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Message to PFT Members

July 6, 2022

Dear Members,

In the wake of a tragic fourth of July, I write today to share some reflections on the state of our nation. 

Our nation is once again reeling from the horror of a deadly mass shooting. There are no words that could possibly suffice when, amidst a celebratory parade, seven people were murdered and dozens more injured. My thoughts and my deepest sympathies are with those who suffered an unbearable loss in the mass shooting in Illinois.

Further, right here in our beloved city, two police officers were shot amidst the festivities on the Ben Franklin

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June 30, 2022

Image Credit: AFL-CIO

PFT President Jerry Jordan upon the swearing in of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to the US Supreme Court:

"Today, we watched as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was sworn in to the US Supreme Court. Amidst so many challenges our society is facing, this was truly refreshing and a moment to pause and reflect on the history of this moment. 

"As I shared in my statement upon her confirmation, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is immensely qualified, and her confirmation represents an historic moment. Justice Brown Jackson is the first Black woman justice of the SCOTUS, and

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June 30, 2022

The Republican controlled State Legislature continues its destructive and bigoted path. This week, the State Senate passed a series of racist, anti-LGBTQIA+ bills, including an Anti-trans bill (SB972), a Book Banning bill (SB1277), and a Don't Say Gay bill (SB1278). As I said in my statement here, shame on the Republicans who are pushing forth this bigoted agenda. 

Yesterday, PFT members Gemayel Keyes, Kate Sundeen, and Benjamin Hover spoke powerfully at a coalition press conference hosted by District Attorney Larry Krasner outside of CAPA. Watch the powerful event right here.

Follo

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June 2022

PFT joined the city and nation in outrage at SCOTUS' decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.  As PFT President Jerry shared in his statement following the disgraceful ruling denying women the healthcare they need, "Banning abortions will not stop abortions. But it will make abortion unsafe and illegal. It means that women experiencing poverty, especially Black and brown women, will be especially vulnerable amidst an already rigged system." Jordan continued, "Before our eyes, we are watching the horror of a group of right-wing extremists hurtling our nation rapidly towards authoritarianism

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The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification process is a voluntary, enriching, and rigorous professional growth experience that requires teachers to show evidence of the mastery and integration of both content and pedagogical knowledge. It is the highest certification in the education profession.  

Temple University offers a supporting program facilitating teachers with their certifying process. Please see the attached flyers to learn more about the new revised teacher-friendly process incorporating the latest research in best practices in teaching, a flexible

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June 29, 2022 PHILADELPHIA—In response to the Republican controlled PA State Senate passing an Anti-trans sports bill, a Book Banning bill, and a Don't Say Gay bill, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: "Shame on Pennsylvania Republicans who continue to lead with bigotry and hatred. "I am disgusted by the State Senate's passage today of an Anti-trans bill (SB972), a Book Banning bill (SB1277), and a Don't Say Gay bill (SB1278).  MORE