Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

All the resources you need on immigration and ICE

Federal immigration actions are rapidly expanding, with deadly consequences. The killings of poet Renee Nicole Good and nurse Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minneapolis have brought intense focus on the use of excessive force. An AFT webinar, co-hosted by AFT President Randi Weingarten and AFT Massachusetts President Jessica Tang on Jan. 28, featured experts on immigration and the law. It highlighted AFT resources and showcased how our locals are showing up to minimize fear and trauma.

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

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

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

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.

On her very first day of student teaching at Linden Avenue Middle School in Red Hook, N.Y., Martha Strever pushed, pulled and pounded on the school’s door, which was locked. No one came. Where was everybody? It was, after all, the first day of school.

It turned out everybody was exactly where they were supposed to be: inside, having entered through the school’s front entrance. Strever had been knocking on a side door. Flustered but undeterred, she not only found her way inside, she also found her life’s calling.

All the resources you need on immigration and ICE

Dangerous Building Conditions Spur PFT Call for Return to Remote Learning on Friday

Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Urges Swift Passage of ICE OUT Legislation

PFT President Steinberg Statement on District Facilities Proposal

2/21 & 2/28: Building Science & Social Studies Confidence for the Praxis Exam

From Chalkboards to AI: A Teacher’s 65-Year Journey