President of
@NYSUT
. Advocate for safer classrooms, respect for teachers, and worker power. Proud parent and product of public schools
#PublicSchoolsUniteUs
Allow me to reintroduce myself π
My name is Melinda (she/her), and Iβm the President of 675,000+ strong
@NYSUT
. I advocate for public education + working people and schools where students and educators thrive.
Iβm a mom of four, wife to Kelly, and I never quit. Follow along.
It is with such deep gratitude that I step into the role of NYSUT President. Following a 16-year journey at NYSUT, I am excited to lead us into a new chapter. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible. Now, letβs win big for our educators and students!
π₯π€ Today I enjoyed some delicious Ukrainian latkes with
@SenSchumer
, a true advocate for labor and public education! Here's to celebrating his dedication and looking forward to more progress ahead! ππ
@nysut
@AFTunion
@NEAToday
With less school testing, we can provide long-needed flexibility for what teachers, parents and students have demanded for years: more time devoted to the simple joy of learning. Testing canβt, and shouldnβt, replace that.
#NYSUTRA
@rweingarten
Now we have hedge fund BILLIONAIRES writing letters to the NY State Leaders saying we need to expand charter schools.
The fact is, charters:
-face declining enrollment
-drain resources from public schools
-kick out students with low scores
I have some BIG professional news to share. I have decided to run for President of NYSUT. Our public school educators are the backbone of our communities and our public schools and colleges build a foundation for our democracy.
#PublicSchoolsUniteUs
π
They were told a union would silence their voices. But since winning their first contract, teachers in Troy, NY secured 5% pay increases, guaranteed sick days, and more π Organizing is our future, and I canβt wait for us to have more stories like this.
Having a secure retirement is one of the things that draws people into public service. But unfortunately, in NY State not all pensions are created equal.
Itβs important for every union member and public servant to be familiar with the
#FixTier6
campaign. Tier 5 and 6 membersβ¦
Excited to literally hit the ground running and participate in the
#NYSUTRunsNewYork5K
! The route goes through downtown Albany and has gorgeous views of the Hudson River β will we see you out there? ππ
@NYSUT
A NYS classroom thermostat todayπ₯
From USDA/Animal Welfare Act: βDogs cannot be housed in temperatures above 85 Β°F for more than 4 hoursβ
Even animal shelters have maximum heat limits. Our schools do not. Its disrespectful to our students and educators
Tier 6 only creates inequity, giving new public workers significantly fewer benefits than their longer-serving colleagues. To make education a profession of choice, our members need retirement plans they can rely on. Iβm all in to fix Tier 6.
#NYSUTRA
I am joined by powerful colleagues to write the next chapter of NYSUT for New Yorkβs educators. Thank you,
@NYSUT
, for electing
#JaimeCiffone
as EVP,
@NYSUT2VP
Ron Gross, and
@NYSUTSTreasurer
Philippe Abraham. Your leadership will unite and propel us forward.
The enacted state budget will restore proposed year-to-year cuts in foundation aid by preserving the save-harmless and restoring most of the overall cuts. This would not have happened without the perseverance of our members and allies fighting to stick up for what matters. I wantβ¦
Working alongside Andy for so many years has given me the opportunity to learn from one of the best. Thank you,
@AndyPallotta
, for your leadership, insight, and friendship over the years.
@NYSUT
is stronger than ever thanks to your hard work. Your legacy will live on.
Week one wrapped β From testifying before
@NYSenate
to push for greater student supports, to substitute teaching for 7th graders (have you all heard of heads-up 7-up?), itβs been a whirlwindβand Iβm ready for the ride.
The next generation of workers are getting introduced to the labor movement and they like what they see. We have a critical part to play in bringing them in.
Today, Iβm pleased to announce that
@NYSUT
will be hiring 10 new organizers, thanks in part to a grant from
@AFTunion
.
Our NYSUT family is devasted by the horrific bus crash this afternoon that seriously injured dozens of Farmingdale high school students and claimed the life of one adult. NYSUT is here to support our members, their students and families during this difficult time.
NYSUT,
@AFTunion
and
@UFT
have released a statement on the disappointing proposal to expand unaccountable corporate charter schools in the state budget:
Next week
@JCiffone
and I are hitting the road to hit 3
@NYSUT
conferences in 3 days (
@NYSUTWNY
,
@nysutrochro
and
@NYSUTTRO
) 17 hours in the car! π€πFeeling like
@Pink
on a stadium tourβ¦ Weβre ready to share insights and engage with educators from across the state! Let's goooo!
Beyond proud to see
@NYSUT
member Brian Sullivan, a 7th grade science teacher from White Plains, introduce
@POTUS
today as we prepare to hear about the administrationβs commitment to working people
History lesson on
#NYCPride
day: As the LGBTQ+ movement took off, labor unions saw that discrim. based on sexual orientation hurt members. The AFT was the first union to take action, passing a resolution opposing discrimination based on sexual orientation.
