Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

The PFT promotes the use of research-based programs proven to raise student achievement

Image: Teacher with students. "The PFT promotes the use of research-based programs proven to raise student achievement."

The PFT offers professional development to enhance learning environments for students and educators

Image: Educators talking while working on materials. "The PFT offers professional development to enhance learning environments for students and educators."

The PFT represents more than 11,000 dedicated women and men working in Philadelphia public schools today

Image: PFT members and children marching. "The PFT represents more than 11,000 dedicated women and men working in Philadelphia public schools today."

The Long Walk

The Long Walk - PFT president Jerry Jordan takes shows how school closings will impact the safety of many schoolchildren

AFTPA, PFT Leaders Call for Elected Officials to Return Yass Donations

January 15, 2021

In response to new reporting showing that Jeffrey Yass funded efforts to overturn the 2020 election, AFT Pennsylvania President Arthur Steinberg, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Jerry Jordan, and Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers President Nina Esposito-Visgitis issued the following statement...

Fund Our Facilities Coalition Announces $200M Demand, Coalition Expansion

January 14, 2021

PHILADELPHIA— The Fund Our Facilities Coalition (FOF), established in early 2019 in response to the ongoing facilities crisis in Philadelphia’s public schools, continues to grow and further our demands for safe and healthy schools. Today, the Coalition released an updated demand and member list. Newly elected officials outlined their commitment to the Coalition and their decision to immediately join as partners.

PFT President Jerry Jordan Testimony in Opposition to Delaying Changes to the Tax Abatement

December 1, 2020

This afternoon, PFT President Jerry Jordan delivered testimony before City Council in opposition to Bill 200366, which would delay changes to the 10-year tax abatement.

A Message from Jerry Jordan

December 23, 2020

Dear Members,

It has certainly been an historic year, and one wrought with profound loss and sadness. And as you embark upon a well-deserved respite, I hope you will take time to pause and reflect on how much you have accomplished amidst such trying times. You have done so much for our schoolchildren, your families, and your communities. I hope that you have a peaceful holiday break, and that however you celebrate, you will do so in a way that keeps you and yours safe.

The year was so profound, that I wanted to take a look back at just some of what has unfolded, and our union’s role in all of it. So, bear with me-- this is a long one, but I believe it’s important to reflect on one of the most significant years in recent history.

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Domestic Terrorism in DC

January 6, 2021

PHILADELPHIA— In response to the coup attempt in Washington, D.C., PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:

“I’m disgusted and sickened by the domestic terrorism unfolding at the US Capitol. In an extraordinarily dangerous and volatile situation, a group of primarily white seditionists are attempting a coup, and this disgraceful display speaks so profoundly to how broken our society is.