Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

06/18/2026

MEMBERS: The name of our prescription benefits manager is changing, but our plan remains the same. We're letting you know in advance to avoid confusion.

06/18/2026

"Even worse: Any money actually saved from closing a school building is largely offset by funding lost when affected students withdraw from the district to attend school somewhere else."

As we've been saying: the only facilities plan that will improve student learning conditions is one that prioritizes fixing - not closing - our schools. https://www.edweek.org/leadership/closing-a-school-dont-expect-to-save-money-a-new-study-warns/2026/06

The hope is that closing schools can reduce fixed costs. A new study looks into whether that happens.

06/17/2026

"The NLRB decision 'completely vindicates the union and these workers, and there’s no reason at this point Whole Foods/Amazon shouldn’t sit down and begin bargaining right away, although I suspect they won’t,' Young said."

Down with Jeff Bezos. All power to the workers! Congrats UFCW Local 1776 ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽

The union has been caught in a procedural standstill for months.

06/17/2026

NOTE: New QR code for the Praxis Test Prep PD!

06/17/2026

"Advocates for students with disabilities have been fighting the move involving special education for more than a year. They had hoped that the overwhelming opposition voiced during listening sessions earlier this spring might sway officials.

"They fear that Health and Human Services lacks not only the experience but also the appropriate perspective to support the education of students with disabilities, most of whom are educated alongside their peers in general education classrooms."

Advocates for students with disabilities fear that moving special education out of the U.S. Department of Education will undermine support for vulnerable students.

06/17/2026

Let's gooooooooooooo!!! Philadelphia Phillies AFSCME DISTRICT COUNCIL 33

06/16/2026

On July 1, some of the harshest changes to the federal student loan system in decades take effect. This is no accident. These rules were pushed through by an administration that decided educators, nurses, and public service workers should pay more, borrow less, and wait longer for the relief they were promised.

Join AFT President Randi Weingarten on Wednesday, June 17th, for an emergency virtual town hall on what's being taken from borrowers and how we fight back. Register here:

Open to Everyone: Town Hall on Student Debt On July 1, some of the harshest changes to the federal student loan system in decades take effect. This is no accident. These rules were pushed through by an administration that decided educators, nurses, and public service workers should pay more, borrow....

06/16/2026

After an incredibly tumultuous school year, we're thrilled to feel optimistic about the future. Philly public school students deserve nothing less than for administration and elected leaders to position the District for growth -- and to never settle for starvation.

We'll be working with the District to ensure that all members affected by the 340 school staff cuts are properly notified, reinstated, and supported before the next school year begins. Philly public educators deserve stability and certainty over the summer. Students and communities deserve the same.

Thank you again to Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, Council President Johnson, and members of City Council for working with us to avoid school staff cuts next year!

06/15/2026

Safe travels to Randolph CTE teacher and PFT member Shareesa Frink and colleagues who made a 10-day medical mission to Panama possible for students! This is the first such trip for Randolph CTE students in the school's history.

We know this will be a transformative experience for all. We wish you a rewarding and memorable time in Panama!

06/15/2026

"Conversations about these taxes are happening amid growing national backlash against the tech industry and income inequality, and a desire to tackle the ongoing affordability crisis and backfill pending federal cuts by the Trump administration."

https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/06/budget-update-pennsylvania-tech-taxes-data-center-capitol/

A tax break for data centers worth $2B by 2031 could be on the chopping block in PA, and lawmakers are floating digital ad taxes.