For Rhode Island school children, September always comes too soon. Not only does the month mark the end of summer, but it is synonymous with going back to school. As much dread as the first day of school conjures up for many kids, they are fortunate to have the guidance and support of the best teachers anywhere.
This year’s incoming high school senior class will be 2026 graduates, many of whom had the benefit of being taught by exceptional teachers like Sarah Dull, who has been named the Rhode Island Department of Education’s 2026 Teacher of the Year.
The Teacher of the Year Award Program was initiated in 1952 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to bring recognition to the importance of teachers as nurturers of the American Dream. The intention of this program was to honor all teachers by selecting a representative teacher from each state, ultimately choosing a National Teacher of the Year from among each state’s selection. Through an organized and varied selection process involving classroom teachers, school administrators, state officials, students, parents, and business representatives, each state and U. S. Protectorate nominates its own Teacher of the Year.
Sarah Dully, Rhode Island’s Teacher of the Year, was selected from the previous school year’s District Teachers of the Year. She is a high school English teacher at Narragansett High School.
“I have the privilege of teaching amazing students and collaborating with incredible educators,” Sarah says. “In my classroom structure meets heart; I balance rigor, student engagement, and social-emotional learning where everyone can thrive.”
It was during a graduation rehearsal this past June 6 when Sarah was surprised by Angélica M. Infante-Green, Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education, and her team and given the official announcement.
“Ms. Dully is a standout educator, mentor, and leader,” the Narragansett School System posted. “From her work in the classroom to her role as National Honor Society Advisor and Class of 2025 Advisor, she represents everything that makes our school community so special.”
Sarah earned her Bachelor of Arts in English from The College of the Holy Cross and later obtained her Master’s in Education, specializing in supporting secondary students with moderate disabilities from Fitchburg State University.
Sarah is a proud Mariner, bringing eight years of teaching experience from Boston and Providence, where she worked with both middle and high school students. Known as “Dully” to those around her, she hopes to equip students with the skills to confidently articulate their opinions in any setting, no matter their future plans.
Dedicated to ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed, Sarah championed Practical Literacy, a course designed for students with profound intellectual disabilities. She also helped develop True Crime Studies, an English elective that examines the historical significance, literary portrayals, and cultural phenomenon of true crime. A lifelong learner, Sarah incorporates RULER, AI, and Building Thinking Classroom into her classroom and regularly seeks out opportunities to learn from other educators through observation and professional discourse.
Passionate about social-emotional learning and student engagement, Sarah is an active presence in the school community. Whether co-advising the National Honor Society, setting up for Spirit Week, handing out encourage-mints, or leading Friday hallway karaoke, Sarah is always looking for positive ways to connect with others.
“Outside of school, I’m in the midst of my New Year’s resolution to run 1 mile a day,” Sarahs says, “while loving thrillers, pugs, my friends and family, and any excuse to hit the beach.”
Congratulations, Sarah. Our state and your students are fortunate to have you.
