Commissioner of Education Angélica Infante-Green | Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Sarah Dully, an English teacher at Narragansett High School, has been named Rhode Island’s 2026 Teacher of the Year. The announcement was made during a school assembly attended by Education Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green, Superintendent Dr. Peter Cummings, Principal Conor McCloskey, members of the General Assembly, and others from the school community.
Dully began her teaching career in 2012 and joined Narragansett High School in 2020 as an English Language Arts teacher. She also serves as a National Honor Society Advisor and was previously the advisor for the Class of 2025.
Governor Dan McKee congratulated Dully and the school community on this recognition. “Congratulations to Sarah and the entire Narragansett school community on this honor,” said Governor Dan McKee. “By all accounts, Sarah is joyous about teaching, and she brings her passion into the classroom every day. We wish you great success in the year ahead.”
Dully holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from College of the Holy Cross and a Master of Education from Fitchburg State University.
Commissioner Infante-Green praised Dully’s dedication to teaching: “I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with Sarah over the past few months. Teaching is more than a job for her. Teaching is her calling,” said Commissioner Angélica Infante-Green. “Sarah understands the importance of keeping students engaged in their learning,” “My team and I look forward to partnering with Sarah as Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. Congratulations!”
As Teacher of the Year, Dully will work with the Rhode Island Department of Education throughout 2025-2026 to support education across the state through professional development initiatives and classroom engagement efforts. She will also be eligible for consideration as National Teacher of the Year.
During the event, local Dunkin’ franchisee Rob Batista presented Dully with free coffee for a year.
“I am honored to be selected as 2026 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year,” said Sarah Dully. “It’s humbling to represent so many thoughtful, enthusiastic, and committed educators here in the Ocean State. “Education isn’t defined solely by data points; it’s the soul of the school that lies in relationships, experiences, and connections. Every single day, it’s a privilege to be a teacher and to work with amazing colleagues and students. Thank you.”
Milissa O'Neil, Rhode Island’s 2025 State Teacher of the Year, also spoke about Dully's impact: “Sarah Dully exemplifies the very best of what it means to be an educator,” said Milissa O'Neil. “She goes beyond teaching English; she cultivates critical thinking, empathy, and creativity. In Sarah’s classroom, students don’t just learn how to write - they uncover the power and purpose behind their words.”
Superintendent Dr. Peter Cummings commented on Dully's role within Narragansett Schools: "Sarah is an incredible teacher who expects the best from her students while providing the support, encouragement, and energy to make it possible for learners to meet her high expectations,” said Dr. Peter Cummings. Her skill, enthusiasm, and kindness as a teacher and person is an inspiration for us all. She truly represents the excellence of our educators in Narragansett."
Principal Conor McCloskey added: "The Narragansett Mariner Family is proud to celebrate Sarah Dully as the Rhode Island State Teacher of the Year! With a student-centered approach, Mrs. Dully engages every learner in rigorous academic content while fostering a classroom and school culture where students feel both challenged and supported. She is an exemplary member of the Narragansett High School faculty and a model of educational excellence," said Conor McCloskey.
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