Melinda J. Person
@melindajperson.bsky.social
President of NYSUT ⭐️ Advocate for safer classrooms, respect for teachers, and worker power. Proud parent and product of public schools. Mom on a mission 💪 #UnionStrong
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...
NY’s distraction-free cell phone policy is bringing back connection, one lunch at a time. 🍎
#PublicSchoolsUniteUs
gothamist.com/news/ny-smar...
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.
gothamist.com
November 5, 2025 at 11:36 PM
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...
NY’s distraction-free cell phone policy is bringing back connection, one lunch at a time. 🍎
#PublicSchoolsUniteUs
gothamist.com/news/ny-smar...
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
Proud of our members who step up, serve, and deliver real results for New York.
nysut.org/news/2025/november/media-release-election-results
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.
nysut.org
November 5, 2025 at 6:09 PM
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
Proud of our members who step up, serve, and deliver real results for New York.
nysut.org/news/2025/november/media-release-election-results
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...
www.syracuse.com/news/2025/11...
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.
www.syracuse.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:40 PM
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...
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! 💙
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! 💙
November 3, 2025 at 4:15 PM
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! 💙
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 ❤️
November 3, 2025 at 1:52 AM
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
November 2, 2025 at 2:33 PM
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. 💪🍎
Great to spend the morning leafleting with our @UFT family and supporting local candidates who stand with public schools and working people. 💪🍎
November 1, 2025 at 11:40 PM
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. 💪🍎
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. 🎃
November 1, 2025 at 10:14 PM
The real trick is pretending you care about kids while attacking the people who teach them. 🎃
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...
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...
Trump Administration Live Updates: Government Ordered to Pay Food Stamp Benefits During Shutdown
www.nytimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 9:21 PM
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...
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
#CTE #CareerReady #PublicSchoolsUniteUs #BOCES
October 30, 2025 at 2:53 PM
🚗💨 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
#CTE #CareerReady #PublicSchoolsUniteUs #BOCES
People don’t need SNAP because they don’t work.
They need SNAP because work doesn’t pay.
#OneJobShouldBeEnough
They need SNAP because work doesn’t pay.
#OneJobShouldBeEnough
October 30, 2025 at 2:27 PM
People don’t need SNAP because they don’t work.
They need SNAP because work doesn’t pay.
#OneJobShouldBeEnough
They need SNAP because work doesn’t pay.
#OneJobShouldBeEnough
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...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/10/28/s...
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.
www.thecity.nyc
October 29, 2025 at 10:41 PM
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...
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. 🍎
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. 🍎
October 28, 2025 at 5:43 PM
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. 🍎
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...
www.news10.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:08 PM
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...
Today, we were in Yonkers celebrating the #powerofplay🏃🏽♀️where daily recess helps students build confidence, empathy & lifelong skills. Because play is learning.
TY to all who made today possible! #PowerOfPlay @shelleybmayer.bsky.social @leaderasc.bsky.social AM Jackson @rosadociriello.bsky.social
TY to all who made today possible! #PowerOfPlay @shelleybmayer.bsky.social @leaderasc.bsky.social AM Jackson @rosadociriello.bsky.social
October 27, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Today, we were in Yonkers celebrating the #powerofplay🏃🏽♀️where daily recess helps students build confidence, empathy & lifelong skills. Because play is learning.
TY to all who made today possible! #PowerOfPlay @shelleybmayer.bsky.social @leaderasc.bsky.social AM Jackson @rosadociriello.bsky.social
TY to all who made today possible! #PowerOfPlay @shelleybmayer.bsky.social @leaderasc.bsky.social AM Jackson @rosadociriello.bsky.social
New York can’t fix one problem by creating another. When IDAs hand out tax breaks without creating jobs, they drain the revenue that keeps our schools strong. We need affordable housing and well-funded schools — not one at the expense of the other.
Our new report with students in the State Policy Advocacy Clinic, Brooks School of Public Policy at Cornell shows how IDA housing tax breaks are constitutionally questionable with little oversight—diverting revenue from schools and local services.
buff.ly/5ha43mX
buff.ly/5ha43mX
October 23, 2025 at 8:05 PM
New York can’t fix one problem by creating another. When IDAs hand out tax breaks without creating jobs, they drain the revenue that keeps our schools strong. We need affordable housing and well-funded schools — not one at the expense of the other.
I wrote to the Cornell Board of Trustees to urge them to stand strong in defense of independence. We must speak out when political interference threatens the right to teach & learn. Cornell must remain a place where ideas can be tested, truth can be pursued & the next generation can think freely.
