PHILADELPHIA (May 29, 2025) – Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) President Arthur G. Steinberg on Thursday issued the following statement on the Philadelphia Board of Education’s vote to approve a new charter school, following a 7-year unofficial moratorium on charter expansion in Philly:

“I am outraged by the Board of Education’s irresponsible decision today to approve a new charter school. At a time when the School District of Philadelphia continues to beg for adequate funding, as well as badly overdue state legislative reforms for cyber and charter schools, today’s vote was a betrayal

PHILADELPHIA (May 7, 2025) – Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) President Arthur G. Steinberg on Wednesday issued the following statement on a violent incident outside of Overbrook High School during which a Philadelphia Police officer was shot and hospitalized:

“We are horrified by the violence that occurred outside of Overbrook High School today. Our thoughts are with the Philadelphia Police officer who was shot; may their recovery be swift and complete. As educators, the physical violence among young people that the officer was attempting to quell was devastating to witness.

“At this

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PHILADELPHIA (March 4, 2025) – Members of the 1.8 million-strong American Federation of Teachers in communities stretching from Philadelphia to Allegheny counties took part in a national day of action to inform and activate members of the public about looming federal education cuts that would hurt Pennsylvania students. Nearly 90% of K-12 students in Pennsylvania are enrolled in public schools, many of which benefit from funding and programmatic support from the U.S. Department of Education.

In the face of illegal cuts to U.S. Department of Education programs and funding and a stated promise to

PHILADELPHIA (February 4, 2025) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) President Arthur Steinberg on Governor Josh Shapiro's 2025-2026 budget address:

“Governor Shapiro’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal seeks to make good on long-standing commitments that Philadelphia public school students, families, and staff are counting on. We’re pleased to see Governor Shapiro pledge deeper investments in Pre-K programs, early childcare, affordable housing, and family-sustaining work – all of which will meaningfully improve the lives of children at home, thereby

PHILADELPHIA (January 14, 2025) – Following is a statement from Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) President Arthur Steinberg on the reported homicide of a 17-year-old student who attended Fels High School:

“We are devastated that senseless gun violence has claimed the life of another Philadelphia public school student. Every child deserves the freedom to learn, mature, and thrive without the threat of violence.

“Our thoughts are with the survivors of the 17-year-old child who was reportedly killed near his home in Feltonville this morning. We also extend our sympathies and support to the