MS. VELEZ:
THE ABOLITIONIST EDUCATOR
Reimagining special education through radical advocacy, pedagogical innovation, and a commitment to social justice in New York City.
Professional Experience
Special Education Classroom Teacher
Facilitated instructional support for neurodivergent students within District 75, focusing on holistic development and community-building in the Bronx. Integrated restorative justice practices and abolitionist pedagogy to dismantle restrictive learning environments and empower student voice across diverse cognitive profiles.
Inclusive Curriculum Consultant
Architected and refined specialized curriculum frameworks that center racial equity and social emotional learning (SEL). Collaborated with city-wide educators to develop open-source resources that challenge traditional carceral logics in public schools, centering the lived experiences of students of color in the special education system.
Abolitionist Pedagogy Researcher
Directed critical research initiatives exploring the intersection of neurodiversity and disability justice. Authored professional insights and white papers on the implementation of abolitionist teaching strategies in self-contained settings, emphasizing the necessity of removing police presence from NYC schools for student safety and freedom.
LET’S
CULTIVATE
JUSTICE
Whether you're a parent seeking resources, a fellow educator looking to collaborate on abolitionist pedagogy, or looking to share lesson plans, I'd love to hear from you.
Abolitionist Teaching
Toward Liberation: Abolitionist Pedagogy in Special Education
Exploring how liberation-based practices can transform educational outcomes for neurodivergent students in urban environments, moving beyond traditional compliance-based models.
Advocacy & Resources
Navigating IEPs with a Social Justice Lens
A comprehensive guide for parents and educators on advocating for resources that honor the dignity and inherent potential of every learner within state systems.
Voices from NYC
Building Classroom Cultures of Inclusive Excellence
Reflections on creating classroom environments that celebrate neurodiversity and actively work to dismantle systemic barriers in modern urban education.