Jessica
@jveleztello.bsky.social
Teacher educator, BC-CUNY | bilingual ed - our knowledges matter, build, and will reimagine the future | resisting anticipatory obedience
Reposted by Jessica
"A new poll released by Siena University on Tuesday found that nearly two in three voters across the state favor the new benefit and would support Mr. Mamdani’s plan to pay for it by increasing taxes on those earning more than $1 million a year." www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/n... - missed this
New Yorkers Back Mamdani’s Push for Free Child Care, Poll Shows
www.nytimes.com
December 31, 2025 at 1:48 AM
"A new poll released by Siena University on Tuesday found that nearly two in three voters across the state favor the new benefit and would support Mr. Mamdani’s plan to pay for it by increasing taxes on those earning more than $1 million a year." www.nytimes.com/2025/12/16/n... - missed this
Reposted by Jessica
A maternity ward doctor donated his own blood during surgery to keep a pregnant patient alive.
One woman gained fewer than 10 pounds over her entire pregnancy.
Another collapsed and had seizures during labor.
One woman gained fewer than 10 pounds over her entire pregnancy.
Another collapsed and had seizures during labor.
What I Saw at a Maternity Ward in Kenya After the U.S. Cut Off Food and Foreign Aid
Photographs tell a story of two mothers determined to help their babies gain enough weight to leave the hospital — only to face little to no food again.
www.propublica.org
December 31, 2025 at 2:00 AM
A maternity ward doctor donated his own blood during surgery to keep a pregnant patient alive.
One woman gained fewer than 10 pounds over her entire pregnancy.
Another collapsed and had seizures during labor.
One woman gained fewer than 10 pounds over her entire pregnancy.
Another collapsed and had seizures during labor.
Yes...and I think the message people are getting too is that somehow your emails, writing, idea brainstorming, and overall creativity were not good enough. We're losing that level of just thinking and revising/editing that actually improves our thoughts and writing
Some of you have forgotten that only three years ago you were perfectly capable of writing a text, writing an email, telling a bedtime story to a child, and it should worry you that powerful companies have convinced us we can’t do things we’ve been doing since the dawn of time.
December 24, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Yes...and I think the message people are getting too is that somehow your emails, writing, idea brainstorming, and overall creativity were not good enough. We're losing that level of just thinking and revising/editing that actually improves our thoughts and writing
Reposted by Jessica
“Companies welcomed us into intimate spaces without hesitation so everyone who wanted protection could receive it.
At each session, I heard versions of the same small truths:
“My mom told me to make sure I get the shot.”
“Not sure I would’ve had time if you all hadn’t come here.”
At each session, I heard versions of the same small truths:
“My mom told me to make sure I get the shot.”
“Not sure I would’ve had time if you all hadn’t come here.”
What giving flu shots backstage taught me about public health
On or off Broadway, public health lives or dies at the level of ordinary, everyday interactions.
www.statnews.com
December 24, 2025 at 2:23 PM
“Companies welcomed us into intimate spaces without hesitation so everyone who wanted protection could receive it.
At each session, I heard versions of the same small truths:
“My mom told me to make sure I get the shot.”
“Not sure I would’ve had time if you all hadn’t come here.”
At each session, I heard versions of the same small truths:
“My mom told me to make sure I get the shot.”
“Not sure I would’ve had time if you all hadn’t come here.”
Reposted by Jessica
Massive Layoffs at the Dept of #Education Erode Its #CivilRights Division
Only five of the agency’s civil rights offices remain nationwide. Those who are still with the department say it will now be “virtually impossible” to resolve #discrimination complaints.
www.propublica.org/article/educ...
Only five of the agency’s civil rights offices remain nationwide. Those who are still with the department say it will now be “virtually impossible” to resolve #discrimination complaints.
www.propublica.org/article/educ...
Massive Layoffs at the Department of Education Erode Its Civil Rights Division
Only five of the agency’s civil rights offices remain nationwide. Those who are still with the department say it will now be “virtually impossible” to resolve discrimination complaints.
www.propublica.org
December 14, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Massive Layoffs at the Dept of #Education Erode Its #CivilRights Division
Only five of the agency’s civil rights offices remain nationwide. Those who are still with the department say it will now be “virtually impossible” to resolve #discrimination complaints.
www.propublica.org/article/educ...
Only five of the agency’s civil rights offices remain nationwide. Those who are still with the department say it will now be “virtually impossible” to resolve #discrimination complaints.
www.propublica.org/article/educ...
With all the brilliant and beautiful children's books out there, we can certainly choose better - as parents and educators. There are real, human writers and illustrators creating the most amazing stories with love and intention
"We should not give our children, whose brains are vulnerable and malleable, books created by computers. We shouldn’t give them books created carelessly."
