John, today, I’m excited to share that I was endorsed by the members of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.

Earning the support of teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff all across this city is a huge endorsement for our campaign! As a former Philly public school teacher myself, I know what it means to give it your all for the kids in your classroom, and I’m going to give it my all for Philadelphia’s families.

I started my career teaching 5th grade at Lowell Elementary School at 5th & Nedro in Olney, then one of the most overcrowded schools in the city. 

I was filled with hope and love for my students and their families but I taught on the 5th floor of a 100 year-old-building. I taught on days with 90 degree classrooms and 38 students in a class. We made the most of every minute and it was joyful. But I knew my kids deserved so much more.

That struggle lit a fire in me. 

I’m running for Mayor for the same reason I became a teacher: to build a better Philadelphia.

It’s time for a Mayor who will deliver the safe, quality education worthy of the dreams of every child and parent. If you’re ready to elect a champion for public education who is supported by teachers, can you chip in to my campaign today?

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I’ve stood side by side with Philadelphia’s teachers for decades, and we have won critical victories like putting nurses and counselors and clean water in every school. We helped re-open schools after COVID and focused on mental health and well-being of our kids. Philadelphia teachers want and deserve a Mayor who is the loudest cheerleader and advocate for teaching and creating safer, healthier learning environments where our children can thrive.

Once I came onto City Council, I helped end the state takeover of our school system and restored nurses, counselors, social workers, clean water, and arts and music to every public school. 

For decades, I’ve been the leading education advocate in our city to protect young people with more resources, school safety zones, and interventions and support for children in the path of violence. As Mayor, I’ll declare a state of emergency on Day One and coordinate all our city agencies in an all hands on deck to take illegal guns off the street, provide interventions for those most likely to hurt others, and to support victims. I am focusing on safe routes to and from school so no parent has to worry for their child’s safety.

Philadelphia needs a Mayor with a real vision to improve our schools, who will modernize them, not close them, and recruit and inspire teachers to improve the lives of all our children and families.

I am that Mayor.

Thank you for all your support,

Helen