Press

PHILADELPHIA (February 3, 2026) –  Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur G. Steinberg on Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed FY2027 budget:

“Governor Shapiro’s proposed budget is more than a spending plan; it is a vision for what Pennsylvanians should aspire to achieve. This budget deepens investments in long-underfunded schools, frees districts from wasteful cyber charter obligations, empowers administrators to enact smart phone bans to enhance learning, and grows the child care and educator workforce – without raising taxes on working people. Overall

PHILADELPHIA (February 2, 2026) –  Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur G. Steinberg on the School District of Philadelphia's failure to ensure school buildings were heated and safe to resume in-person learning:

"'The School District should not have sent students and staff back into schools if they knew the buildings were going to lack adequate heat and working plumbing.

"We told the District last Thursday that they have a responsibility to make sure buildings are heated and comfortable before calling students and staff back for in-person learning

PHILADELPHIA (January 29, 2026) –  Following a half school day of treacherous commutes and dangerous building conditions, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers on Thursday urged the School District of Philadelphia to return to remote learning on Friday.

PFT President Arthur G. Steinberg said in a statement:

"On behalf of the more than 14,000 educators we represent, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers calls on the School District to return to remote instruction on Friday, where the forecasted high temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

"As educators, our members regularly report to work

PHILADELPHIA (January 29, 2026) – The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers on Thursday urged City Council to prioritize passage of the ICE OUT legislative package in order to protect students and families from violence and brutality by federal agents.

“Philadelphia educators are watching in horror as federal agencies invade once-peaceful communities in Minnesota and across the country, making daily life including schooling untenable. The terror and trauma being inflicted on students, including those most vulnerable to racism and abuse, is sickening to witness. At the same time, we are in awe of

PHILADELPHIA (January 22, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur G. Steinberg on the School District of Philadelphia’s proposal to close 20 schools and merge six schools:

“After months of false starts and poorly advertised and attended ‘community meetings,’ the School District of Philadelphia has released its long-delayed school closure and consolidation plan. The concerns of Philadelphia Federation of Teachers members, as well as families and neighbors, should by now be clearly understood by every decision-maker involved.

“We demand

PHILADELPHIA (November 12, 2025) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur G. Steinberg on passage of Pennsylvania’s FY2026 budget:

“After an embarrassing and painful four-plus months of gridlock in Harrisburg that forced school districts including Philadelphia’s to take on massive debt just to keep the lights on, I’m relieved that Governor Shapiro and legislative leaders in Harrisburg finally reached an agreement on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

“On behalf of the 14,000 educators represented by PFT Local 3, I’m incredibly grateful to the Democratic

PHILADELPHIA (October 9, 2025) – The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3), which represents 14,000 public educators working in the School District of Philadelphia, has endorsed the following jurists for Pennsylvania’s three statewide appellate courts:

• For the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, the PFT supports retention of Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty, and David Wecht.
• For the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, the PFT endorses Judge Stella Tsai, as well as Judge Michael Wojcik for retention.
• For the Superior Court of Pennsylvania, the PFT endorses Judge Brandon Neuman

PHILADELPHIA (September 25, 2025) – Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on Thursday issued the following statement on the Board of Education's vote to extend the contract of Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington through June 30, 2030:

"At a time of declining enrollment and political turmoil surrounding school districts across the country, Philly public schools are attracting students and enjoying deep support in their communities. This achievement is the direct result of the labor and dedication of the nearly 14,000 members of PFT Local 3 – and to the

PHILADELPHIA (August 28, 2025) - Tonight, members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) voted to ratify the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the School District of Philadelphia. The agreement, which was announced earlier this week, will be in effect from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028.

“I am thrilled that we were able to secure these truly historic wins for our members, and now that the Agreement has been officially ratified, come Monday, our members will now be protected by our strongest contract yet,” said PFT President Arthur G. Steinberg. “As we