This year, for Black History Month, we're taking a look at a group of leaders who are currently active making Black history across the labor movement. Check back daily for a new profile and meet some of the people working to improve not only their community, but also to improve conditions for working people across the country. Today's profile is Jerry T. Jordan of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Jerry T. Jordan is president of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT), AFT Local 3. Jordan received his degree in education and Spanish from Temple University and began teaching high school Spanish and English as a Second Language in the Philadelphia school district. In 1987, he joined PFT as a district staff representative, representing teachers and support staff in 50 schools and school district offices. He was elected legislative representative for PFT’s executive board and, in 1989, was appointed special assistant to the PFT president and was elected general vice president by the members. He was first elected to a four-year term as PFT president in February 2008. He is a vice president of the Philadelphia Central Labor Council and the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO.