If two teachers in Philadelphia do the same job, work the same hours, and teach the same subjects — why are they paid so differently?

Right now in Philadelphia, thousands of public charter school teachers are earning thousands — sometimes tens of thousands — less than their district school counterparts. These are dedicated educators who show up every day for their students, often in the same neighborhoods, under the same pressures, with the same responsibilities. The only difference? Where they’re employed.

Many of these teachers are early-career professionals, women, and people of color — and their lower pay has real consequences: higher turnover, financial instability, and burnout. Students notice when their favorite teachers leave. Communities feel it when schools struggle to retain experienced staff. And families are hurt when schools can’t afford to offer competitive wages.

This isn’t about choosing between district and charter schools. It’s about fairness. All public educators deserve to be valued equally for the work they do, no matter the type of public school they serve. Pay equity isn't just a budget issue — it’s a justice issue.

We call on the City of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and charter school authorizers to work together to establish minimum salary guidelines and funding parity between charter and district schools. We’re asking for transparency in teacher pay and a public commitment to closing the pay gap.

Because when teachers are treated fairly, students thrive.

Sign this petition to demand equal pay for equal work — for every teacher in Philadelphia.