Press

February 28, 2024

PHILADELPHIA--The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and School District of Philadelphia are thrilled to jointly announce the settlement of a Tentative Agreement (TA) to a one-year contract extension to the existing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). 

The Tentative Agreement is a milestone for both the Union and the District, and it represents a significant investment in the dedicated educators and support staff that, with care and expertise, help shape future generations. Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington and PFT President Jerry Jordan have both expressed their shared goal of not just saying they value educators--but showing them.

February 26, 2024

This morning, at Science Leadership Academy at Beeber, PFT President Jerry Jordan joined Senator Vincent Hughes and a coalition of labor leaders, elected officials, high school and college students, teachers and staff to sound the alarm on the teacher shortage.

President Jordan's prepared remarks are available here.

A short video of President Jordan's remarks along with several photos from the event are available here.

The Inquirer's Kristen Graham continued her coverage of PFT President Jerry Jordan's retirement with interviews of members, staff, elected officials, and labor leaders.

The online coverage of Jordan's retirement also includes a photo gallery of Jordan through the years (not to be missed!).

Here's what many who knew and have worked with PFT President Jerry Jordan for years had to say about his leadership:

January 17, 2024

In an exclusive interview with The Inquirer's Kristen Graham, PFT President Jerry Jordan discussed his tenure with the union and his upcoming retirement. The Inquirer's coverage included an in-depth article as well as the reactions of those who have known and worked with Jerry for years, including elected officials, labor leaders, and PFT members and staff.

January 11, 2024

Following the release of the Basic Education Funding Commission report, PFT President Jerry T. Jordan issued the following statement:

PHILADELPHIA--"I applaud the Basic Education Funding Commission for their bipartisan commitment to examining school funding inequities in our Commonwealth, and specifically the Democratic committee members and individuals representing Governor Shapiro's administration for laying out a plan that addresses many of the inequities that we have shined a light on for years.

December 30, 2023

Following the shooting death of Mr. Bilal Henry, a staff member at Mayfair Elementary School, PFT President Jerry T. Jordan issued the following statement:

PHILADELPHIA--"I am heartsick by the callous murder of Mr. Bilal Henry, a beloved father, husband, and staff member at Mayfair Elementary School. 

"To know that Mr. Henry was gunned down answering the door at his own home, while his wife and children were present is just gut-wrenching.

Following the death of Dr. Constance Clayton, beloved former Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:

PHILADELPHIA--"Dr. Constance Clayton was the best Superintendent I've ever known, and the students and staff of our school system and our city at-large are better for her service. Dr. Clayton at her core was an educator, a mentor, and one of the staunchest advocates for children that I've met. 

"I was always struck by how Dr. Clayton ended every speech she delivered: 'Remember, the children come first.' She lived by those words, and her leadership was defined by that unwavering commitment. This credo was inextricably linked to every action she took as a superintendent.