October 8, 2025 -  This year, I have the opportunity to learn and sharpen many new skills. As part of the "Rhode Island Reads" Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant, I'm fortunate to deepen my understanding of High-Quality Curriculum Materials, adult learning theory, and the implementation of evidence-informed literacy practices. This deepened understanding will allow me to design more effective, engaging, and research-based learning experiences that directly strengthen my students’ literacy skills and overall academic growth. 

Through rich honest conversations and collaboration with literacy coaches across Rhode Island, l've expanded my professional toolkit. I also get to continue working with Cameron and Ann, two educators who made a lasting impact on me when we were together last year in the 2024-2025 District Teacher of the Year cohort.

I'm excited to continue being involved in this important initiative and look forward to the impact we can make together for Rhode Island's students and educators! 

October 7, 2025 - Having the opportunity to lead the monthly professional development sessions for Rhode Island’s District Teachers of the Year has already been a rewarding experience. My participation last year gave me the chance to learn about state initiatives, build connections, and gather strategies from other DTOYs that I could immediately bring back to my classroom. This year, I’m adding my own personality and flair to these meetings by incorporating something I love: cards, the U.S. Postal Service, and stickers. Each month, I’ll handwrite 48 cards with a message of support, encouragement, humor, and/or puns for the DTOYs and include a custom sticker.

October’s card was all about WaterFire. It said, “I hope you enjoyed WaterFire and were able to soak in its glow. May the included sticker remind you that, like a flame, one fire educator can inspire curiosity, fuel a burning desire to learn, and light the way even in the darkest moments.” A simple flame sticker carried the message, “Teaching sparks flames that light futures DTOY ’25 to ’26.” By the end of the year, I hope to see laptops and notebooks adorned with all the stickers, a visual celebration of our shared growth, creativity, and collaboration! 

October 6, 2025 - From a Santa suit to a spotlight, I was celebrated at the Narragansett Town Council's monthly meeting. I was able to speak about my experiences as Rhode Island's Teacher of the Year during the "Spotlight on Schools." Earlier that day, I was dressed as Santa Claus complete with a red wig, for Red and White Day during Spirit Week! Although it was a stylish (and comfortable) pajama onesie, I thought a pink dress was a better fit for the occasion. 

October 1, 2025 - Dr. Mercurio, the Director of the Doctor of Education Program at Johnson and Wales University, visited my Practical Literacy class along with one of my mentors and biggest inspirations, Dr. Denton.

He shared his educational journey and offered advice for individuals interested in pursuing a doctorate (one of my students is an aspiring paleontologist!). My students were excited to hear that Dr. Mercurio started as an English teacher. We even put him on the spot with our attendance question, asking which fantasy character he would want on his side: Katniss Everdeen, Bilbo Baggins, Luke Skywalker, or Harry Potter. He chose Katniss Everdeen, which happened to be the most popular answer!

I'm fortunate to have welcomed Dr. Mercurio into my classroom and for the thoughtful congratulatory gift from Johnson and Wales for being named Rhode Island's State Teacher of the Year. I've already enjoyed my afternoon cup of vanilla macaroon tea in the mug!

September 27, 2025 - There is nothing more quintessentially Rhode Island than WaterFire! I had a once-in-a-lifetime experience, leading over 80 Rhode Island educators in the lighting of WaterFire along with Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green and the Rhode Island Department of Education.

The best of the best were honored by friends, family, and state and local leaders: District Teachers and Administrators of the Year, National Board Certified teachers, a Milken Award winner, honorees from local organizations and many more. The festivities even included CTE culinary students serving up standout food and Narragansett's own band kept the energy high all evening.

As I stood on the dock, gazing out at the Providence River and the skyline illuminated by the burning basins, the sound of crackling fire around me, I couldn't help but get emotional and excited about the journey ahead! 

September 26, 2025 - Every Friday I stop at Dunkin Donuts and get a large iced tea with 4 pumps of raspberry. However, this Friday was a little different; I got to treat the entire Narragansett High School community to free Dunkin! The Dunkin' truck visited during lunch and distributed free samples and gift certificates to each student and faculty member.  The students could not contain their excitement, especially my homeroom, who knows that Ms. Dully runs on Dunkin'! Thank you, Dunkin', for such a great surprise and for the year of free iced tea!  

September 23, 2025 - I had the pleasure of speaking with WJAR as the 2026 Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year. I shared my STOY journey so far, highlighted the amazing work happening throughout the Narragansett School District, and celebrated the teaching profession in Rhode Island. My principal and a former student, who participated in NHS’s Educator Preparation CTE program, were also interviewed. The best part? The conversation took place in the spaces where I am with my students regularly: my colorful classroom and the school foyer. 

September 16, 2025 - At a school-wide assembly, I was officially named the 2026 RI Teacher of the Year. At the end of the ceremony, I shared that, for someone so chatty, I was rendered speechless. I could not have been luckier to be surrounded by Commissioner Infante-Green, Milissa O'Neil, the 2025 State Teacher of the Year, state and local officials, my husband, parents, dear friends, current and former students, and colleagues. I am the educator and woman I am today because of these individuals; those who have been cheerleaders, thought partners, supporters, comedians, huggers, and listeners. I cannot begin to describe the impact they've had on me, especially my mother, the most amazing teacher I know.

It's going to be a year filled with caffeine thanks to Dunkin's surprise of a year of free coffee, advocacy, and more pink dresses. 

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!