@nysut
@UFT
@AFTunion
Weβve been waiting for this day for 14 years. Today, I joined
@NYSEDNews
Commissioner Dr. Betty Rosa to deliver legislation to the Senate and Assembly to fix the flawed teacher evaluation system in New York.
@NYSUT
@ShelleyBMayer
@mikebenedetto82
Writers are the foundation of the movies and shows that educate and entertain America. Like workers everywhere, they deserve the opportunity for sustainable careers and a secure retirement.
@WGAwest
#WGAStrong
#DoTheWriteThing
@AFLCIO
@LizShuler
Iβve been in great company this weekend, and itβs been an honor to be surrounded by such inspiring leaders. Iβm excited to begin the next chapter for
@NYSUT
with them cheering me on!
.
@SenSchumer
delivers an inspiring message at the
#NYSUTRA
: Always help people who need help and persist, persist, persist and never give up! Thank you for joining
@NYSUT
delegates today and thank you for having our back in Washington.
Today my daughter and I joined women and girls from across NYS for tea with
@GovKathyHochul
at the Executive Mansion to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Seneca Falls Convention. We cannot allow our daughters to have fewer rights than their mothers.
@nysut
@AFTunion
In the midst of a winter storm,
@nysut
members rallied for Congressman-elect
@Tom_Suozzi
and their hard work has spoken. Together, we believe in the power of public schools to unite us and look forward to his efforts to bring people together in our divided nation
@AFTunion
@UFT
π’ It's time we address the inequities in New Yorkβs pension system. It's unfair that some members must work longer and contribute more for a significantly reduced pension. Let's stand together for a more equitable future! πͺπ€²
@nysut
#FixTier6
Braving the snowstorm to knock on doors for
@Tom_Suozzi
today! Every vote counts, and the chilly weather won't stop us from making a difference. Let's do this! βοΈπ³οΈ
@nysut
@AFTunion
@UFT
#LetsFixThis
πΊπ² Americans across ages and backgrounds know that unions help workers win increases in pay, better benefits, and safer working conditions. πͺβ€ Consider the statistics:
@nysut
@aftunion
@neatoday
@AFLCIO
I am a
@DianeRavitch
groupie and so excited to welcome her to this yearβs
@NYSUT
Local Presidents Conference as our keynote speaker. She even signed my well-worn copies of her books. π Thank you for inspiring us for so many years. π«
#nysutra
We
@NYSUT
proudly stand in solidarity with
@sagaftra
and the
@WGAEast
@WGAWest
on the picket line, united in the fight to protect the future of our creative industries. Together, we ensure fair compensation and recognition for the talent that brings our stories to life
@AFTunion
I was honored to join
@GovKathyHochul
and
@NYSEDNews
Commissioner Rosa today to announce $108 million in funding for school districts to support student learning and mental health.
@nysut
When schools prioritize high-stakes testing, subjects like history and social studies suffer losses. Students are missing out on a well-rounded education that develops civic readiness to help strengthen our democracy.
The Albert Shanker Award for Distinguished Service is our unionβs highest honor and recognition for special contributions to public education. Congratulations
@SenatorRJackson
, this yearβs
#NYSUTRA
honoree, and thank you for your dedication to the children of NY.
@nysut
The calm before the fun. Canβt wait to welcome 2000
@NYSUT
delegates and local leaders to the
#NYSUTRA
in NYC. Almost time to get this party started! π
The momentum for universal school meals is undeniable!
When they start school this year, students in 7 states will now have access to the nutritious meals they need to learn. Let's make it all 50!
Lawrence teachers have fought for their students for the past 12 years. They have sacrificed for these children because they believe that they deserve an equitable education.Β
#FairContractNow
@nysut
At NYSUT, we believe public school teachers should be as protected as any other type of worker, which is why we fought for the passage of a bill to include public schools in NYβs Workplace Violence Protection Policy. Now, itβs in
@GovKathyHochul
βs hands to sign! (1/4)
After months of fighting for
#Meals4AllNY
, we secured funding to provide free breakfast and lunch for 300,000 students across the state, raising the number of students eligible for the program to 81%. Now, letβs fight to get it to 100%!
IT'S OFFICIAL! Our state budget has been signed & we secured $135 Million to expand school meals to 300,000 students across NY!
81% of all NY students will now have free breakfast & lunch in school AND we are not done yet. We'll keep organizing to get
#Meals4AllNY
Last night, New York State made history with a decisive victory on Prop One! π³οΈπͺ A huge win for NYβs 57 small city school districtsβ¦ A great big shoutout to all the dedicated
@nysut
members who worked to make this happen. πππ
#PropOneWin
#NYSUTStrong
POWERFUL π₯ speech from Attorney General
@TishJames
at the
#NYSUTRA
π€ - a fierce advocate for justice and equity in New York State. She has proven herself to be a champion for kids across the state. She embodies the values we hold dear at
@NYSUT
.
