Val Lawson

Val Lawson is the President of the National Education Association Rhode Island. Lawson served as NEARI Vice President prior to her election in 2023. She was local union president in her hometown of East Providence where she taught for 32 years. 

She began her teaching career in 1990 at Martin Junior High School as a seventh grade social studies teacher - the same school she attended as a junior high student. Lawson spent the remaider of her career at her alma mater, East Providence High School teaching history and civics. 

Lawson is a lifelong East Providence "Townie" and comes from a strong union background. She served her community on the East Providence Housing Authority and the EP Democratic CIty Committee. She also was a board member for the Rhode Island Labor History Society.

Lawson is a recipient of a National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) Medallion Award for her commitment to civics and education, she was honored with an award from the Rhode Island Labor History Society, and was presented with the Eagle Award from the Institute of Labor Studies and Research.

Val Lawson was first elected to the Rhode Island Senate in 2018 representing District 14. She is a passionate advocate for strengthening public education and healthcare, and ensuring Rhode Island's working people get a fair shake. She currently serves as Senate Majority Leader. 

Lawson is a proud Rhode Island College alumna where she earned both her Bachelor’​s Degree and Master’s Degree.