PFT President Jerry Jordan on Biden-Harris Administration's Plan for Student Debt Relief

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.'

Member Info: MMS Calculation Error

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.

PFT President Jerry Jordan Expresses Solidarity with 32BJ SEIU Members After Their Strike Vote, Urges Swift Settlement of a Fair Contract for Workers

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. 

PFT Payscales 2022-2023

​​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

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Passage of PA Budget

July 8, 2022

PHILADELPHIA—Responding to the passage of the PA budget in the General Assembly, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:

"I am pleased by much in the budget--but equally concerned by how many missed opportunities and misguided priorities are reflected in the final education code bills.

"Further, I am disgusted by efforts by Pennsylvania Republicans to enact an abortion ban and racist voter ID laws. Full statement on these efforts here.

"The historic increase in education funding, including a $525 million increase in basic education funding and a $225 million increase in level up funding (which will move funding towards the districts that need it most), is good news. Additionally, we are pleased by increases to mental health services, and language around increasing teacher diversity, an increase in CTE funding, and increase in library funding, and language around disability inclusive curriculum. 

"However, the budget simultaneously increases voucher funding by an outrageous 41%, pouring an additional $115 million into a program that is essentially a corporate tax break at the expense of our young people.