AI is coming for your toddler's bedtime story
Artificial intelligence poses an increasingly real threat to children’s literature—and children’s learning.
www.motherjones.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:28 PM
With all the brilliant and beautiful children's books out there, we can certainly choose better - as parents and educators. There are real, human writers and illustrators creating the most amazing stories with love and intention
Reposted by Jessica
"We should not give our children, whose brains are vulnerable and malleable, books created by computers. We shouldn’t give them books created carelessly."
AI is coming for your toddler's bedtime story
Artificial intelligence poses an increasingly real threat to children’s literature—and children’s learning.
www.motherjones.com
November 27, 2025 at 2:01 PM
"We should not give our children, whose brains are vulnerable and malleable, books created by computers. We shouldn’t give them books created carelessly."
Reposted by Jessica
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 Jessica
Every year around this time, I ask folks to consider doing something in support of Native people. This year, please join me in supporting the Native Organizers Alliance as they build grassroots power, defend Native voting rights, and equip our people for collective struggle through skill-building.
Donate - Native Organizers Alliance
Supporting organizing and advocacy initiatives for Indigenous justice.
nativeorganizing.org
November 26, 2025 at 5:50 PM
Every year around this time, I ask folks to consider doing something in support of Native people. This year, please join me in supporting the Native Organizers Alliance as they build grassroots power, defend Native voting rights, and equip our people for collective struggle through skill-building.
Reposted by Jessica
Trying to get 50 more people to send a letter to your City Council member in NYC demanding that they increase and stabilize public library funding. actionnetwork.org/letters/city...
City Council, we demand half a percent of the overall city budget for libraries!
In response to the NYC FY2026 Budget, adopted this June, the Brooklyn Public Library, the New York Public Library, and the Queens Public Library released a joint statement thanking City Leaders for in...
actionnetwork.org
November 25, 2025 at 12:52 AM
Trying to get 50 more people to send a letter to your City Council member in NYC demanding that they increase and stabilize public library funding. actionnetwork.org/letters/city...
Reposted by Jessica
I'm excited to announce that I have been asked to join the Mamdani Transition Team to work on community safety issues. A New Era for NYC.
November 24, 2025 at 8:23 PM
I'm excited to announce that I have been asked to join the Mamdani Transition Team to work on community safety issues. A New Era for NYC.
Got to see and meet some lovely people at #NCTE25 and learn so much from mentors and amazing educators. It's brief, but it re-energizes me for the coming months of work and uphill battles. Nothing like community. Until next year 👋
November 22, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Got to see and meet some lovely people at #NCTE25 and learn so much from mentors and amazing educators. It's brief, but it re-energizes me for the coming months of work and uphill battles. Nothing like community. Until next year 👋
It's that time of the year. At #NCTE25 learning new things from amazing people! Still thinking of the Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Literacy session 🌟
November 21, 2025 at 8:46 PM
It's that time of the year. At #NCTE25 learning new things from amazing people! Still thinking of the Indigenous Knowledge and Climate Literacy session 🌟
Reposted by Jessica
It's unrealistic to keep up with all of the news happening every single day around the world. Give yourself grace and also a break.
November 18, 2025 at 6:12 PM
It's unrealistic to keep up with all of the news happening every single day around the world. Give yourself grace and also a break.
Reposted by Jessica
OK, I have a day long convening today so gotta bounce. If you live in NYC, don't stop organizing. This is a beginning and each of us needs to work with others to bring about a better city that actually works for all of us. I'm looking forward to continuing to focus on our libraries & more.
November 5, 2025 at 2:20 PM
OK, I have a day long convening today so gotta bounce. If you live in NYC, don't stop organizing. This is a beginning and each of us needs to work with others to bring about a better city that actually works for all of us. I'm looking forward to continuing to focus on our libraries & more.
I hope all states follpw through, because it's all of our duty to make sure children eat. Then, follow with other resources. As an educator, I am all for growing the mind, but we must meet basic material needs first!
BREAKING: Colorado voters approved a ballot measure that would raise state income taxes on higher-earning households to fund free meals for all public school students.
Follow AP for live updates.
Follow AP for live updates.
Live updates: US voters head to the polls in first general election since Trump's return to power
One year after Donald Trump retook the presidency, 2025 Election Day includes closely watched races for New York City mayor, New Jersey governor and California's Proposition 50.
bit.ly
November 5, 2025 at 2:06 PM
I hope all states follpw through, because it's all of our duty to make sure children eat. Then, follow with other resources. As an educator, I am all for growing the mind, but we must meet basic material needs first!
Not only regulations are needed but a strong push for critical media literacy in schools and at home. There are so many loopholes-young people, caregivers, and educators need to be part of the conversation because we can't simply assume bans and restrictions will fix everything
Instagram and other social media sites have long been under fire for exposing children to harmful content and not doing enough to protect kids’ well-being.
What To Know About Instagram’s New ‘PG-13’ Pledge—And How Parents Can Get Around It
Instagram and other social media sites have long been under fire for exposing children to harmful content and not doing enough to protect kids’ well-being.
www.forbes.com
October 15, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Not only regulations are needed but a strong push for critical media literacy in schools and at home. There are so many loopholes-young people, caregivers, and educators need to be part of the conversation because we can't simply assume bans and restrictions will fix everything
Reposted by Jessica
Starting November 1st, New Mexico will become the first state to offer free universal childcare to all its residents.
