Viri Pettersen
@mspetter.bsky.social
Kamala’s Capt, fmr NYSUT Asst to Pres, fmr Director, AFT NE; NYSUT member; Retired Educator & RVCTA Union President; Long Islander; Focused on families, friends, public education, unions, politics; Coffee-drinker!☕️ 🚫DMs
https://linktr.ee/mspetter
https://linktr.ee/mspetter
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
Democrats are comfortable fighting Trump, but to change the country we need to do more than critique; Americans want solutions & there’s lots of room to work on economic pathways to success and creating opportunity for all. Thanks @DashaBurns for the conversation. www.politico.com/video/2025/1...
Economy & Education: U.S. trade rep. Greer and teacher's union head Weingarten | The Conversation
www.politico.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Democrats are comfortable fighting Trump, but to change the country we need to do more than critique; Americans want solutions & there’s lots of room to work on economic pathways to success and creating opportunity for all. Thanks @DashaBurns for the conversation. www.politico.com/video/2025/1...
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
School vouchers are touted as a vehicle of parental choice—but education policy prof. Josh Cowen finds they're linked to academic declines & exclude the most vulnerable students.
Whats actually works? Direct funding of public schools & whole-child approaches to learning.
www.aft.org/ae/fall2025/...
Whats actually works? Direct funding of public schools & whole-child approaches to learning.
www.aft.org/ae/fall2025/...
Ideology Over Evidence
www.aft.org
December 2, 2025 at 4:48 PM
School vouchers are touted as a vehicle of parental choice—but education policy prof. Josh Cowen finds they're linked to academic declines & exclude the most vulnerable students.
Whats actually works? Direct funding of public schools & whole-child approaches to learning.
www.aft.org/ae/fall2025/...
Whats actually works? Direct funding of public schools & whole-child approaches to learning.
www.aft.org/ae/fall2025/...
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
"IDEA exists today because people organized, resisted and refused to accept policies that discounted disabled lives. Its future requires the same vigilance."
Check out this @sharemylesson.bsky.social post reflecting on the past 50 years of IDEA & what we must do to protect its future.
Check out this @sharemylesson.bsky.social post reflecting on the past 50 years of IDEA & what we must do to protect its future.
Rewriting R-Words: IDEA at 50, Responsibility in 2025
Fifty years after IDEA transformed education for students with disabilities, Dr. Lisa Thomas explores its history, current challenges, and the actions we must take to protect its future.
sharemylesson.com
December 1, 2025 at 6:36 PM
"IDEA exists today because people organized, resisted and refused to accept policies that discounted disabled lives. Its future requires the same vigilance."
Check out this @sharemylesson.bsky.social post reflecting on the past 50 years of IDEA & what we must do to protect its future.
Check out this @sharemylesson.bsky.social post reflecting on the past 50 years of IDEA & what we must do to protect its future.
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
Today marks 50 years of IDEA. Today we celebrate this landmark civil rights law and recommit ourselves to the work ahead. IDEA is both a milestone and a mandate; our collective responsibility is to fulfill its promise for the next generation.
November 29, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Today marks 50 years of IDEA. Today we celebrate this landmark civil rights law and recommit ourselves to the work ahead. IDEA is both a milestone and a mandate; our collective responsibility is to fulfill its promise for the next generation.
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
‼️‼️ Newly released emails show the FBI spent almost $1 million in overtime analyzing the Epstein files as part of an effort dubbed the “Special Redaction Project."
FBI’s Frantic Scramble to Redact Epstein Files Revealed
A trove of emails shows all-nighters and almost $1 million in overtime as Trumpworld debated releasing the Epstein files.
www.thedailybeast.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:51 AM
‼️‼️ Newly released emails show the FBI spent almost $1 million in overtime analyzing the Epstein files as part of an effort dubbed the “Special Redaction Project."
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
The Target boycott that AFT joined on Labor Day is seeing success. This holiday season, we're doubling down to demonstrate organized labor's economic power, as well as the consequences of ignoring the will of workers and the good of working families.
www.aft.org/news/we-aint...
www.aft.org/news/we-aint...
