General meetings are held bi-monthly. The SPSEA president creates an agenda of items that need to be addressed throughout the meeting. Events that have already happened are reflected upon and upcoming events are announced. The secretary uses the meeting agenda to create meeting minutes, which are sent to all SPSEA members at the conclusion of the meeting. Below are the meeting minutes from these meetings, as well as attendance. Reports from chairpersons, including the regional president, are also shared.
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Attendance
Make & Takes
This year, we focused on getting more people to meetings and being involved in person in our chapter. We recognized that the meetings had to have a "draw" to capture members' attention. The plan was to have a mini-workshop or a make-and-take each meeting. Our make-and-takes this year have been super fun and have given members something fun to do during or after the meeting. So far this year, our members have created lanyards with teacher beads, glass pencil holders with teacher-themed stickers, magnets made from shrinky-dinks, and coloring pages on a self-care focused day.
In the age of technology, Pitt-Greensburg SPSEA uses Facebook and Instagram to send information and pictures of members and those outside the club. Our Facebook page showcases events that have taken place and send information concerning education-related events and opportunities outside of our campus. Our Instagram page is used to remind students of upcoming meetings and events, as well as showcase the events occurring within our community. Our pages are linked below.
Membership Total 2022-2023 vs 2023-2024
Region Involvement: PSEA SW Region Meeting Attendance from our chapter
Our Southwest Region SPSEA president Kayla Loebach, SPSEA State PACE Director Marina Lagattuta, SPSEA State Vice-President Amber Bloom, and SPSEA State President Emily Jett attended monthly meetings for the PSEA Southwest Region due to their elected positions. Their roles of being at these PSEA SW meetings were to share what Student PSEA was doing within the region and let our voices be heard within our region.
UPG SPSEA Swag: Showing our true colors
Asking members to submit designs, our club chose this one for long-sleeve shirts, crew necks, and hoodies. We are excited to wear them around campus and to conferences -- showing off our Student PSEA pride!