Philadelphia teachers union and school district reach one-year contract extension

Philadelphia public school teachers and school district personnel represented by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) will receive a 5% raise this September thanks in large part to a one-year contract extension between the union and the School District of Philadelphia (SDP).

Sean Kitchen

February 28, 2024

Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and the School District of Philadelphia reached a tentative agreement for a one-year contract extension. Teachers and staff members represented by the union will get 5% raises and $1,200 retention bonuses.

“I am elated by this Tentative Agreement,” PFT President Jerry Jordan said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Educators’ working conditions and students’ learning conditions go hand in glove, and that goes well beyond investing in classroom supplies. It means that the professionals that give so much of themselves and pour their hearts into educating our young people must be fairly compensated.”

The union, which represents 13,000 members, and the school district were able to reach this agreement six months prior to the current contract’s expiration date.

Teachers and staff members eligible for their step increases will receive that increase and all PFT represented members will receive a retention bonus of $1,200 in June 2024. The tentative agreement extends the designated schools program and teachers who are eligible will receive $2,500 bonuses in June 2024 and September 2025.

“In the School District of Philadelphia, schools are the primary unit of change, and highly-qualified, well-supported, stable teachers over time, is the number one lever for accelerating academic achievement,” SDP Superintendent Tony Watlington said in a statement.

“This proposed contract fairly supports the needs of our PFT members while helping us Accelerate Philly and become the fastest improving, large urban school district in the nation. I am thrilled that we can move forward with confidence, upon contract ratification, to continue our focus on improving academic outcomes and help our students imagine and realize any future they desire.”

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