We ain’t buying it: Why we boycott Target
For a long time, Target—that popular mega store that seemed to hit just the right combination of low prices and of-the-moment swagger—was everyone’s darling, the go-to spot for everything from groceri...
www.aft.org
November 27, 2025 at 3:23 AM
The Target boycott that AFT joined on Labor Day is seeing success. This holiday season, we're doubling down to demonstrate organized labor's economic power, as well as the consequences of ignoring the will of workers and the good of working families.
www.aft.org/news/we-aint...
www.aft.org/news/we-aint...
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
The Protect America’s Workforce Act would restore union rights and undo Trump’s executive order banning collective bargaining for thousands of federal workers. Stand with public employees and tell your lawmakers to support this legislation here ⬇️
actionnetwork.org/letters/prot...
actionnetwork.org/letters/prot...
Pass the Protect America's Workforce Act!
Federal workers, including those that teach children at world class Department of Defense Schools and those who care for patients in the VA’s health care system, deserve a voice on the job and a seat ...
actionnetwork.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:59 PM
The Protect America’s Workforce Act would restore union rights and undo Trump’s executive order banning collective bargaining for thousands of federal workers. Stand with public employees and tell your lawmakers to support this legislation here ⬇️
actionnetwork.org/letters/prot...
actionnetwork.org/letters/prot...
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
In New Lexington, OH, students are getting a debt-free head start on high-paying careers before they even graduate. See how this innovative public school and IBEW partnership is building a brighter future, one apprentice at a time. This is the power of public education in action! #PublicSchoolProud
November 24, 2025 at 4:03 PM
In New Lexington, OH, students are getting a debt-free head start on high-paying careers before they even graduate. See how this innovative public school and IBEW partnership is building a brighter future, one apprentice at a time. This is the power of public education in action! #PublicSchoolProud
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
It’s tough to be a thankful teacher when budgets are slashed and the federal DOE is under fire. Find out why my gratitude still burns bright, fueled by NM investment, my union, and my students. #ThankfulTeacher #NMEd #UnionStrong #EducationCrisis
🍎 More Than a Thank You Note: Finding Gratitude in the Crisis of Modern Education
We must keep our optimism for education in spite of the challenges we currently face. Thanksgiving approaches, and across the internet, there’s a lovely chorus of gratitude directed toward ed…
bhelean.wordpress.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:41 PM
It’s tough to be a thankful teacher when budgets are slashed and the federal DOE is under fire. Find out why my gratitude still burns bright, fueled by NM investment, my union, and my students. #ThankfulTeacher #NMEd #UnionStrong #EducationCrisis
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
A real President ……….
Sixty-two years ago today, November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. He was shot while riding in an open-top car and died later at Parkland Hospital. The event, which occurred at 12:30 p.m. CST, was a moment of national tragedy.
Sixty-two years ago today, November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. He was shot while riding in an open-top car and died later at Parkland Hospital. The event, which occurred at 12:30 p.m. CST, was a moment of national tragedy.
November 22, 2025 at 1:21 PM
A real President ……….
Sixty-two years ago today, November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. He was shot while riding in an open-top car and died later at Parkland Hospital. The event, which occurred at 12:30 p.m. CST, was a moment of national tragedy.
Sixty-two years ago today, November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. He was shot while riding in an open-top car and died later at Parkland Hospital. The event, which occurred at 12:30 p.m. CST, was a moment of national tragedy.
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
HAPPY THANKSGIVING (NOT): This holiday season, @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social wants you to know that she's NOT thinking about Paraprofessionals. In fact, she's spending her last few weeks in office actively working AGAINST Paras by single-handedly blocking legislation that would raise Para salaries.
Keep the RESPECT check bill on track!
Our paraprofessional legislation has overwhelming support in the New York City Council, but we need it brought to committee and then put forward for a vote. City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has the...
actionnetwork.org
November 21, 2025 at 10:06 PM
HAPPY THANKSGIVING (NOT): This holiday season, @nycspeakeradams.bsky.social wants you to know that she's NOT thinking about Paraprofessionals. In fact, she's spending her last few weeks in office actively working AGAINST Paras by single-handedly blocking legislation that would raise Para salaries.
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
If the goal was to slash red tape, teachers could help them do it. Teachers know how to make the federal role more effective, efficient, and supportive of real learning—if only the administration would listen. #TrumpCrushesYourDreams www.telegram.com/story/news/p...
www.telegram.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:26 PM
If the goal was to slash red tape, teachers could help them do it. Teachers know how to make the federal role more effective, efficient, and supportive of real learning—if only the administration would listen. #TrumpCrushesYourDreams www.telegram.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
“We know the damage is already being felt in our schools, with our most vulnerable students suffering the most.” AFT-MA president Jessica Tang -The harm isn't theoretical. It's happening NOW. That's why we're suing. That's why we're fighting.” #TrumpCrushesYourDreams www.masslive.com/politics/202...
