8/29/22
Dear Members,
Like so many of you, I still wake up on the first day back to school with excitement and anticipation--and today was no different! I was delighted to join two fantastic celebrations of the return to school; Councilmember Helen Gym and I joined staff, students, parents, and community partners to kick the day off at Dobbins CTE and Duckrey Elementary. The enthusiasm was contagious.
8-26-22
Dear Members,
August 24, 2022
PHILADELPHIA—Responding to the Biden-Harris Administration's student loan forgiveness announcement, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:
"Once again, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are delivering on their campaign promises-- this time in the form of major student debt relief that will 'provide more breathing room to America’s working families' as part of a 'comprehensive effort to address the burden of growing college costs and make the student loan system more manageable.'
We recently received notice that the District erroneously calculated a very significant number of teachers' MMS ratings for the 2021-2022 school year. While the error had zero impact for the vast majority of those members affected, we regret that the District's error in calculation had a negative impact on 0.2% of members who received or will receive a recalculation notice. Roughly 0.1% of members receiving notice received a positive change to their score. Roughly 99.7% of members receiving notice will receive a completely neutral score adjustment.
For those members receiving a negative shift in their MMS score, we recognize that the District's error is distressing, and we will provide you with the supports you may need to navigate this challenge.
August 22, 2022
Following 32BJ SEIU's strike authorization vote, and amidst their ongoing contract negotiations, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement of support:
PHILADELPHIA—"The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers stands united in solidarity with our union siblings at 32BJ SEIU as they work towards the settlement of a fair contract in advance of its August 31st expiration.
Pay scales are updated! Click through to access your specific pay scale.
Reminders
Effective 9/1/22: 3.25% increase to salary schedules
Paid last paycheck of September: $1,000 contract bonus to all employees who are employed 9/1/22