Feeling privileged to get the chance to listen to a fellow union leader with so much experience, passion, and grace. Thank you,
@JoleneDiBrango
, for over 30 years of fighting for students.
I canβt imagine a school without its library. Libraries, and the librarians who support them, belong in every school. They bring students and educators together and help cultivate a love of learning through inquiry and discovery.
@nysut
@aftunion
(1/ 2)πβοΈ Chilling weather won't stop us from standing strong for
#FixTier6
! Sporting my
@nysut
#FixTier6
hat with pride, as we advocate for solidarity, fairness, and dignity in education. Let's keep talented educators in the classroom and welcome new faces with open arms.
From his time in union leadership at West Genesee to his work in Albany as a state senator,
@SenJohnMannion
has proven he will fight tirelessly to uplift educators, students & communities.Β We are proud to stand with him today as he announces his candidacy for
#NY22
@MannionforNY
State testing weighs heavily on teachers, parents, and students, with pressure to perform & make schools look βgoodβ on paper. We need a new approach to emphasize learning + growth.
To all students, teachers, parents heading into testing season: grades do not define who you are.
Had a 'tier-ific' time at the
@nysut
#FixTier6
mixer in Newburgh with the Orange County Teachers Association! Over 200 members, and together, we're 'tier-ing' down the obstacles for better pensions. πππͺ
Strong women leading the way πͺ, fighting for justice βοΈ A powerful moment at the
#Somos
Labor Breakfast with my daughter and
@TishJames
, NYβs indomitable AG. Surrounding ourselves with strong women who are shaping the world sends a powerful message to the next generation. π
Grateful for the bravery and sacrifice of all veterans this
#VeteransDay
. A special shout out to my incredible wife, a true hero in every sense. Thank you for your service and dedication. πΊπΈ
βOur schools are facing a moment of crisis.β Say it louder for the folks in the back! We need to ensure teaching is a sustainable career choice and build an environment where all staff have strong support and a baseline of respect.
I vividly remember when a very different
#SCOTUS
ruled in favor of marriage equality in 2015.
Todayβs backwards decision eroding non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people & other marginalized groups wonβt stop us from fighting for equality in our classrooms and society.
As you're reading the decision today about 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, remember that
#PFLAG
has been here for 50 years, advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Nobody should be refused service just because of who they are.
#LeadingWithLove
We are devastated by the loss of two of the members of the
@NYSUT
family and the
#dalerstrong
community. Our hearts go out to the entire Farmingdale Federation of Teachers and their students.
@FFTStrong
Two teachers from Farmingdale High School, Beatrice Ferrari and Gina Pellettiere, died after a bus ride to band camp in Pennsylvania crashed.
Ferrari, 77, taught history at Farmingdale High School for more than 30 years; Pellettiere, 43, taught music for close to two decades.
Busy day in NYC for the
@NYSUT
Local Presidents Conference and
#NYSUTRA
, but Iβm always happy to join the Statewide Teachers Center leadership team on zoom. You have an amazing advocate in
@JCiffone
, and NYSUT is proud to support the important work that you do for our members.β¦
The
@nysut
@UFT
delegation to the
@NEAToday
RA paid our respects at the Pulse Nightclub, 7 years after a hateful mass shooting took the lives of 49 people, most of whom were LGBTQ+, Latinx and people of color. You will not be forgotten. We will fight for you. We will remember.
Unforgettable time at the
@NYSUTWNY
regional conference! π€ Inspired by our exceptional board of directors, their dedication shines through. And yes, we might have busted out some 90s dance movesβbecause who can resist the beats of that era? πΆπ
@nysut
@coachcant
The best part of summer vacation is finding time to disconnect and get lost in a book. If you're looking for a good
#unionread
, check out How to Jump-Start Your Union: Lessons from the
@CTULocal1
.
@labornotes
@NYTimes
Excited to meet with the leadership from NYSUT's newest local, the Commack Security Guards Association. Congratulations on the successful formation of your union and thank you for choosing
@nysut
to represent you.
@NYSUTSRO
#UnionStrong
πͺ
Billions $$$ have been siphoned from our public schools, and eliminating regional caps on
#charterschools
will devastate our communities further. No more.
#PublicSchoolsUniteUs
Read the full memo from
@nysut
and our partners π
Exciting day in Albany as I joined
@GovKathyHochul
to announce $10M included in the state budget to provide Science of Reading professional learning opportunities for 20K educators. This important initiative will help support educators and their students with the latest,
We at
@nysut
stand with the striking writers of
@WGAEast
and
@WGAWest
as they demand fairness and justice in the entertainment industry. Film and TV wonβt survive without the writers who tell the stories we all love; the AMPTP must meet their demands.
#WGAStrong
Our
@nysut
members know that federal cuts to education spending would negatively impact schools here in New York. Grateful for an administration committed to protecting our professions and studentsβ futures.
House Republicansβ cuts to education would have devastating impacts on students nationwide.
Donβt take our word from it. Take it from educators themselves.