Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

PFT President Jerry Jordan on Full Funding Budget Proposal

January 31, 2022 In response to newly released budget proposal, Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: PHILADELPHIA—"I am very encouraged by the robust budget proposal put forth by Senate and House Democratic leaders this morning. This package of historic investments in public education is what we need, when we need it. It is past time for the Commonwealth to fully and fairly fund public education and to address the deep seated inequities that for too long have left Philadelphia's schoolchildren, a majority of whom are Black and brown and experiencing poverty, shortchanged. "With billions of dollars in a rainy day fund, the Commonwealth has the money to pay for the programs and services our young people need. And let's be clear: there is always money for what we, as a society, prioritize. "The budget proposal itself will not remedy decades of disinvestment. But it will put us on the right path forward. It proposes real money to invest in real, long standing issues. Further, the proposal allows for serious investments to address issues exacerbated by the pandemic. MORE

ACTION ALERT: Safety Plan Improvements

CLICK HERE: Send a letter today!

CLICK HERE: CONTACT SUPERINTENDENT HITE, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, and COUNCIL TO LET THEM KNOW OUR SAFETY PLAN IS IMPROVING BUT WE NEED MORE.

PFT President Jerry Jordan on New PDPH Guidance

January 19, 2022

PHILADELPHIA—"While we continue sound the alarm about the untenable conditions in our buildings, Philadelphia's officials continue to recommend policies misaligned with the reality of the in-school experiences.

"Since the start of the pandemic, and certainly now, this union has worked to ensure that students and staff are able to learn and work in-person. We know that the true magic of teaching and learning takes place face-to-face, and virtual learning simply cannot replicate that joy or effectiveness. We also know that every child and staff member deserves to be safe in their

Streamlined Reimbursement Process

To submit for reimbursement (NEW 1/24/22): Fill out this form and mail to the address provided.

You must attach the following:

A photo of the purchased COVID-19 test kit box with the barcode visible
Receipt of purchase that displays the date and the purchased item highlighted/circled

Pharmacies will begin processing claims after the 16th. Members who chose to pay out of pocket before pharmacies’ systems are set up will be eligible for reimbursement.

Questions? Read the FAQs right here.

Click the image to download the form:

Click here to send your letter calling for a Safety Plan NOW!

Write to the Mayor, Superintendent, City Council, and School Board:

Click here to send your letter.

January 12, 2022

In response to untenable school conditions and the ongoing COVID surge, Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:

PHILADELPHIA—"Over the past four days, PFT members and allies have written over 40,000 letters to the Mayor, Superintendent, and members of the School Board in two 'action alert' campaigns [here and here]. I am again calling on the swift implementation of a sensible safety plan that addresses the concerns we have laid out over the past several weeks. These concerns, echoed by thousands throughout the District, are geared towards assuring the safe, in-person