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PFT Statement on School District Administrative Debacle

File: PFT President Arthur Steinberg speaks at a press conference.

PHILADELPHIA (July 8, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg:

“On June 10th, Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Sr., announced that 340 classroom positions were being restored thanks to a budget agreement reached by Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Mayor Cherelle Parker. We applauded that announcement then, on behalf of our members and the affected school communities we serve. 

“But nearly one month later, our members still have not received confirmation from the District that their positions are secure. A Zoom

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7/27-7/30: Start the Year With Great Classroom Management

Start the year with great classroom management

Join the PFT Health & Welfare Fund for a four-day PD session that will get you all set with managing your class for the upcoming school year. 

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8/3-8/6: Praxis Exam Preparation

Praxis Test Prep PD

Join the PFT Health & Welfare Fund for an intensive Praxis Prep Week designed just for School District of Philadelphia employees in emergency certification status or a Career Pathways program! This four-day Praxis PD series is designed to support educators preparing for Praxis 5511, 5154, 5155: Fundamental Subjects exam and similar tests.

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PFT Statement on Restoration of 340 School Staff Cuts

PFT President Arthur G. Steinberg speaks at a press conference celebrating the restoration of 340 school staff positions outside of Council Chambers.

PHILADELPHIA (June 11, 2026) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) President Arthur G. Steinberg on the School District’s announcement that 340 classroom positions cut for the 2026-2027 academic year will be restored, following a school funding agreement struck by Mayor Cherelle Parker and Council President Kenyatta Johnson:

“The announcement late Wednesday by the Mayor, Council President, and Superintendent is an enormous victory for Philadelphia public school students. After a chaotic year marked by school closure announcements, persistent educator

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PFT Releases Building Condition Analyses of Schools Targeted for Closure

PFT's analysis of school buildings to be closed under the District's Facilities Master Plan.

PHILADELPHIA (May 12, 2026) – The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT Local 3) on Tuesday released analysis and alternative recommendations for public schools that are scheduled to close starting in 2027.

Led by PFT Director of Environmental Science Jerry Roseman and informed by input from PFT members, the reports found inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the School District of Philadelphia's stated rationales for closing public schools.

At a press event at Overbook Elementary on Tuesday, the PFT and school leaders pointed to strong community ties and walkability for young students as

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PSRP activists swap advice on campaigning

AFT President Randi Weingarten shared thoughts on campaigning with up-and-coming PSRP leaders.

The AFT PSRP leadership conference last month came chock-full of advice from activists on how to optimize campaigns, whether they focus on organizing, politics, a living wage or community service. PSRP co-chairs Carl Williams and Sarah Wofford led the proceedings. Williams is president of the Lawndale (Calif.) Federation of Classified Employees, a former school custodian and president of California’s classified members. Wofford is an accounting specialist for Rogue Community College and president of the Oregon School Employees Association. Eighteen AFT locals sent paraprofessionals and school-related personnel to Chicago April 10-12 for the conference.

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