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)

Progress Updates

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Philadelphia City Council allocates $500,000 to help CTE teachers earn certification

(WHYY) Philadelphia City Council is allocating $500,000 from the school district’s budget to pay for teacher certifications for the Philadelphia School District’s Career Technical Education program.

“I think it’s an incredible incentive to not just lighten the burden for current teachers, but to entice more industry professionals to … make that transition into education,” said Jessica Lawyer, who teaches culinary arts at Thomas Edison High School.

 

 

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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Image of Phila School District Superintendent Tony Watlington
The Philadelphia Tribune Company

Philadelphia State of the Schools report shows significant progress on many levels

“Before COVID, our students ranked in the middle or near the bottom among large urban districts,” said School District of Philadelphia Superintendent...
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)
Chalkbeat

Philadelphia teachers union ratifies new contract that gives teachers raises, parental leave

Members of the Philadelphia teachers union voted to ratify the union’s new contract with the school district Thursday that includes annual 3% raises...

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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.

Explore the Solutions Progress Report