We want to be sure you catch two “can’t miss” commentaries that ran in the Inquirer this week:

• This morning, School Reform Commission chair Pedro Ramos explains that the District’s request for more funding isn’t about saving the status quo; when coupled with meaningful reforms, the funding will help to build on the transformational change already underway.

• Yesterday, Darren Spielman (Philadelphia Education Fund) and Cynthia Figueroa (Congreso) – representing the Coalition for Effective Teaching – argued that meaningful changes to the teachers’ contract this summer will result in better academic results for kids.

We are in a moment of tremendous change in Philadelphia, and these pieces demonstrate growing alignment around a common vision for our schools.

Today, on National Teacher Day, we recognize the outstanding contributions of our best educators; we also recognize the importance of pushing for reforms that will elevate the teaching profession, and we hope you will join us in this effort.