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Our History, Our Future

Since our union's inception in 1845, our members have been at the center of every struggle to advance the finest of American dreams.
NEARI 2023 NEA RA delegates pose for a delegation picture with their backs to the camera. They are all pointing to the words on the back of their navy shirts, which say, "I am the union!" in white block text. You can see some people smiling and laughing in profile as they look over their shoulders.

Who We Are

We answer school phones and keep buildings clean and safe. We direct school plays and coach soccer, counsel adolescents and help students with financial aid. We also run local libraries, operate town governments, and administer state health standards and programs.

The 12,000 members of NEARI are affiliated with the three million members of the National Education Association and the RI AFL-CIO.

Where We've Been, Where We're Going

We are as diverse as the students we represent and public we serve, but united in our purpose: championing justice and excellence in public education and public service.

Our Association is a remarkable blend of union and professional organization, with a proud history of serving Rhode Island. Since its inception in 1845, our members have been at the center of every struggle to advance the finest of American dreams: the promise of a quality public education for every child. One in every 100 Rhode Islanders is a member - chances are, you know us already!

Improvement of education and protection and defense of members' rights have remained of foremost importance, however. NEA and NEARI have fought and continue to fight in many arenas to pursue the quality of public education that is a reality today.

Our History

Many people might think that NEARI began with the enactment of the 1966 School Teachers' Arbitration Act - or Michaelson Act - which gave teachers the right to negotiate with their school committees, and obligated school committees to negotiate with their teachers.


On the contrary, educator advocacy for students and the profession has a much longer history than that.

Our Journey, Our Legacy

Earliest Years
students and teacher outside District No. 4 school in Little Compton, Rhode Island

RI Institute of Instruction

In its earliest years, the Institute was a strong advocate for the creation of the Rhode Island Normal School (Rhode Island College), New England's first. The Institute also can take credit for encouraging the creation of town and district libraries, introducing music into the public schools, working toward establishing a State Board of Education, and opening of evening schools in manufacturing villages.
Change
A teacher in an a-line skirt with beehive hair teaches at a chalkboard in the front of a classroom in the 1960s.

Early Educator Voice & Power

Once organized, RI educators were quick to exercise their power. At the 16th annual meeting in 1860, teachers took control of the Institute leadership away from businessmen, doctors, and ministers, and it became primarily an association of educators.
Now
RISD members support a picket line in their community.

One Union, One Voice

Today, all categories of membership share in the elected leadership of NEARI. Our membership includes educators who work in public schools, both public and private higher education faculty and staffs, teacher assistants and clerical employees, and custodial and maintenance workers, along with public employees outside the education field.
A Vision for the Future
A child wearing a red shirt sits at a small wood table working intently on making a sign that says "We deserve respect!" using markers on a pink paper.

Our Students, Our Communities, Our Union, Our Future

Many things have changed throughout our union's history, but our commitment to a Rhode Island and our future remains as strong as ever. Today our union is fighting for the schools, communities, and future every child deserves. If you're ready to help us improve working conditions, secure school funding, and advance social and racial justice for all, take action with us.
An illustration of union members making change

What type of union changemaker are you?

Whether it's your nature speak up loudly or work behind the scenes quietly, our union is made up of many different types of activists.

Take our short quiz to find out what kind of changemaker you are. Then, we’ll connect you with resources to make your activism sing!

NEARI logo

A labor union and professional organization.

Our Association is a remarkable blend of union and professional organization, with a proud history of serving Rhode Island. Since its inception in 1845, our members have been at the center of every struggle to advance the finest of American dreams: the promise of a quality public education for every child. One in every 100 Rhode Islanders is a member - chances are, you know us already!
Learn More
Join NEARI

The NEARI is a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

Learn more at NEA.org

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