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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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Martha with students

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.

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Photo credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images

Paraprofessionals and school-related personnel are often overlooked because of their support roles. They are the last ones hired and often the first ones fired when budgets get tight. This certainly seems true right now as the Trump administration withholds nearly $7 billion in education funds, effective July 1, which has hamstrung summer school programs, hindered English language support, halted professional development this summer, and left before- and after-school programs in limbo for the coming school year.

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