September 12, 2025 - Last year I had the privilege of serving as a Prep-RI reviewer for the University of Rhode Island’s teacher preparation program. I was excited to step into the role again this year, this time focusing on Teach for America. To ensure consistency across all four institutions under review, RIDE hosted a full-day training that offered background, context, calibration, and norming for evaluators. It was energizing to be surrounded by fellow educators who share the same commitment to strengthening our profession! 

September 10, 2025 -  I welcomed the ‘25–‘26 District Teacher of the Year cohort to the Narragansett High School media center for a Meet and Greet! Forty teachers, spanning all grade levels and subjects from both traditional and charter schools, came together for two hours of bonding. 

The meeting kicked off with a sundae bar, with ice cream and toppings generously donated by Baron's Ice Cream who wanted to give teachers a sweet after-school treat. Each topping was then matched with a teacher personality trait, helping us discover our similarities and differences.

Next, every group built a free-standing table flag using only the random items provided in their envelopes; no two groups had the same materials! The activity was a fun reminder of the creative problem-solving we do every day in our classrooms and districts.

We wrapped up with a “Teacher Favorite Things” gift swap (think Oprah meets Miss Rachel). Instead of cars, teachers shared their most cherished school supplies; identical new items were passed around at each table. Pens were everywhere, but we also saw paper crowns, kinetic sand, watercolor sets, window clings, stickers, fidgets, and so much more!

September 2, 2025 - The first day of school was already the most memorable yet. I had the honor of speaking at a press conference at the State House alongside Governor McKee and Commissioner Infante- Greene highlighting the strides Rhode Island has made to fight chronic absenteeism and the importance of showing up every day.

In my address, I shared part of a message I received from a former student the night before, a beautiful reminder that it's the daily relationships formed in school, not just academics, that truly matter.

My parting words for the crowd were, "And, at the end of the day, it boils down to this: teachers show up because of the students in front of them. We love seeing their smiling faces and greeting them at the classroom door. We enjoy hearing the buzz of their conversations in the cafeteria and watching them thrive during discussions. Most of all, we want them to fill our desks. So with that being said, students, your teachers can't wait to see you at school... which is exactly where I'm headed back to right now!"

August 26, 2025 - Today I had the honor of addressing my colleagues at Narragansett School System's back to school convocation. I compared different Rhode Island foods to the days that teachers experience throughout the year. Del's days are, of course, made of the bright and sunny interactions educators the; the best our field has to offer. I also joined in celebrating Narragansett's new DTOY, Molly Hammell, the talented Narragansett Elementary School music teacher, whose announcement recieved a well deserved standing ovation. It's going to be a joy to work with her, and her cohort this year! 

August 13, 2025 - I put together a welcome package for the 48+ district teachers of the year. Each one will be getting a poem along with some small corresponding goodies to start the year off right! From an "encourageMINT" for fresh moments to a pocket star to shine bright and a handwritten letter, they've got happy mail arriving to their homes soon!

August 2025 - Hi, I'm Sarah Dully, the 2026 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year! Growing up, "Flat Stanley" was a memorable book I read in elementary school. Years ago my cousin sent me his to take on adventures and my mom found it tucked away in my childhood bedroom. For my travel blog I've made my own; Flat Sarah is coming along for my trips this year, She's light, doesn't need snacks, and is ready for what is ahead!