It's expected to save families over $12,000 per child annually.
This is a huge step forward — and a reminder that we have the power to fix the system.
It's expected to save families over $12,000 per child annually.
This is a huge step forward — and a reminder that we have the power to fix the system.
September 14, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Starting November 1st, New Mexico will become the first state to offer free universal childcare to all its residents.
It's expected to save families over $12,000 per child annually.
This is a huge step forward — and a reminder that we have the power to fix the system.
It's expected to save families over $12,000 per child annually.
This is a huge step forward — and a reminder that we have the power to fix the system.
Reposted by Jessica
I was reflecting recently on the fact that over the course of 50 years, Carnegie funded the building of 2500 public libraries (1800 in the US).
Imagine a national project that would build 2000 new 21st century public libraries in 25 years. That's something that would rally a lot of people.
Imagine a national project that would build 2000 new 21st century public libraries in 25 years. That's something that would rally a lot of people.
September 14, 2025 at 1:23 AM
I was reflecting recently on the fact that over the course of 50 years, Carnegie funded the building of 2500 public libraries (1800 in the US).
Imagine a national project that would build 2000 new 21st century public libraries in 25 years. That's something that would rally a lot of people.
Imagine a national project that would build 2000 new 21st century public libraries in 25 years. That's something that would rally a lot of people.
Reposted by Jessica
President Trump has ended collective bargaining rights for more than 1 million federal workers. Unions have sued to block the move, but agencies are terminating contracts as litigation continues.
How Trump is decimating federal employee unions one step at a time
President Trump has ended collective bargaining rights for more than 1 million federal workers. Unions have sued to block the move, but agencies are terminating contracts as litigation continues.
n.pr
September 7, 2025 at 4:01 PM
President Trump has ended collective bargaining rights for more than 1 million federal workers. Unions have sued to block the move, but agencies are terminating contracts as litigation continues.
Reposted by Jessica
The targeting of higher-education institutions by the US federal government is the grotesque fruit of a multi-decade political movement to erode public trust in universities.
https://t.co/T8wuiEqH75
https://t.co/T8wuiEqH75
https://www.thenation.com/article/society/letter-students-academia-right-intellectual-life/?nc=1&utm_campaign=SproutSocial&utm_content=The+Nation&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter
t.co
September 4, 2025 at 5:08 PM
The targeting of higher-education institutions by the US federal government is the grotesque fruit of a multi-decade political movement to erode public trust in universities.
https://t.co/T8wuiEqH75
https://t.co/T8wuiEqH75
As a social studies 🥲 this makes me very happy. But I also hope NJ is doing better at allocating actual Social Studies time in students' schedules
NJ students in grades 6-12 will now learn about “the history of organized labor, notable strikes throughout history, unionization drives, and the collective bargaining process and existing legal protections in the workplace.”
This is genuinely so important, and so good to see. Jersey strong, baby!!
This is genuinely so important, and so good to see. Jersey strong, baby!!
Proud to sign legislation today ensuring students understand the history of the labor movement and safeguarding the freedom of employees to make their own choices at work without coercion.
These bills reinforce our commitment to honoring the role of organized labor. www.nj.gov/governor/new...
These bills reinforce our commitment to honoring the role of organized labor. www.nj.gov/governor/new...
September 4, 2025 at 5:12 PM
As a social studies 🥲 this makes me very happy. But I also hope NJ is doing better at allocating actual Social Studies time in students' schedules
Reposted by Jessica
“Agency staff members had concluded that the F.D.A. should allow a wide range of age groups to receive the vaccines, citing high hospitalization rates among young children….Vinay Prasad, the agency official in charge of vaccines & gene therapies at the F.D.A., disagreed, overriding those scientists”
F.D.A. Official Overruled Scientists on Wide Access to Covid Shots
www.nytimes.com
September 3, 2025 at 9:35 PM
“Agency staff members had concluded that the F.D.A. should allow a wide range of age groups to receive the vaccines, citing high hospitalization rates among young children….Vinay Prasad, the agency official in charge of vaccines & gene therapies at the F.D.A., disagreed, overriding those scientists”
Reposted by Jessica
You have to organize. I don't know what else to tell people. And organizing is not sexy and it is difficult and it matters that you be persistent. We need long-distance runners right now.
August 29, 2025 at 3:53 PM
You have to organize. I don't know what else to tell people. And organizing is not sexy and it is difficult and it matters that you be persistent. We need long-distance runners right now.
Reposted by Jessica
Massive walkout underway at CDC.
RFK jr. must resign so that we can be safe.
RFK jr. must resign so that we can be safe.
August 28, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Massive walkout underway at CDC.
RFK jr. must resign so that we can be safe.
RFK jr. must resign so that we can be safe.