Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

PFT Primary 2021 Updates

Check pftvotes.org for our endorsement of Larry Krasner for DA as well as additional updates on judicial races and ballot questions.

PFT Members Testify at City Council Hearing on American Rescue Plan

PFT Building Representatives Ethel Peterson-Johnson (Bregy), Charlotte McCracken (Bache Martin), Sharahn Santana (Parkway NW), Anna Phelan (OEC), and Political Liaison Kate Sundeen (Palumbo) testified at April 28th's Council hearing on the American Rescue Plan. They focused on priorities for allocating rescue plan funding, emphasizing facilities invesetments, mental health support, and investing in resources and supplies.

Their testimony was powerful and led to important conversation with Committee Chair Councilmember Maria Quiñones-Sánchez.

Read their powerful testimony below:

Ethel Peterson

PFT releases results of American Rescue Plan spending priorities survey

PHILADELPHIA—Today, at a City Council Committee on Education hearing, PFT President Jerry Jordan delivered testimony outlining the results of a community survey on education spending priorities for the more than $1Billion influx of funds for the School District of Philadelphia.

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PFT President Jerry Jordan on the Conviction of Derek Chauvin

PHILADELPHIA—"Black Lives Matter. Today's verdict is an important step towards justice for George Floyd and a step forward in repairing a deeply broken system. I commend the prosecution, the brave witnesses, and the jurors for their work in seeking justice for George Floyd.

"George Floyd was murdered in cold blood at the hands of former police officers Derek Chauvin and his accomplices. And for that, we've mourned and we've protested. And we will continue to do so--because no matter the verdict, Mr. Floyd is still gone, and his family still wakes up each day without their beloved father, son, partner, friend.

PFT President Jerry Jordan on the Police Killing of Adam Toledo

PHILADELPHIA—"Adam Toledo was thirteen years old. A seventh grade boy with his hands in the air, shot dead by police. Adam should be alive today.

"Watching Adam lay there motionless, while responders referred to him as 'little man' was simply too much to bear. I'm sick and tired of Black and brown lives being viewed as expendable.

"It's hard to continue to even find the words to express my outrage. Our union will always remain deeply committed to the fight for racial justice and equity."

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PFT President Jerry Jordan on the Police Killing of Daunte Wright

PHILADELPHIA—"I am disgusted, enraged, heartbroken, and unfortunately not surprised that another Black man's life was stolen at the hands of police. Daunte Wright should be alive today.