This may help you
https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employee/retirement-topics-tax-on-early-distri...
I'm assuming your PERA account is a type of qualified plan. The chart says no for Education. See IRC Section 72(t)(2)(E).
Instead of withdrawing, you might consider a loan? That would avoid taxation completely, including the penalty
Just be sure you pay it back either before retiring or under the loan terms.
**Disclaimer: Effort has been made to offer correct information; but due to the discussion forum limitations, the poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the poster's response**
