December 2022
In the Winter issue of American Educator, PFT staff representative LeShawna Coleman and teacher resident Gemayel Keyes delve into the PFT paraprofessionals pathway program. A must read!
November 23, 2022
In response to the shooting outside of Overbrook High School at dismissal today, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:
PHILADELPHIA—"The ongoing scourge of gun violence continues to plague our city and our nation. I am enraged by the shooting outside of Overbrook High School this afternoon that injured four students and surely traumatized so many more students, staff, and community members.
In the leadup to the midterm elections, pundits predicted a red wave, even a tsunami, based on polls, historical precedent, and steep gas and grocery prices. But I had my doubts. I spent the weeks before the elections talking to voters and traveling on the AFT Votes bus, rolling through a dozen states with more than 50 stops. In a year when kitchen table issues, democracy and our freedoms were on the ballot, many people told me that the elections came down to a choice between, on the one side, election deniers and extremists stoking fear, and on the other, problem-solvers working to help the country move forward. Many races were close, but Americans turned the tide from a red wave to a swell of support for progress and problem-solvers. Read the full column here.
November 16, 2022
In response to the PA House passage of HR 240, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:
PHILADELPHIA—"In a desperate maneuver in their waning days of power, the Pennsylvania House Republicans tripled down on their desire to circumvent the will of Philadelphians by voting to move forward with the impeachment of District Attorney Larry Krasner.
November 15, 2022
Dear PFT Members:
Today, the PA State House Judiciary Committee furthered their efforts to impeach the twice elected District Attorney of Philadelphia Larry Krasner, passing this wrongheaded legislation through the Judiciary Committee.
I've shared our opposition to this stunt with you a number of times, and I write today to urge you to call your State Senator and State Representative to urge them to repudiate this charade and get down to the business of governing.
November 9, 2022
In response to this evening's election results, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:
PHILADELPHIA—"Voters of Pennsylvania have made their voices heard, and John Fetterman's decisive victory leaves us confident in our optimism about our path forward for our great commonwealth.
"Throughout a grueling campaign and a life-threatening health scare, the fortitude and determination demonstrated by John Fetterman and his family is a testament to their commitment to our collective futures.