Nilda Velez attended a Women's Leadership Forum, read her reflections here

Category: Home

On Monday, October 18, Nilda Velez attended a Women's Leadership Forum event that featured Michelle Obama, Sarah Jessica Parker and Patti Labelle. Nilda wrote about her experience.

I was quickly becoming part of a growing group whose 2008 optimism had taken a hit. Fortunately, the big picture of what education reform means to our country and to our schools was renewed on Monday, October 18th when I heard First Lady Michelle Obama acknowledge that what we're doing is working. The proof lies in Race to the Top, in the 260 new charter schools coming to our state, and in my work with some of the most amazing 12 year olds in Bushwick. Sitting with teachers from down the hall, within the network, and KIPP was a powerful anchor for what the charter school movement means. The 'right now' is getting a lot of attention, with Waiting for "Superman" in theaters, NBC's town hall in September, and the recent midterm elections. However, the First Lady and Dr. Jill Biden, who is in her third decade in education, reminded a reenergized audience that this work is a marathon. I'm so glad to be in the race!

- Nilda Velez, AF Bushwick Middle School teacher