University Education Students Meet With Pennsylvania Secretary of Education

The Student Education Club of The University of Scranton (SECUS), led by Co-Moderators Dr. Tata Mbugua and Dr. Jinqing Liu, joined over 20 dedicated education majors for a landmark visit to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education meeting in Harrisburg. The student delegation represented all three certification tracks: Early and Primary Education (PreK-4), Middle Level Education (4-8) and Secondary Education (7-12).

The Pennsylvania State Board of Education is comprised of 21 members, ten of whom serve as the Board's Council of Basic Education and ten of whom serve as the Board's Council of Higher Education. The Board has the power and duty to review and adopt regulations that govern educational policies and principles and establish standards governing the educational programs of the Commonwealth.

During the meeting, Dr. Mbugua was recognized by the Board and invited to make a public comment. A public comment at a Pennsylvania State Board of Education meeting follows specific protocol, usually requiring a two- to four-minute limit and a focus on education-related matters such as academic policy, education priorities and teacher preparation priorities. In her 90-second address, Dr. Mbugua expressed the group's gratitude to the Pennsylvania State Board of Education, with special thanks to Board Member Nathan Barrett. Dr. Mbugua noted that Barrett has been a steadfast supporter of The University of Scranton students and was instrumental in facilitating this visit.

"This opportunity allows our future educators to experience firsthand how advocacy and professional agency function at the state level," Dr. Mbugua told the board. "By witnessing these proceedings, our students are moving beyond classroom theory to see how policy is debated, shaped and implemented for the benefit of all Pennsylvania learners."

She emphasized that such experiential learning moments are vital in empowering students to envision themselves not only as future classroom teachers, but as active participants in the broader educational landscape.

Dr. Mbugua thanked the Pennsylvania Board of Education "for its leadership and for providing this platform that helps prepare the next generation of educators to advocate effectively for their students and their profession in Pennsylvania and beyond."

The group was also addressed by Dr. Carrie Rowe, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, who encouraged the students to continue seeking opportunities to contribute to the teaching profession. Dr. Rowe commended the delegation for their participation and extended an invitation to return for next year's Board meeting. Her current priorities span a wide range of pressing issues, including teacher recruitment and retention, student mental health, funding for 27 Pennsylvania libraries, structured literacy, workforce development, expanding dual credit enrollment taught by certified 9-12 grade teachers, amplifying student voices in Board priorities, and funding initiatives to reduce sexual violence on campuses.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, the Pennsylvania Department of Education generously provided a complimentary coach bus for the students' travel to Harrisburg. Dr. Mbugua reflected that the experience was nothing short of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity - one that brought the future of Pennsylvania education face to face with those who shape it.

• University of Scranton students and faculty at the State Capitol Rotunda.
• The Student Education Club of The University of Scranton (SECUS) Club officers and Moderators - outside the State Capitol.

"One of the best parts of the trip was speaking with Board of Education members, learning more about education policy, advocacy, and seeing firsthand how decisions impacting schools and students are discussed," Alexis Cox, SECUS Secretary.

The following students and faculty attended the PDE Board of Education session in Harrisburg: Nina Balchune, Sarah Batista, Julia Brophy, Alexis Cox, Kayla Cunningham, Monical Dell'Olio, Abigail Griesemer, Bridgid Guarnuccio, Makenzi Jashembowski, Bridgit Ann Lewis, Anya Kelly, Jena Lewis, Breana Metric, Bridget Mitchell, Grismeiris De Jesus, Ashley McCartney, Alahna Pidich, Emma Schultz, Emma Ryan, Riley Schmidt, Lizzy Zdziebkowski, Dr. Jinqing Liu and Dr. Tata Mbugua.

The students also had the opportunity to engage with Amy Lena, Deputy Secretary of Education, who applauded them for attending the Board session and invited them to reflect on the meeting's agenda items - among them campus hunger and food insecurity, dual enrollment, minimum of 30-minute recess in K-12 schools, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards.

Dr. Liu captured the significance of the experience: "As an Assistant Professor, I am honored to co-lead alongside Dr. Mbugua in bringing our future educators to this Board meeting - where they witness firsthand how educational policy is shaped through dialogue, debate, and democratic action. This transformative experience empowers our students to see themselves not only as teachers, but as advocates and leaders in the future of education. By engaging directly in the policymaking process, they gain the confidence and inspiration to cultivate civic engagement and democratic participation in the generations they will one day teach."

SECUS President Julia Brophy echoed that sentiment: "By observing the Board's deliberations firsthand, we gained an invaluable understanding of teacher advocacy and the critical role of professional agency in shaping the education system."

Pennsylvania State Board of Education Member Nathan Barrett guided University of Scranton students and faculty on a tour of the State Capitol and Darby Free Library. Shown are Dr. Mbugua, Barrett and Dr. Liu.