Melinda J. Person

School Counselors See Rising Trauma Linked to Immigration Enforcement The school staff whose job it is to support students say they see major signs of emotional distress.

Kids can’t learn if they don’t feel safe.

www.edweek.org/leadership/s...

We won’t quit until we FIX TIER 6!

If you know me, you know I LOVE Career & Technical Education.
CTE Month is a reminder of what I see in classrooms across New York: CTE programs WORK — opening doors, inspiring passion & preparing students for real futures.

Here’s to educators, students & communities building opportunity every day.

Anthropic cofounder says studying the humanities will be 'more important than ever' and reveals what the AI company looks for when hiring | Fortune "The things that make us human will become much more important instead of much less important."

AI is evolving fast—but the skills our public schools and colleges build matter more than ever: critical thinking, communication, empathy, and the humanities, which teach students to question, interpret, and understand the human experience.

fortune.com/2026/02/07/a...

After the Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs, companies line up for refunds The Supreme Court on Friday struck down President Trump's tariffs. But the justices left a $133 billion question unanswered: What's going to happen to the money the government has already collected?

The Supreme Court struck down the federal administration’s unlawful import tariffs — a hidden tax that drove up prices and squeezed working families.

Working people deserve lower costs, accountability, and a government that respects the Constitution.

www.npr.org/2026/02/21/g...

Community schools provide proven supports (counseling, housing, & healthcare) that raise graduation rates & expand opportunity.

Instead of investing in what works, disinvestment & cuts to funding threaten student success and deepen inequities. When we invest in community schools, students thrive.

BREAKING: The Department of Education has ended its directive that attempted to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools nationwide.

This is a victory for academic freedom and education equity.

After months of showing up, speaking out, and standing together, the fight to Fix Tier 6 leads us to Albany on March 8. This is about fairness, dignity, and a retirement system that respects a lifetime of public service.

30 years should be a career. 

#FixTier6

This week at the Capitol, NYSUT hosted a panel discussion and screening of a short film about childhood poverty and the power of community schools.

We can’t spill the tea yet ☕️
But to the teachers watching the game, grading papers during commercials…
this surprise guest on 3/8 is for you.
Stay tuned 👀🍎

Fit check: head over to nysutstore.org to grab the coziest union apparel from sweats and hats to hoodies. Because staying warm is easier when you’re wrapped in union colors. #NYSUTProud #UnionStrong

I’m running for reelection as president of NYSUT.

Because listening matters.
Showing up matters.
And results matter.

I’m still all in. And we’re just getting started. ✊🔥

Trying to explain what’s happening in the world to kids isn’t easy, but it matters. This post hits home - a dozen things I’m saying to my kids that reflect our family values.

Come join 10,000+ of your friends and neighbors on March 8th at the MVP Arena in Albany. Because Tier 6 isn’t going to fix itself. #FixTier6 bit.ly/4abLD62

Commentary: New York schools and campuses need clean-energy investment Many school and university buildings are too old for the energy transition. A Carbon Free and Healthy Schools Bond Act would help districts make upgrades.

If we’re serious about student health, academic success and meeting New York’s clean-energy goals, we need a statewide investment in healthy schools that matches the scope of the challenge. @nysaflcio.bsky.social @nysut.bsky.social

www.timesunion.com/opinion/arti...

Joint Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul and State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa “The Trump administration’s decision to tear apart the Department of Education carries catastrophic consequences for education nationwide."

Thank you to Governor KathyHochul and NYSED Commissioner Rosa for standing firm in support of our students and families.

www.governor.ny.gov/news/joint-s...

NY school phone ban has made lunch loud again Two months into the school year, students say they are adjusting to life without their smart devices. Teachers report more focused pupils.

If you haven’t been in a school lunchroom lately, you’ll be amazed. Kids are laughing, talking, and building real friendships again.

NY’s distraction-free cell phone policy is bringing back connection, one lunch at a time. 🍎

#PublicSchoolsUniteUs

gothamist.com/news/ny-smar...

NYSUT Celebrates Members Elected to Serve Their Communities More than 100 NYSUT-endorsed candidates won in New York’s Nov. 4, 2025 general election, including at least 31 NYSUT members. These victories highlight the power of educator-led leadership and community advocacy for strong public schools, affordable living, and government accountability.

This year, at least 31 NYSUT members were elected to serve their communities across New York — proving once again that when working people lead, everyone wins.
Proud of our members who step up, serve, and deliver real results for New York.
nysut.org/news/2025/november/media-release-election-results

Upstate hospital pair came to America where they could marry. ICE plans to send them back to Cuba The two North Syracuse men have been sent to an ICE detention center in Batavia.

We are deeply concerned for our NYSUT @uupinfo.bsky.social member and his husband, both members of the SUNY Upstate family, now facing deportation and persecution if returned to Cuba. They deserve dignity, safety, and the right to live and work without fear.
www.syracuse.com/news/2025/11...

Congratulations to Natalie McKay on her election to the NYSTRS Board of Trustees!

A dedicated educator and leader, Natalie has always put her colleagues and students first. Her experience and steady leadership will serve NYSTRS members well. So proud to see her representing us! 💙

Couldn’t ask for better teammates ❤️

Proud to salute our members, celebrating 65 years of the UFT at #teacherunionday. @uftnyc.bsky.social @rweingarten.bsky.social

Long lines at early voting in Manhattan — democracy in action! 🗳️

Great to spend the morning leafleting with our @UFT family and supporting local candidates who stand with public schools and working people. 💪🍎

The real trick is pretending you care about kids while attacking the people who teach them. 🎃

Trump Administration Live Updates: Government Ordered to Pay Food Stamp Benefits During Shutdown

A federal judge has ordered USDA to release funds immediately so #SNAP benefits go out Nov 1 — protecting 42 M Americans from losing food assistance.

Thank you NYS AG James & 25+ states for standing up for families. 💪🍎 No one should go hungry because of politics.

www.nytimes.com/live/2025/10...

🚗💨 On the road again — this morning we headed to Southern Westchester BOCES to tour their incredible facilities and meet the amazing students and the staff – these hands-on opportunities are setting kids up for success. 💪🎓🔧
#CTE #CareerReady #PublicSchoolsUniteUs #BOCES

People don’t need SNAP because they don’t work.
They need SNAP because work doesn’t pay.
#OneJobShouldBeEnough

New York Joins Coalition of States Suing Trump Administration Over SNAP Officials are requesting that a court intervene immediately and release contingency funds to protect SNAP programs.

42mil Americans depend on SNAP including nearly 14mil children. A bipartisan coalition of more than 25 states is suing the USDA over access to $6 bil in emergency funds. Thank you to @newyorkstateag.bsky.social James for joining the fight on behalf of all New Yorkers.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/28/s...

Great things are happening in our public schools! 💙
I visited Homer CSD today to see their thriving universal pre-K program, meet their amazing community liaisons, and join a roundtable with union leaders, members & admin.
Public schools unite us — and we’re not going to let anyone hurt them. 🍎

2.8M NYers face SNAP cuts, 442K women & kids risk losing WIC, & 1 in 5 kids live in poverty. Hunger hurts our students & communities. Thank you @governor.ny.gov for $11M in emergency food relief & standing with NY’s most vulnerable families. www.news10.com/news/ny-capi...