‘Chaos and fear’: Mass. officials raise alarms over Trump’s move to dismantle US Dept. of Education
"Our students and educators need a supportive federal education agency," one top Healey administration official said Wednesday.
www.masslive.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:33 PM
“We know the damage is already being felt in our schools, with our most vulnerable students suffering the most.” AFT-MA president Jessica Tang -The harm isn't theoretical. It's happening NOW. That's why we're suing. That's why we're fighting.” #TrumpCrushesYourDreams www.masslive.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
@rweingarten.bsky.social went on @meidastouch.com pod to share why the Trump admin gutting the Dept of Ed will bring chaos and dysfunction to programs schools depend on.
“I have not heard them get up and say one thing that they are going to do that helps children.”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR0q...
“I have not heard them get up and say one thing that they are going to do that helps children.”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR0q...
GOP Turns AGAINST EACH OTHER as Trump COLLAPSE SPREADS
YouTube video by MeidasTouch
www.youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:48 PM
@rweingarten.bsky.social went on @meidastouch.com pod to share why the Trump admin gutting the Dept of Ed will bring chaos and dysfunction to programs schools depend on.
“I have not heard them get up and say one thing that they are going to do that helps children.”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR0q...
“I have not heard them get up and say one thing that they are going to do that helps children.”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gR0q...
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
ICYMI: @rweingarten.bsky.social calls Trump's plan to dismantle the Dept of Education an "abdication & abandonment of America’s future."
"Rather than show leadership in helping all students seize their potential, it walks away from that responsibility."
Full statement ⬇️
www.aft.org/press-releas...
"Rather than show leadership in helping all students seize their potential, it walks away from that responsibility."
Full statement ⬇️
www.aft.org/press-releas...
AFT’s Weingarten on President Trump’s Order to Dismantle the Education Department
WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement responding to the announcement today revealing President Donald Trump’s plan to move multiple parts of the U.S. Department of E...
www.aft.org
November 19, 2025 at 3:23 PM
ICYMI: @rweingarten.bsky.social calls Trump's plan to dismantle the Dept of Education an "abdication & abandonment of America’s future."
"Rather than show leadership in helping all students seize their potential, it walks away from that responsibility."
Full statement ⬇️
www.aft.org/press-releas...
"Rather than show leadership in helping all students seize their potential, it walks away from that responsibility."
Full statement ⬇️
www.aft.org/press-releas...
Imagine being one of the Epstein survivors.
First Epstein got a sweetheart deal.
Then Ghislaine Maxwell got hers.
Now, survivors' families are calling for justice...to release all the files. But the GOP won’t do it.
We stand with survivors. #ReleaseTheFiles
First Epstein got a sweetheart deal.
Then Ghislaine Maxwell got hers.
Now, survivors' families are calling for justice...to release all the files. But the GOP won’t do it.
We stand with survivors. #ReleaseTheFiles
November 14, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Imagine being one of the Epstein survivors.
First Epstein got a sweetheart deal.
Then Ghislaine Maxwell got hers.
Now, survivors' families are calling for justice...to release all the files. But the GOP won’t do it.
We stand with survivors. #ReleaseTheFiles
First Epstein got a sweetheart deal.
Then Ghislaine Maxwell got hers.
Now, survivors' families are calling for justice...to release all the files. But the GOP won’t do it.
We stand with survivors. #ReleaseTheFiles
Today we honor all who’ve worn the uniform and devoted their lives to defending this nation. On Veterans Day, remember: patriotism isn’t about slogans—it’s about keeping our promise to those who served. 🇺🇸
VC The Lincoln Project #VeteransDay
VC The Lincoln Project #VeteransDay
November 11, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Today we honor all who’ve worn the uniform and devoted their lives to defending this nation. On Veterans Day, remember: patriotism isn’t about slogans—it’s about keeping our promise to those who served. 🇺🇸
VC The Lincoln Project #VeteransDay
VC The Lincoln Project #VeteransDay
Fetterman. Cortez Masto. Hassan. Rosen. Kaine. King. Durbin. Shaheen. Eight Democrats who turned their backs on affordable healthcare. You didn’t just disappoint us—you endangered millions. 📞 (202) 224-3121
November 10, 2025 at 11:06 PM
Fetterman. Cortez Masto. Hassan. Rosen. Kaine. King. Durbin. Shaheen. Eight Democrats who turned their backs on affordable healthcare. You didn’t just disappoint us—you endangered millions. 📞 (202) 224-3121
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
This #VeteransDay, those who have served our country in uniform are coming together to fight for a democracy that works for all of us. Find a Vets Say No event near you and stand up against attacks on our rights and freedoms.
