Jessie Feliz Plus

Jessie Feliz Plus Jessie Feliz Plus
Resources for K-8 Educators & Spanish Language Learners
Language - Culture - Awaren amongst language learners and educators alike.

Jessie Feliz, LLC, exists to address the inequities that are interwoven within the status quo of second language instruction and the expectations for second language learners in general, specifically in Spanish language programs that serve Black American Youth. Jessie Feliz, LLC provides affordable, culturally-relevant, and mastery-based programming for Spanish language learners and professional l

earning experiences for teachers. Our strategy includes leading a movement to promote Spanish S.W.A.G. Additionally, Jessie Feliz, LLC provides short-term, study abroad programs to the South Caribbean of Costa Rica for our participants to gain authentic, real-world speaking practice in Costa Rica to interact with members of an Afro-Caribbean, bilingual community.

When you love what you do, it feels a lot less like work lol.That doesn't mean there aren't long days or moments where y...
06/02/2026

When you love what you do, it feels a lot less like work lol.

That doesn't mean there aren't long days or moments where you're tired. But I genuinely love creating joyful learning experiences for children through language, music, movement, rhythm, dance, and culture.

I'm incredibly thankful for school partners who allow me to bring my full teacher self into the classroom.

Special shout out to Principal + the amazing staff, students, and families at - Thank you for the opportunity to learn, laugh, sing, and grow together!!

And stay tuned... the music video is coming soon!


06/01/2026

Joy gotta be at the root of it all.

It's more than dancing. It's more than Spanish.

What I really love is cultivating joyful learning experiences for children.

I get to do that through language, music, movement, sign language, mindfulness, storytelling, culture, and simply creating spaces where kids feel safe to take risks and be themselves.

Spanish S.W.A.G. was built on the idea that language is meant to be lived, experienced, and enjoyed.

Yes, we learn vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and how native speakers communicate. But we're also building confidence, curiosity, connection, and joy.

Life is short. Every child is carrying their own experiences and challenges. That's why I believe learning should also include laughter, movement, creativity, and moments that make kids excited to come back tomorrow.

I'm incredibly grateful for my partnership with South Redford School District and for the many organizations, educators, families, and community partners who share a commitment to children.

At the end of the day, I'm just thankful that I get to do work that helps kids learn, grow, and experience joy.

And I'm going to keep saying it: Don't limit our kids. Equip our kids.

A huge thank you to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry students, Makayla and Gya for spending time wit...
05/30/2026

A huge thank you to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry students, Makayla and Gya for spending time with our scholars at the Jessie Feliz Learning Center this week!

Our students learned about dental health through fun, interactive activities and even practiced flossing using marshmallows and play-doh.

What stood out most to me were two things -

First, our scholars were incredibly engaged - asking thoughtful questions, making connections, and reflecting on their own dental habits.

Second, representation matters. When Michaela and Gya shared their stories, our children got to see college students who looked like them pursuing their goals and making a difference.

Sometimes exposure is everything. You can't become what you don't know exists.

And I'm going to keep saying it again and again: Don't limit our kids, equip our kids!

Thank you for helping our scholars learn not only about dental health, but also about future possibilities. We look forward to continuing the partnership!



05/22/2026

Yesterday was a lot.

But yesterday also taught me that restorative practices must help restore emotional safety for 'errbody, including the students who are indirectly impacted by other people's decisions. Sometimes those students can get left behind in the process, and that matters too.

It was one of those days with unexpected moments, heightened emotions, and tension to navigate in real time while still showing up for children with care and professionalism. But what I also saw is that children naturally want to return to joy, connection, movement, and safety when space is created for it.

So we paused.

We stood outside together in a circle on a beautiful Detroit day. We breathed in and breathed out together. Even with the sounds of the city around us, students took time to close their eyes and listen for the wind and the birds. Then one by one, scholars stepped into the center of the circle and shared what they were thankful for.

And afterward? Kids still wanted to cartwheel. Kids still wanted to play. Kids still wanted to laugh and learn together.

That reminded me that we cannot ignore or avoid addressing situations when they happen. But we also have to intentionally restore ourselves and each other so we can return to emotional safety together.

Special thank you to Señor Mateo, founder of , for coordinating such a meaningful experience for our scholars.

And a super special thank you to Harlemsimpson for spending time with the children and pouring into them despite your busy schedule. I am exciting to see where The Most High will take you and thank you for your light.

Still thankful. Still learning. Still growing.



Downtown feels good. I feel good.It feels good.
05/17/2026

Downtown feels good. I feel good.
It feels good.


05/15/2026

So thankful and SO excited!!

Shout out to for walking the talk and putting the sidewalk replacement program into action. Seeing these repaired sidewalks on Schoolcraft means so much - especially for the children and families who walk this corridor every day!

Thank you to , Lynn McNeil, our amazing District 1 DONs and , our D1 Business Liaison Krista Pickett, Wayne County Commissioner Alicia Bell and Dustin Campbell for the work being done to improve our neighborhoods.

We ALL have to work together to build safe, healthy, beautiful communities. And today, I’m just grateful.

“Wait on the Lord and be of good courage.” Period.

Toward the end of our colors unit en español, scholars at learned the word for rainbow - el arcoíris.And whew… this smo...
05/07/2026

Toward the end of our colors unit en español, scholars at learned the word for rainbow - el arcoíris.

And whew… this smooth little rainbow song with the remix got the kids hype!

Even better?
We added American Sign Language too!

Stay tuned for the full video because the energy was EVERYTHING! For now, enjoy these pictures of our scholars painting el arcoíris.

Huge shout out to all of our amazing volunteers who showed up and showed OUT for the Jessie Feliz Learning Center and Mi...
05/03/2026

Huge shout out to all of our amazing volunteers who showed up and showed OUT for the Jessie Feliz Learning Center and Mission: City Community Center for Motor City Makeover Day 2026 for D1.

Gracias for all the supplies and for activating the city to take action in cleaning up our communities.

We cleaned up trash and debris, mowed lawns, edged the block from Fielding to Schoolcraft, and even took care of the lot across the street. Real community work.

Thank you to everyone from Mission: City Community Center, City Covenant Church, , - and to our neighbors and friends who pulled up ready to help. That’s what community looks like.

We have to work together y'all! That's the design! This is how we build safe, healthy spaces for our children and for each other.

Another great day with the Bearcats Beyond the Bell Scholars!We divided into groups and got to work - fresh tortillas, r...
05/01/2026

Another great day with the Bearcats Beyond the Bell Scholars!

We divided into groups and got to work - fresh tortillas, rice and beans, and pico de gallo… all made from scratch. And yes, the kids ate it and loved it!

Parents, I know life be life-ing for us all, but I really wanna encourage you to make time to cook with your kids - it’s fun, it’s meaningful, and it builds confidence in real ways. And 'errbody needs

Each week at the Jessie Feliz Summer Camp, students will be cooking and creating just like this.

Visit JessieFeliz.com/summercamp to learn more.

Always grateful for the partnership with the Battle Creek Bearcats Beyond the Bell. Great time as always!

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