Education

Improve Teacher Retention and Pay

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A teacher reads to a group of students at Andrew Hamilton school. A new report found that teachers in their first three years of teaching and teachers of color leave their jobs at higher rates than others. (Carly Sitrin/Chalkbeat)

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Teachers union ratifies 3-year deal with Philadelphia school district

(WHYY) The Philadelphia teachers union released the details of its three-year contract with the Philadelphia School District after members voted to ratify the deal late Thursday — including a one-time bonus, a 3% annual pay raise and paid parental leave.

Some of the new contract terms include: five weeks of paid parental leave for members who are new parents, including those who adopt children; a 3% pay increase for all members in each year of the contract; a one-time, $1,400 bonus for all union members; and the elimination of a district policy that disciplined members for using sick days.

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Mayor Cherelle Parker wants to lower teacher attrition, in part to uphold educational quality and consistency for students in the Philadelphia School District. Here's some of what she's done so far on this front:

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Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington, second from left, Mayor Cherelle Parker, and Philadelphia Federation of Teachers President Arthur Steinberg stand along others on the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025 (Carly Sitrin / Chalkbeat)
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Philadelphia teachers union ratifies new contract that gives teachers raises, parental leave

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Solutions Progress Report

The Solutions Progress Report tracks updates on the key issues and initiatives of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker's administration.

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