Sign up here ⬇️
www.vetssayno.org
Sign up here ⬇️
www.vetssayno.org
TAKE ACTION VETERAN'S DAY
www.vetssayno.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:45 PM
This #VeteransDay, those who have served our country in uniform are coming together to fight for a democracy that works for all of us. Find a Vets Say No event near you and stand up against attacks on our rights and freedoms.
Sign up here ⬇️
www.vetssayno.org
Sign up here ⬇️
www.vetssayno.org
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
We are upset, like many, that the ACA tax credits are not restored in this “deal” to reopen the govt. But let’s be clear why: the Rs refused to budge as the hunger & aviation crises worsened. Let’s be clear who is hurting working families. The AFT will keep fighting www.aft.org/press-releas...
AFT’s Weingarten Responds to Key Vote to End Shutdown
WASHINGTON—AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement responding to the Senate’s key vote on reopening the federal government:
www.aft.org
November 10, 2025 at 1:51 PM
We are upset, like many, that the ACA tax credits are not restored in this “deal” to reopen the govt. But let’s be clear why: the Rs refused to budge as the hunger & aviation crises worsened. Let’s be clear who is hurting working families. The AFT will keep fighting www.aft.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
BIG news! We're launching a new weekly video series to keep you in the loop on what's happening with AFT. In our first-ever report, @rweingarten.bsky.social breaks down:
🗳️ Pro-education, pro-worker election wins
🏛️ Fight in DC for healthcare, food assistance & student debt
🎓 Big student debt victory
🗳️ Pro-education, pro-worker election wins
🏛️ Fight in DC for healthcare, food assistance & student debt
🎓 Big student debt victory
November 7, 2025 at 5:00 PM
BIG news! We're launching a new weekly video series to keep you in the loop on what's happening with AFT. In our first-ever report, @rweingarten.bsky.social breaks down:
🗳️ Pro-education, pro-worker election wins
🏛️ Fight in DC for healthcare, food assistance & student debt
🎓 Big student debt victory
🗳️ Pro-education, pro-worker election wins
🏛️ Fight in DC for healthcare, food assistance & student debt
🎓 Big student debt victory
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
Lots of Republicans have been throwing around the word Communism after @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social win. I figured I should correct them with some facts! @nysut.bsky.social @aft.org @rweingarten.bsky.social @kmclyons.bsky.social @mspetter.bsky.social
November 7, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Lots of Republicans have been throwing around the word Communism after @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social win. I figured I should correct them with some facts! @nysut.bsky.social @aft.org @rweingarten.bsky.social @kmclyons.bsky.social @mspetter.bsky.social
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
Voters showed up in record numbers to send a message that they want leaders who will tackle the kitchen-table issues they face every day—from education to soaring housing and healthcare costs to the price of groceries, child care and college. www.aft.org/press-releas...
November 5, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Voters showed up in record numbers to send a message that they want leaders who will tackle the kitchen-table issues they face every day—from education to soaring housing and healthcare costs to the price of groceries, child care and college. www.aft.org/press-releas...
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
Today-Trump and Musk endorsed Cuomo-Cuomo is the candidate of the billionaires. Mamdani is fighting for affordability for all of us-particularly working families. I disagree with ZM on Israel but I want a Mayor who fights for the strugglers & strivers- not for those who are taking away our freedoms
November 3, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Today-Trump and Musk endorsed Cuomo-Cuomo is the candidate of the billionaires. Mamdani is fighting for affordability for all of us-particularly working families. I disagree with ZM on Israel but I want a Mayor who fights for the strugglers & strivers- not for those who are taking away our freedoms
Reposted by Viri Pettersen
November 3, 2025 at 9:44 PM