October 19, 2025 at 10:03 PM
I wrote to the Cornell Board of Trustees to urge them to stand strong in defense of independence. We must speak out when political interference threatens the right to teach & learn. Cornell must remain a place where ideas can be tested, truth can be pursued & the next generation can think freely.
What an incredible morning celebrating 30 years of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer here in the Capital District!
For three decades, this community has shown what hope, love, and solidarity look like in action. #NYSUT members always show up big, raising more than $18 million over the years.
For three decades, this community has shown what hope, love, and solidarity look like in action. #NYSUT members always show up big, raising more than $18 million over the years.
October 19, 2025 at 7:56 PM
What an incredible morning celebrating 30 years of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer here in the Capital District!
For three decades, this community has shown what hope, love, and solidarity look like in action. #NYSUT members always show up big, raising more than $18 million over the years.
For three decades, this community has shown what hope, love, and solidarity look like in action. #NYSUT members always show up big, raising more than $18 million over the years.
All across New York, #NYSUT officers are showing up for No Kings Day — standing together to protect our democracy. 👑✊
From the North Country to Long Island, Saratoga to Albany, we’re united in one message: No kings. No crowns. Just democracy. 💪🇺🇸
From the North Country to Long Island, Saratoga to Albany, we’re united in one message: No kings. No crowns. Just democracy. 💪🇺🇸
October 18, 2025 at 8:36 PM
All across New York, #NYSUT officers are showing up for No Kings Day — standing together to protect our democracy. 👑✊
From the North Country to Long Island, Saratoga to Albany, we’re united in one message: No kings. No crowns. Just democracy. 💪🇺🇸
From the North Country to Long Island, Saratoga to Albany, we’re united in one message: No kings. No crowns. Just democracy. 💪🇺🇸
No Kings then. No Kings now ✊
October 18, 2025 at 7:18 PM
No Kings then. No Kings now ✊
Reposted by Melinda J. Person
#NoKings Syracuse,NY. Good people speaking truth to power as far as the eye can see @aft.org @nysut.bsky.social @nysaflcio.bsky.social @melindajperson.bsky.social
October 18, 2025 at 7:14 PM
#NoKings Syracuse,NY. Good people speaking truth to power as far as the eye can see @aft.org @nysut.bsky.social @nysaflcio.bsky.social @melindajperson.bsky.social
Congratulations to Jaime Ciffone on this well-deserved Education Achievement Award! Your dedication to our students, educators, and public schools has made a real difference in the lives of countless New Yorkers. So honored to celebrate you 🎉
October 17, 2025 at 2:41 AM
Congratulations to Jaime Ciffone on this well-deserved Education Achievement Award! Your dedication to our students, educators, and public schools has made a real difference in the lives of countless New Yorkers. So honored to celebrate you 🎉
NY’s bell to bell phone-free schools are showing us what happens when we remove distractions & bring connection back into learning. Teachers are seeing more focus & connection.
Thank you @governor.ny.gov & @nycschools.bsky.social for creating classrooms where real learning & connection can thrive.
Thank you @governor.ny.gov & @nycschools.bsky.social for creating classrooms where real learning & connection can thrive.
October 16, 2025 at 3:31 PM
NY’s bell to bell phone-free schools are showing us what happens when we remove distractions & bring connection back into learning. Teachers are seeing more focus & connection.
Thank you @governor.ny.gov & @nycschools.bsky.social for creating classrooms where real learning & connection can thrive.
Thank you @governor.ny.gov & @nycschools.bsky.social for creating classrooms where real learning & connection can thrive.
Reposted by Melinda J. Person
Proud to be part of the @nysut.bsky.social contingent at @thenyic.bsky.social Gala as our union is honored with the Champion Award for all our efforts to protect our students and members. @melindajperson.bsky.social @AFT @jaimeciffone.bsky.social
October 15, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Proud to be part of the @nysut.bsky.social contingent at @thenyic.bsky.social Gala as our union is honored with the Champion Award for all our efforts to protect our students and members. @melindajperson.bsky.social @AFT @jaimeciffone.bsky.social
Reposted by Melinda J. Person
Today is #NationalComingOutDay — and with efforts to silence the LGBTQ+ community growing louder, our visibility matters more than ever. They can ban books and erase crosswalks, but they’ll never silence us. #lgbtq 🏳️🌈 @aft.org @nysut.bsky.social @rweingarten.bsky.social @melindajperson.bsky.social
October 11, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Today is #NationalComingOutDay — and with efforts to silence the LGBTQ+ community growing louder, our visibility matters more than ever. They can ban books and erase crosswalks, but they’ll never silence us. #lgbtq 🏳️🌈 @aft.org @nysut.bsky.social @rweingarten.bsky.social @melindajperson.bsky.social