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PFT President Arthur Steinberg introduces Governor Josh Shapiro at the 2025 AFTPA Convention

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

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Photo of a broken heater filled with ice at a Philadelphia public school submitted by a member.

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

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One of at least six unusable classrooms at Vare-Washington Elementary due to poor building conditions following last weekend's snow storm.

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

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ICE OUT OF OUR SCHOOLS

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

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PFT President Arthur Steinberg speaks at a press conference

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

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Foundations First

Join the PFT Health & Welfare Fund for a professional development series designed to support educators preparing for the Praxis 5511, 5154, 5155: Fundamental Subjects exam and similar tests! This workshop series focuses on building foundational understanding and confidence in science and social studies, with practical strategies, guided practice, and peer collaboration. This is not a full content test prep, but a targeted support series to help you think strategically, clarify key concepts, and move one step closer to certification success. 

February 21 & 28

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Register: https

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